Tom's Hardware > Forum > Graphic & Displays > Graphics Cards > 512mb or 1gb HD4850
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danimoth17   09-04-2008 at 07:58:30 PM

I have decided on the HD4850 as my next video card due to price and performance. I just don't want to spend a ton of money. I currently have a x1650 pro 512mb AGP so this is a huge upgrade.

My question is between the 512MB and 1GB versions of the card. is the $60 difference worth it to upgrade to the 1GB version?

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falcodakrzz   09-04-2008 at 08:37:04 PM
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It isnt worth it at all. I was in a similar situation as you a few weeks ago, and after checking benchmarks it was clear the 512 version was pretty much exactly the same. Especially since that $60 difference could probably get you a 4870. Go with the saphire version.

Reply to falcodakrzz
danimoth17   09-04-2008 at 08:53:31 PM
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Thats what I was thinking, but the 4870 would be $100 more then the 4850.
I have been looking at the saphire one.

Currently I have:
Gigabyte P4 Titan GA-81k1100
P4 3ghz w/HT
2gb corsair (4x512) ddr 533mhz
Visiontek x1650 pro 512mb

Looking to upgrade all the main componants to:
MSI P45 Neo2-FR
Core 2 duo E8500 or Core 2 quad Q9300
4gb corsair dominator (2x2) ddr2-8500 1033mhz
saphire HD4850 512mb

I am not sure if I want the dual or quad core. Dual better for most games and overclocks great, but quad will have more long term benifit. What do the rest of you think?

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dirtmountain   09-04-2008 at 09:16:53 PM
- 0 +

4850 512mb
Asus P45
2x2 GB DDR2 800 1.8v good timings
E8500

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fleakiller   09-04-2008 at 09:40:43 PM
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I see no power supply new or old

Message quoted 1 times
------------------------------ 8088 @ 2 mhz
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mtyermom   09-04-2008 at 10:00:49 PM
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it'd be better to spend the $100 on the 512MB 4870 to get faster clocks, dual slot cooling and gddr5 rather than $60 on the 1GB 4850 to get the same clocks, same single slot cooling and (twice as much) gddr3.

Reply to mtyermom
eklipz330   09-04-2008 at 10:02:53 PM
- 0 +

EMCAKAEBE

promo code for 4870 on newegg... after rebate and savings, its $239

Reply to eklipz330
jthorn   09-04-2008 at 10:15:44 PM
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Get the 4870 if using a 24" LCD or larger. The 512mb 4850 is fine for anything smaller 17, 19, 22..

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danimoth17   09-05-2008 at 12:04:56 AM
- 0 +

fleakiller wrote :

I see no power supply new or old



The PSU is gonna stay the same for now, I have a 650w but cant remember the brand. It is only a few months old I got a great deal 49.99 instead of 149.99 when comp usa closed down their stores. Along with the tower a coolermaster centurion 5

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megamanx00   09-05-2008 at 12:43:07 AM
- 0 +

Ah CompUSA, you finally had a good sale. Too bad it was right before you closed ^_^. I think it's alot better now that TigerDirect took over our CompUSA store, but anywho

If your going to keep this card for a long time, like 3 years or so, then go with the 1GB version. It looks like id's new engine is going to take up a crap load of video RAM. You should consider though that by the time Games commonly start making use of all that VRAM, your card will be a little on the slow side (all tho you could go with crossfire ^_^). If you plan on upgrading again before that then save the money and go with the 512 version.

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by megamanx00 on 09-05-2008 at 12:43:34 AM
------------------------------ Playing X-Men Origins: Wolverine Athlon 64 X2 5000+ @3.24 Brisbane | GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-DS4 | 4GB Mushkin DDR2 1066 | Plextor 760A| 2x 3850 512M CF| WD 1TB Black| Fortron Blue Storm II 500W | APEVIA X-Dreamer Black | Win XP Pro & Vista Buisness 32bit
 Reply to megamanx00
mtyermom   09-05-2008 at 01:49:19 AM
- 0 +

megamanx00 wrote :

If your going to keep this card for a long time, like 3 years or so, then go with the 1GB version. It looks like id's new engine is going to take up a crap load of video RAM. You should consider though that by the time Games commonly start making use of all that VRAM, your card will be a little on the slow side

 

You just completely contradicted yourself there, and gave valid argument for reason to NOT get the 1GB version.

 

So my recommendation stands as: If you want to spend less, stick with the 512MB GDDR3 4850; if you're willing to spend a bit more for more performance, get the 512MB GDDR5 4870 and get the deal that eklipz330 mentioned.


Message edited by mtyermom on 09-05-2008 at 01:51:25 AM
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