4870 for 4850CF, 4850X2, new 4870, or keep...

[spathotan]

You guys might have seen me mention my 4870 is dead and sitting at VisionTek, and im at a "crossroads". Basically im debating with myself on what to do when/if I get a new/replacement one back. Should I keep it and be on my way, sell it and buy a new 4870 with a better cooling solution (such as the Sapphire Toxic), sell it and snag a 4850X2 when it comes out, or sell it and get two 4850's for Crossfire. My board is a P45 but the 8x/8x wont hurt performance too much for me at 1680 x 1050, plus either way its still a more powerful solution than the 4870.

 

[emp]

I think you should wait to see the price on the HD 4850 X2, then decide. But if the HD 4850 X2 is too expensive, then just get two HD 4850s. However, do this only if you have a lot of money to burn, because if you don't you might as well just keep the HD 4870 and buy a game or two with the extra money.

 

[spathotan]

Yea, money is obviously an issue. However I could get $200 or so out of the 4870 easily.

 

[topper743]

spathotan check out the THG Charts for gpus. Logic tells us the two would be better than one but the charts don't always prove that. In many of the apps a single card works best. It depends on the software. Keep your 4870 for now and CF it in the future. The difference between ati's best and Nvidia's best on most apps is minor if any plus you saved on your 4870 vice a gtx 280.

 

[rangers]

save some cash and get this cooler
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-047-AK&tool=3
you wont be disappointed, its the best for the 4870/4850 and cheap to

 

[rangers]

would like to add this cooler fcuking rocks

 

[spathotan]

I changed the cooler on my original 4870, that's why its sitting at VisionTek right now in the first place. Thats another past thread for another story.

 

[urban_black_redneck]

I changed the cooler on my original 4870, that's why its sitting at VisionTek right now in the first place. Thats another past thread for another story.

Did they ever say if your warranty is still valid or not? I don't know for sure but changing something (especially hardware) seems a little dangerous if you want the card's manufacturer cover you

If you want to Crossfire and you have the PSU for it (I would reccomend 90% system load or less), then go for it. I personally prefer to have one very strong card vs. two not-so-strong cards, so that when I feel the need for more power (after a year or 2?) I can CF with another very/equally strong card (probably end up being the same price range as the two weaker cards when they were still new).

Keeping your current card (if it gets back to you in working condition) looks like the most economical solution.

Sapphire's 512MB 4870 is $235 on Newegg.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102797

 

[spathotan]

Yea, I put the stock cooler back on it and all that jazz. At first glance and even a close look you could never tell it was taken off. Sly move yea, but its up to them now regardless. Like I said thats another story for another time.

Reason for this poll is because im obviously at a crossroads, and I need to start planning my options ahead of time.

 

[urban_black_redneck]

Yea, I put the stock cooler back on it and all that jazz. At first glance and even a close look you could never tell it was taken off. Sly move yea, but its up to them now regardless. Like I said thats another story for another time.

Reason for this poll is because im obviously at a crossroads, and I need to start planning my options ahead of time.

What do you think about getting the $235 Sapphire that can play all games and buying another in about 1-1.5 years for $150 or less if you need more muscle for new games?

 

[spathotan]

Its the same exact card as I have now. When I said "selling it and buying one with a better cooling solution" i ment one that is not using the loud stock reference cooler.

 

[spathotan]

The thumbs down troll strikes me again!! Oh NOES!! At least I got a fan, even if he/she is a loser.

 

[emp]

One thing I learned was that from now on if I want better cooling, I'll just buy a card with a non-reference cooler slapped on it. Not because I'm afraid of the manufacturer not covering me, but because I don't want to waste $50 on something that gives me a marginal gain at best.