Which card should I buy

[Mike99mm]

Hello everybody

I am in a major predicament here, Im trying to figure what graphic card I should get. Why am I asking this? well its becuase I had rough times with graphic cards, when ever I bought one I would always be behind the next generation graphics. I bought a Nvidia 6800 when BF2 came out, but it really didn't do to good with it. I bought a bran new computer with a 8800 GTS, but I still couldn't run games at the time at full graphics on high.

So Im hoping some one will help me out, Which graphic card should I get and what brand type?

Diamond Radeon HD 4870 X2 Video Card
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4037097&Sku=D10-4876

Sapphire Radeon HD 4870 X2 Video Card
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4097738&Sku=A271-4872

HIS H487X2F2GP Radeon HD 4870 X2
http://www.amazon.com/HIS-H487X2F2GP-2x256bit-Express-Retail/dp/B001E5G9E6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=pc&qid=1224799562&sr=1-1

EVGA 01G-P3-1280-AR GeForce GTX 280 1GB 512-bit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&Description=NVIDIA%20280&bop=And&Order=RATING

EVGA 01G-P3-1284-AR GeForce GTX 280 SSC Edition 1GB 512-bit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130368

 

[eklipz330]

are you sure have the power to support these cards?
4870x2 would be your best choice

 

[johnyeah]

Before you consider a new card. Here's a small checklist:
1. Make sure your PSU can handle the power requirement.
2. Make sure your case can fit these new GPU's.

Then the next question is what resolution are you planning to play the games at. The link below is a really good summary on what graphics card to get at what price range at what resolution.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/Best-Graphics-Card,2033.html

 

[johnyeah]

The HD4870x2 offers the most performance over the GTX280. However, on some games it doesn't perform as well due to its crossfire nature (linking two GPU's together).

 

[fleakiller]

+1 on johnyeah but also don't get diamond support is not good at all

 

[Mike99mm]

Resolution: 1440 x 900

I was wondering ware I can check my PSU

My case is massive and It came with a fan under the 8800GTS (so that could help with the heat).

The 8800 is pretty bulky and with its size I still have a lot of room.

Right now It looks like im going for the ATI 4870, but Im not making the purchse in till friday of next week, so lets see what more comments bring. I just hope they don't come out with a new graphic card after I buy this one though lol. Also on another note I hope the ATI 4870 will run Empire Total war at a reasonably high graphic settings.

 

[murdoc]

The HD4870x2 offers the most performance over the GTX280. However, on some games it doesn't perform as well due to its crossfire nature (linking two GPU's together).

hmm.. well the thing about the X2 cards is it's got an intergrated Crossfire link instead of an onboard controller.. I'm not sure if that matters though =/

 

[aevm]

I'd pick the Sapphire HD 4870 X2. It's the same price at newegg, with $10 shipping. No idea how much TigerDirect charges for shipping, or whether any of these retailers charges state taxes.

You need a 650 Watt or greater power supply with one 2x3-pin PCIe power connector and one 2x4-pin PCIe power connector. I'd recommend the Corsair 750TX or PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750W.

 

[Shadow703793]

Imo, at 1440 x 900 all of those cards are overkill. Get a 4850/4870 or try OCing the 8800GTS (Also what drivers are you using?). As far as PSUs go you probably need a good 650W+ PSU (ie Corsair 750) for a X2 card or CrossFire/SLI.

Btw: The PP&C 750 is $110 @ Newegg right now.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703009&nm_mc=OTC-RSS&cm_mmc=OTC-RSS-_-Power%20Supplies-_-PC%20Power%20%26%20Cooling-_-N82E16817703009

 

[aevm]

Good point. Since he's considering the highest-end video cards, I assumed he'd eventually spend $350 or so for a 24" monitor and play at 1920x1200. Yeah, for 1440x900 a HD 4870 512MB is enough.

Here's a nice monitor for $340 including shipping:
Acer P243WAid Black-Silver 24" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor with HDCP Support - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009125

 

[Shadow703793]

^+1 for LCD.