Still unsure for new graphics card

[zethex]

Okay.

I've read a lot of reviews around the place, but I don't know if I'm just biased or still doubtful.

When the Core i7 comes out, I'm building a computer (got $5k saved up for it).

As we all know, a lot of the fall games are coming out, and i believe core i7 wont appear before then, so decided to go into the money now and buy one of the graphics cards.

Atm im running a core 2 quad Q6600, overclocked to 3 gigahertz, 4 gig of ram, and a 8600GT with screwed up fan. (now you see why i want graphics card update? )

I'm looking for a card that i can later either Crossfire or SLI. I think i'll never use 3-way SLI only 2-way

So basically left with GTX 280 and 4870X2 (MONEY IS NOT AN ISSUE).

I've always been a Nvidia fan boy, so kinda hinting towards 280, but I've seen the benchmarks for the 4870X2 and I'm kinda doubtful. Mainly getting this so i can play Farcry 2. I'll also be buying my new power supply now just incase!

Any opinions which will help me decide between the two cards will be truly thanked <3!

..:ane::..

EDIT: I'll be using a 26 inch monitor btw at 1920x1080 resolution. Forgot to add that in

 

[Nica Guy]

if money is not an issue i would go for the 4870 x2.

 

[zethex]

Whats crossfire 4870x2 compare to 2-way SLI gtx280?

Like are the drivers there yet for CF 4870x2 effectively.

 

[Nica Guy]

no but they will be

 

[zethex]

Any other opinions appreciated as well. Also, with the Nvidia 55nm refresh coming soon, will that improve the cards performances and whats the rumored date for this.

 

[V3NOM]

well, a single GTX280 owns a 4870... the 4870 is more in the league of the 260 is it not? so therefore.... two GTX280 with their mature drivers would completely rape a single 4870X2 methinks

 

[JAYDEEJOHN]

Not in all games, but mostly so. In a few games the x2 wins

 

[-Fran-]

If the OP doesn't have an SLi board with x16/x16 PCIe links, it will be a waste of money with almost no gains at that res.

So, if he doesn't, he should go for the 4870X2 and just wait with that card till his new rig; it will last till the Core i7 comes out, at least i trust it will.

If you DO have x16/x16 PCIe lanes in a SLi board, then the GTX280 sounds like a better idea.

Now, keep in mind that getting any of those cards means 650W PSU or higher (900W for the GTX280 SLi'ed i think).

Esop!

 

[zethex]

At the moment I don't have an SLI board, but when core i7 comes out i will be purchasing one. Nvidia has opened up there SLI technology for the X58 series so you can crossfire and SLI on Intel boards if Nvidia thinks the board is suitable.

So dont worry, SLI will be capable (why im only buying one card now).

And yeah I have a 800 watt power supply atm, should cover it buy thinken of buying a higher one anyway.

Just basically looking for a purchase I'm not gonna regret.

 

[-Fran-]

Another thing: DX11 might come out when the Core i7 pops.

So any hardware now might become obsolete anyway (with ATi being less obsolete thanks to DX10.1).

Esop!

PS: Let the flame warz begin! lol

 

[zethex]

Yeah that as well lol. Don't know maybe I should just wait, I'm sure my 8600Gt can last me till then. Just preferred to play a game at max spec first time through, makes the experience better. Anyway 30ish days till Farcry 2 out so I'll guess i'll wait till then and see what the latest news is then lol.

.:: Dane ::.

 

[-Fran-]

If money is not an issue, get a lesser upgrade IMO

You could get a 4850/9800GTX and enjoy gaming @50ish FPS for a while. They both perform WAY WAY better than your 8600GT and will last till Core i7 pops. Besides Farcry 2 is going to be another video card killer IMO

Esop!