- Nov 3, 2014
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Before I ask my question, here are my specs:
CPU: AMD FX-6300 OC'd to 3.8GHz (stable) with the Hyper Evo 212
GPU: Sapphire Flex Edition Radeon HD 6870 1GB GDDR5 (in an x16 PCIE slot, not in an x4 mode x16)
RAM: 12GB G.Skill DDR3-1600 CAS latency 9
Monitors: One monitor running 1024x768 and one at 1920x1080
If you need anymore specs, let me know.
I've ordered a new GPU from Newegg, the R9 380, and I'm wondering what I can do with my current Radeon HD 6870. If it was an NVIDIA GPU, I could use it for dedicated PhysX, but since it's an AMD... I have no idea what I could use it for. I've heard some ideas here and there while searching, but I have no clue if they actually work, or how they work, etc. All of those ideas came from threads made in 2012-2013, which, as we all know, translates to a century in tech-time. Here are a couple of the ideas I've heard:
Using the 6870 as a GPU for my monitors, then the 380 for games/rendering/etc.
Using the 6870 as a dedicated encoder (OBS).
And how could I forget the classic use as a paperweight?
That first option is pretty attractive to me; use the less-TDP GPU for the monitors, and use the 380 for everything else. On paper it looks efficient and is a good use for the 6870. Though, in practice... how is it? My PSU is a Silverstone Strider Gold S 850W 80+ Gold, so it should be able to handle both GPUs at once.
The second option is the holy grail in my case. To take load off the CPU is what I really want to do. When recording, my CPU is under a lot of load. Recording 720p 60FPS strains it a lot (I suspect because of a GPU bottleneck, can anyone confirm this?). Using Subnautica as an example; when recording, I have to turn down the bitrate, and lower the framerate to 30FPS. Even after doing that, though, the usage threatens to hit 100%, and the loading of the terrain (and creatures) is very noticeable. When not recording Subnautica, CPU usage hardly ever hits 50% (it mainly hovers around 30%). So the ability to put some of that load onto the 6870 when I get my 380 would be wonderful. Is this possible, or is it a dream?
As per the third, I'd prefer not to use it as a paperweight. I mean, it'd look sweet and would really fit the whole blue-and-black theme I got going on, but drinks and sometimes food are often kept at my desk, and I'd hate to short circuit or dirty up this GPU. I've gotten a sort of respect for it now, as it's 10 years old, and still running more modern games far better than most 10 year old GPUs. Plus... I like the blue and black color scheme. :')
TL;DR
Good uses for an old GPU that still puts up a fight? Aside from a paperweight, of course.
The most taxing things I do:
Recording, edit videos, use GIMP.
Thanks in advance!
P.S.
Please go easy on me. I'm a newbie ;-;
CPU: AMD FX-6300 OC'd to 3.8GHz (stable) with the Hyper Evo 212
GPU: Sapphire Flex Edition Radeon HD 6870 1GB GDDR5 (in an x16 PCIE slot, not in an x4 mode x16)
RAM: 12GB G.Skill DDR3-1600 CAS latency 9
Monitors: One monitor running 1024x768 and one at 1920x1080
If you need anymore specs, let me know.
I've ordered a new GPU from Newegg, the R9 380, and I'm wondering what I can do with my current Radeon HD 6870. If it was an NVIDIA GPU, I could use it for dedicated PhysX, but since it's an AMD... I have no idea what I could use it for. I've heard some ideas here and there while searching, but I have no clue if they actually work, or how they work, etc. All of those ideas came from threads made in 2012-2013, which, as we all know, translates to a century in tech-time. Here are a couple of the ideas I've heard:
Using the 6870 as a GPU for my monitors, then the 380 for games/rendering/etc.
Using the 6870 as a dedicated encoder (OBS).
And how could I forget the classic use as a paperweight?
That first option is pretty attractive to me; use the less-TDP GPU for the monitors, and use the 380 for everything else. On paper it looks efficient and is a good use for the 6870. Though, in practice... how is it? My PSU is a Silverstone Strider Gold S 850W 80+ Gold, so it should be able to handle both GPUs at once.
The second option is the holy grail in my case. To take load off the CPU is what I really want to do. When recording, my CPU is under a lot of load. Recording 720p 60FPS strains it a lot (I suspect because of a GPU bottleneck, can anyone confirm this?). Using Subnautica as an example; when recording, I have to turn down the bitrate, and lower the framerate to 30FPS. Even after doing that, though, the usage threatens to hit 100%, and the loading of the terrain (and creatures) is very noticeable. When not recording Subnautica, CPU usage hardly ever hits 50% (it mainly hovers around 30%). So the ability to put some of that load onto the 6870 when I get my 380 would be wonderful. Is this possible, or is it a dream?
As per the third, I'd prefer not to use it as a paperweight. I mean, it'd look sweet and would really fit the whole blue-and-black theme I got going on, but drinks and sometimes food are often kept at my desk, and I'd hate to short circuit or dirty up this GPU. I've gotten a sort of respect for it now, as it's 10 years old, and still running more modern games far better than most 10 year old GPUs. Plus... I like the blue and black color scheme. :')
TL;DR
Good uses for an old GPU that still puts up a fight? Aside from a paperweight, of course.
The most taxing things I do:
Recording, edit videos, use GIMP.
Thanks in advance!
P.S.
Please go easy on me. I'm a newbie ;-;
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