470 vs 6870

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Aus10

[H]ard|Gawd
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Hello, I am looking into getting a new gpu. I am looking at getting a EVGA 470 superclocked or a xfx 6870 black edition. I currently have a XFX 4890. I have a intel i7 920. Asus p6t mobo. I will have a corsair 600t case. A ocz 700watt psu. Corsair h50.

I am still new so trying to figure things out thanks.
 
How many monitors are you trying to run? If it's more than two, then the 6870 is the way to go. Otherwise, I would go with the 470 more than likely.
 
I would go with the 470. I see them most on Sale & most of the time with a free game. I like nvidia better as it is, Nvidia in my opinion are more about the gamers
 
Aus10 said:
Hello, I am looking into getting a new gpu. I am looking at getting a EVGA 470 superclocked or a xfx 6870 black edition. I currently have a XFX 4890. I have a intel i7 920. Asus p6t mobo. I will have a corsair 600t case. A ocz 700watt psu. Corsair h50.

I am still new so trying to figure things out thanks.
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well that PSU is not my fav but it should work. as for card to get we need a little more info. what res you play at, do you want eyefinity or not. and what your budget is (or if your not in the US what you can get your cards for) right now its 230 AR for the EVGA and 250 AR for the XFX card. so twenty dollars is pretty damn close really.

(note all the below is comparing stock cards)
to make matters worse they perform damn close to each other. in AMD favored games the 6870 wins, in Nvidia favered games the 470 wins. so unless you have a strong game preference that is a wash.

as for features both have strong and week points. Nvidia has physx and does folding at home well. AMD has several kick ass AA options (CFAA, MLAA and so one). Physx only matters in a handful of games and then only so much. MLAA really shines in some but not all (not good for any game that uses a HUD for instance) and CFAA take a good performance hit. both will play 3d videos just fine if your into that. Nvidia does do a lot more with 3d gaming.

What is left here is the heat/power and noise. in this department the 6870 simply hands the 470GTX its ass. to the tune of 80 watts difference.
http://www.hardocp.com/images/articles/1289763998eE9E2QzAMh_8_5.gif
to me that is a deal breaker but others don't view that in the same light. bear in mind your psu and if you OC an oc on a 470GTX be mindful of what your pulling. as for noise the 470GTX can be a leaf blower but that type of case (this is why they have Nvidia certified cases) and third party cooling make a big difference. and whether or not you OC them. Kyle has a very nice setup and had a pair of 480GTX in his. He described it as being heard but not that loud. (did warm his feet) the 6870 are pretty quiet until you OC them pretty hard.
 
I know I've been going ATI/AMD because they support Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD thru HDMI...something Nvidia has yet to succeed in (whats their excuse?).

Other than that Physx on the whole remains to me one of those cool to have yet useless kinda features. I know that in Just Cause 2 the CUDA/Physx effects make the game look a whole lot nice and prettier...but that experience led me to believe it was more a publicity thing that actually needing CUDA/Physx as other games have done the same effects without needing it like Crysis and GTA4.

Other than that the 6870 is still immature and has yet to have enhanced maturer drivers. This is something I think will just increase the 6870's performance...Also, 6870's scale extremely well if run in Crossfire...even beating out dual 5870's and GTX 480's in a couple cases. Something the GTX 470 hasn't done.

Overall I am very happy with my pair...one is still enough too for almost anything! I played Crysis at 1080p with MAX settings @ 4x AA at an average of 30-40 fps and even Metro 2033 ran well at same res. on Very High DX11 no AA.

Oh yeah, it uses less power and produces less hear too.

Nothing against the GTX 470 at all though. Its still powerful and all that, just for me the no HDMI HD audio thing and the 6870's amazing Crossfire performance sold me. Honestly, it all boils down to whether or not Physx/CUDA processing is important or not...other than that I see no reason to go with a more power hungry, heat generating card that performs roughly the same as the 6870.
 
JoeUser said:
Really?
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That comment was a little harsh tbh, but if you play any oldish games then you will get allsorts of headaches if you intend to Crossfire these eventually. LOTS of problems.

If you don't play any oldish games, then they are amazing. You won't have much trouble.

If you play games like Arma 2 (Vanilla) , forget it. Seriously.

Your be banging your head against a wall and having to piss about with third party tools just to get it working.
 
GTX470 vote here. With that extra VRAM, better tesselation and that PSU will work. I have an i7 @ 3.96GHz all 6 DIMMS full of RAM, loads of fans, couple of hard drives and a GTX470 overclocked all on an OCZ ModXstream Pro 700w, it's stable and cool.
 
I think that the 6870 and 470 are evenly matched so it is a toss-up. Each has its advantages as listed in this thread.
 
The 470 generally has more overclocking headroom, and it scales favorably when overclocked. If ever you chose to go multi-GPU, then the Eyefinity advantage is nullified, and the extra 25% memory on the 470's will help with the higher resolutions (which is often the point of multi-GPU, multi-display gaming). Add to that nvidia's better drivers, compatibility, and a lower price, GTX 470 looks pretty good.

6870 advantages: Power consumption, HD-audio bitstreaming, Eyefinity if running single-GPU, MLAA? (or has nvidia added that?)...

I personally think an overclockable 6850 may be worthwhile for some (if the price drops), but that the 6870 makes little sense. I have a feeling that the 69XX cards will be much better.

Other thoughts: I'm waiting to see where the GTX 560 falls WRT price/performance. I think it'd suit me better than a 470 would, but that it'll be a little more expensive ($250 maybe?).
 
I will be running a Acer h213h 22" and a Acer 24" at 1080p. I like games like BFBC2 and crysis and css. I would like to also get into alot of picture editing too so i dont know if that makes a diffrence.
 
Ok so I am really thinking about the 470 but the 6870s core clock is way way faster than the 470. I think the 470 is like 625mhz while the 6870 is around 940mhz. Would that make a diffrence?

i would like to sooner or later maybe try to get into 3D stuff too.
 
Both cards can do 3D. Nvidia uses its own drivers and software for it whereas ATI uses iZ3D software...which is 3rd party...which, I admit, could be kinda sketchy. Not that Im saying iZ3D's software is crap or anything...its just that I find it weird ATI doesnt have its own way of dealing with 3D.

As far as clock speeds go, they are both built on entirely different platforms and designs...dont ever base anything purely on clock speed...the old school AMD XP/64 vs. Pentium 4 is proof of this...higher numbers doesnt always equal higher performance.
 
Aus10 said:
Ok so I am really thinking about the 470 but the 6870s core clock is way way faster than the 470. I think the 470 is like 625mhz while the 6870 is around 940mhz. Would that make a diffrence?

i would like to sooner or later maybe try to get into 3D stuff too.
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you can't compare the clock speeds or the number of stream processors because they are completely different. Ignore the numbers and look at the results. as a matter of fact go read this http://www.hardocp.com/article/2010/11/16/asus_eah6870_video_card_review/

performance wise you can call it a wash. the results will change with the games you test in.

as for drivers both sides have their issues and you will hear people bitch about it all the time. the truth is (like said several times) both have strong and week points. people that like to flame one or the other blatantly like that are usually either fanbois or people that had and issue and wrongly or rightly assigned blame (read became bitter). Any time I hear one extreme or the other I usually dismiss the argument out of hand
 
Arthur Hucksake said:
That comment was a little harsh tbh, but if you play any oldish games then you will get allsorts of headaches if you intend to Crossfire these eventually. LOTS of problems.

If you don't play any oldish games, then they are amazing. You won't have much trouble.

If you play games like Arma 2 (Vanilla) , forget it. Seriously.

Your be banging your head against a wall and having to piss about with third party tools just to get it working.
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That's strange I play Arma 2 all day with my 6870's in Xfire. Something may be wrong with your cards. Or you dont even have them and are a Nvidia investor spreading bs. Considering you signed up when the 6870/6850 where released and you only post to bash them it's not hard to believe. It's getting like the Anand tech forums here and it's sad. Anyways I chose the 6870 because its quieter,cooler,newer,uses alot less power, has mlaa, and will only get better. I play a wide range of games all day (I'm dissabled) and had not 1 problem.
 
load81 said:
That's strange I play Arma 2 all day with my 6870's in Xfire. Something may be wrong with your cards. Or you dont even have them and are a Nvidia investor spreading bs. Considering you signed up when the 6870/6850 where released and you only post to bash them it's not hard to believe. It's getting like the Anand tech forums here and it's sad. Anyways I chose the 6870 because its quieter,cooler,newer,uses alot less power, has mlaa, and will only get better. I play a wide range of games all day (I'm dissabled) and had not 1 problem.
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Who cares?
There are dozens of 6870 benchmarks out there, and some of them have Arma2 on them. I think the professionals are more qualified to make blanket statements about a game.
 
I plan on upgrading the fans in the corsair 600t. I would like to get the 470. How much power it draws doesnt really get to me. I would like to get a corsair 850watt sooner or later. As for sound i play at loud volumes (makes me feel more in the game) so i never hear my computer anyways. I also read that the drivers suck for the 6870. So its a hard choice....

Heres the link for ones im looking at.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...ark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Page=2#scrollFullInfo

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...4150507&cm_re=Xfx_6870-_-14-150-507-_-Product
 
UtopiA said:
Who cares?
There are dozens of 6870 benchmarks out there, and some of them have Arma2 on them. I think the professionals are more qualified to make blanket statements about a game.
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Oh you mean the Arma 2 benchmarks that show a 6870 stomping a 470 and breaking even with a 480 at higher settings http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/gra...-6870-review/6 ? Heh anyways I only care because I enjoy these forums and don't want them turning into Anand tech.
 
Aus10 said:
I plan on upgrading the fans in the corsair 600t. I would like to get the 470. How much power it draws doesnt really get to me. I would like to get a corsair 850watt sooner or later. As for sound i play at loud volumes (makes me feel more in the game) so i never hear my computer anyways. I also read that the drivers suck for the 6870. So its a hard choice....

Heres the link for ones im looking at.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...ark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Page=2#scrollFullInfo

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...4150507&cm_re=Xfx_6870-_-14-150-507-_-Product
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I dont know when the 560 is comming out but it might be worth waiting for it. I have no problem with the drivers on the 6870's but i do see people saying they suck with no explanation :rolleyes:
 
The EVGA Superclocked 470 is kinda pointless, just overclock it yourself.
I would like to mention that the Asus GTX470v2 is a damn good card, i love mine and it appears to be a lot cooler than others in reviews, could be my case an airflow im not sure, you said you dont mind about noise so it doesn't matter anyway.
 
Aus10 said:
I plan on upgrading the fans in the corsair 600t. I would like to get the 470. How much power it draws doesnt really get to me. I would like to get a corsair 850watt sooner or later. As for sound i play at loud volumes (makes me feel more in the game) so i never hear my computer anyways. I also read that the drivers suck for the 6870. So its a hard choice....

Heres the link for ones im looking at.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...ark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Page=2#scrollFullInfo

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...4150507&cm_re=Xfx_6870-_-14-150-507-_-Product
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if the power is not a concern then go look up and see which plays the games you like better.

and please don't start that "divers suck" bullshit. that is pure fanboi talk at this point. I have had issues with both.
 
The 6870 drivers would probably be worse, seeing as how the card is a month old.
 
I think both sides make stuff up. I have a EAH6870 with the drivers that came with the card and have had no problems.
 
Ok well thank you all. I think i am going to go with the 470. I would like to try it and see how it goes. Is there any software i can download to help its performance?

Thanks
 
Hey man i would wait a week and see what happens with the Radeon 69xx series.....I guess it depends on how much you want to spend, with new flagship cards coming out the others are going to start dropping in price.
 
Yeah that is a good point. Im 15 so its a christmas present and my parents want me to make up my mind soon so they can order it.....thats the only reason im thinking so hard now....thanks tho
 
Aus10 said:
Ok well thank you all. I think i am going to go with the 470. I would like to try it and see how it goes. Is there any software i can download to help its performance?

Thanks
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Good choice :)

You can use Afterburner and overclock it. If you're unsure how just come back here when you have it and start a thread, we'll gladly help :)

Also, have a look through here - http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1551621&highlight=GTX470
 
Thank you...although i always heard that overclocking was bad for everthing and ruins your parts so i avoid it.....altho i would like to get my ram up too 1600 like its suppossed to be
 
I would pick 6870 over 470, unless you can find 470 for about $200 price.
 
Aus10 said:
I will be running a Acer h213h 22" and a Acer 24" at 1080p. I like games like BFBC2 and crysis and css. I would like to also get into alot of picture editing too so i dont know if that makes a diffrence.
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FWIW ATI's cards seem to perform better in BFBC2/Crysis and CSS shouldnt be a problem at this point

Look at what games you play more and how much you care about power/heat. In my particular case, I have to watercool my high end GPUs because temperatures get to over 100 regularly where I live during the summer, and when my GPU is hitting mid 80's load, artifacts start appearing

And I'd wait a week anyways - prices will move
 
Aus10 said:
Thank you...although i always heard that overclocking was bad for everthing and ruins your parts so i avoid it.....altho i would like to get my ram up too 1600 like its suppossed to be
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Poppycock. Not true, unless of course you want your parts to last say 10 years or so, however i feel you'll likely upgrade WAY before then right? We could sort you out with a light overclock if you're unsure, pop the GPU clock up to 700 usually wouldn't even need an increase in voltage. :)
 
Rossi~ said:
Poppycock. Not true, unless of course you want your parts to last say 10 years or so, however i feel you'll likely upgrade WAY before then right? We could sort you out with a light overclock if you're unsure, pop the GPU clock up to 700 usually wouldn't even need an increase in voltage. :)
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Ok I would do something like that. I have a H50 too so I could Take my i7 920 up a little too. Although I don't know if it would make a diffrence. How do you take the GPU up too 700? and what does a increase in voltage? im guessing its when you send more power to the card so it runs faster?
 
Aus10 said:
Ok I would do something like that. I have a H50 too so I could Take my i7 920 up a little too. Although I don't know if it would make a diffrence. How do you take the GPU up too 700? and what does a increase in voltage? im guessing its when you send more power to the card so it runs faster?
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With H50 you should be able to get 3.8GHz easy on the i7 920 (especially if it's a D0 chip).
As for the GPU clock speed overclocking to 700MHz, this can be done using a peice of software, most use MSI's Afterburner (check the thread i linked earlier). You can apply a setting that tells the graphics card to run faster than stock, the more you push it the more power it will need, about 725MHz is point where you may need to give the GPU some voltage, which increases heat output and then the fan will run faster then it'll become louder as a result.
 
Rossi~ said:
With H50 you should be able to get 3.8GHz easy on the i7 920 (especially if it's a D0 chip).
As for the GPU clock speed overclocking to 700MHz, this can be done using a peice of software, most use MSI's Afterburner (check the thread i linked earlier). You can apply a setting that tells the graphics card to run faster than stock, the more you push it the more power it will need, about 725MHz is point where you may need to give the GPU some voltage, which increases heat output and then the fan will run faster then it'll become louder as a result.
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I would like to increase everything but could i with only a ocz 700watt modXstreeam psu? The 470 already puts out a ton of heat if i overclocked it wouldn it go up even more?
 
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