Why no Visiontek 4870 1gb??

[dannyaa]

So, I want to get a 4870, but I want the new 1gb version... however I see that Visiontek doesn't seem to be making a 1gb version?? Why? Do they have plans? If not, which brand should I go with... Sapphire or HiS or Diamond? I'm quite dissapointed about Visiontek not having a 1gb 4870... :/

 

[Godiwa]

the difference between different brands are minor, except for cooler design, the fps from them are so close that it doesn't really matter

 

[MrKbot]

With regards to the reference design, the above is true. The only way the brands differ is on the warranty and after sales support (trade in etc.) What I am waiting for, is a non-reference 1 gig version like the Sapphire Toxic 4870.

 

[dannyaa]

Hmm... well still Visiontek has the lifetime warranty, but ok. I guess I'll go with:

SAPPHIRE 4870 1GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102795

ARCTIC COOLING ACCELS1 Rev 2 VGA Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186016

TURBO MODULE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186021&Tpk=ACCELERO%20S1

For about $350 after shipping from newegg. Does this sound like a good setup?

Alternatively, there's a GTX 260 (original) that doesn't need 3rd party cooling, and it would only run about $230 after shipping... hmm.

Thoughts?

 

[kyeana]

the 260 is a lot cheaper, and has plenty of overclocking headroom. If you aren't gaming a crazy high resolutions (or even if you are) i would seriously consider getting the GTX 260

 

[NewLCD123]

Is it really worth the extra $ for 1gb vs. 512mb?

 

[dannyaa]

I don't know. Doesn't the newer 1gb also have better cooling and power consumption? I thought I read that in a review. Or maybe it's just the newer batch of boards...?

 

[Craxbax]

Is it really worth the extra $ for 1gb vs. 512mb?

That would depend on the price difference, your resolution, and whether you already had a HD4870 512mb (probably not worth it then.) There are several reviews that have said it is worth it at the current price difference of around $30 if buying a new 4870. It easily beats a GTX260 (192) but trades blows with the GTX260 (216) depending on title and resolution. Buy the best performing card for the games you play and resolution you play at. Also it has been said that several newer games that are coming out will make use of and benefit from more memory so that would favor the 1gb card. Powercolor has a nonreference OC'd 1gb PCS+ card that has generally had great reviews.