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Need GPU upgrade advice...

O

oneson2k

n00b
Joined
Jul 20, 2007
Messages
20
Currently using a 8800gtx with a 3.0ghz Core 2 duo and 4gb of RAM (windows XP), 24" LCD at 1920x1200. I'm trying to decide between the following cards:

4850
4870
gtx 260
9800 gx2

I don't plan on upgrading my processor anytime soon or switching to Vista, so what would be the best fit for the rest of my system - specifically a card that won't be bottlenecked. Thanks!!!!!!
 
I think the 4850 should be fine. What exactly are you using your computer for? For gaming, the 4850 512mb is more than enough at 1920x1200 for 99% of games at medium to high settings and 2x-4x AA. For the high end games (see: Far Cry 2, Crysis), you will probably notice an improvement in AA and FPS with something like the GTX 260 or 4870. Personally, I don't think you'll use more than what the 4850 has to offer and it certainly is the best bang-for-the-buck card under $200. That being said, you can find a 4850 for anywhere from $125-140 after rebate. The GTX 260 is on par with the 4870 (although it performs better in some games while the 4870 has more raw power).

I would also advise that you wait until Black Friday or possibly Christmas to upgrade since that is when the prices will fall for the holiday season.

All that being said, and without an additional information about what you will be using your computer/video card for, I recommend the 4850.
 
PC_User said:
All that being said, and without an additional information about what you will be using your computer/video card for, I recommend the 4850.
Click to expand...

I use my computer for a lot of Photoshop, Flash and Illustrator work as well as gaming. I don't do any video editing, nor do I watch movies on my PC.

My main interest is, in this case, gaming. Specifically at native resolution for my monitor and justifying enough of an upgrade over my current 8800gtx to spend the money.

Thanks!
 
For gaming at that resolution, the 4850 512mb should be more than enough, especially if you overclock it. It will also be a noticeable improvement in both visuals and performance over the 8800 GTX. I am currently using the HD 4850 to play games such as FC2, Crysis, Call of Duty, etc, and am very satisfied. If your budget permits, I would also take a look at the 4870 1GB, but you may simply not require that big jump.
 
I'm a little surprised by the recommendations for the 4850. I was under the impression that it's not that much of any upgrade over an 8800 gtx (but apparently I was wrong).

I've seen some on Newegg around $150 or so - pre mail-in rebates, but it looks like the gtx 260's are still around the $200 mark. I was also under the impression that the gtx 260 was superior to the 4850.
 
Do not get an HD 4850. Talk about a "sideways" move and I'm surprised people are recommending it as well. It's marginally faster than an 8800 GTX - definitely not worth "upgrading" for.

For your resolution and processor get an HD 4870 (preferably a 1GB) or a GTX 260 (216).
 
Think I'll wait for another round of price cuts on the gtx 260's (over-clocked core 216) and pick one up when they hit under $200.
 
Definitely go with an HD4870 1 gig or Geforce GTX260 (216). Coming from a 8800GTX video card, anything less is not worth it.
 
HardwareGuru said:
Definitely go with an HD4870 1 gig or Geforce GTX260 (216). Coming from a 8800GTX video card, anything less is not worth it.
Click to expand...

Yup. I did just that (8800 GTX - GTX 260 factory OC'd to 666 Mhz). Its better and I got a good deal on it, but tbh I could have gotten by with the 8800 GTX for another six months to a year. In other words, the difference at 1680x1050 doesn't knock my socks off (like it did when I went from a 7800 GS to the 8800 GTX). ;)
 
oneson2k said:
I'm a little surprised by the recommendations for the 4850. I was under the impression that it's not that much of any upgrade over an 8800 gtx (but apparently I was wrong).
Click to expand...

No, you're correct: the 4850 performs between a 9800GTX or 9800GTX+, depending on the game. And as you can see here, the 9800GTX doesn't offer amazing performance over the 8800GTX.

http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTQ4MSw5LCw=

Unfortunately, on these forums, the 4850 gets venerated way above what it's capable of. Yes, it's♥an impressive card (I own one), but it's overrated on these forums. The only upgrade worthwhile for you would be a 4870 1GB or GTX260.
 
oneson2k said:
Thanks for the reality check on the 4850. I'm definitely going to pick up a gtx 260.
Click to expand...

For 1920x1200 you want no less than a GTX260/1gb4870 so that's a good choice. The extra memory beyond a mere 512 really starts to come into play at this res, especially if you turn up the AA.
1225263240eUpt0YZFkZ_4_1.gif

You might say the average fps is not significant but look at the minimum. That's a 50% increase going from 512mb to 1gb
GTX260 minimum, so you made a wise move.
 
I'm assuming you don't have a SLI capable board? Because if you do, and you have a ~650+ watt quality PSU already, the best bet would be another 8800 GTX used.

To everyone that recommended the 4850 for 1920x1200: I'm taking away your [H] license.
 
Correct, I do not have an SLI board. I went SLI when I had dual 7800 gtx's and it just didn't seem worth it to me. So, when I built my last computer; I went the single card route.
 
for somewhat cheaper get the GTX260 192 core or the 4870 512mb ram. both can be had for ~200 and change AR

for better performance I would go with a 4870 1gb. Not sure the 216 core GTX260 do enough for the price they are going at unless you can get a good deal. next up in single GPU options is a GTX280. kind of hard to justify but can be had for around 350 AR if you look. but if I had to buy now it would be a 4870X2 or a 4870 1gb.
 
nanomatrix said:
GTX 260 is suppose to deliver a 55nm die shrink next month...more speed less power...
Click to expand...
My understanding is that 55nm refresh is to happen next week, not next month. The 55nm dieshrink based on the GTX 2xx technology Quadro FX 5800 is already out for sale today (if you can afford $3,300 for a video card).

I am waiting for the die-shrunk GTX 270 and 290 (or whatever their names will be). Even if they are marginal improvements, it should push the price down on the 280 and 260s to even more reasonable numbers.
 
go with the 4870, I dont think your processor will bottleneck or anything and it is a F$%$ing awesome card.
 
Demigod's Owner said:
My understanding is that 55nm refresh is to happen next week, not next month. The 55nm dieshrink based on the GTX 2xx technology Quadro FX 5800 is already out for sale today (if you can afford $3,300 for a video card).

I am waiting for the die-shrunk GTX 270 and 290 (or whatever their names will be). Even if they are marginal improvements, it should push the price down on the 280 and 260s to even more reasonable numbers.
Click to expand...

I thought they moved that back to next year?
 
Demigod's Owner said:
My understanding is that 55nm refresh is to happen next week, not next month. The 55nm dieshrink based on the GTX 2xx technology Quadro FX 5800 is already out for sale today (if you can afford $3,300 for a video card).
Click to expand...

Are you sure that it's not just using the original GT200 die? IIRC, don't Quadro products launch after the enthusaist ones do because of the extra time needed to optimize drivers for professional apps?

OP, I'd go for the 4870 1GB personally...
 
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