GeForce 8800GTS v ATI Radeon HD 4850

[cceller]

I currently own:

EVGA e-GeForce 8800GTS 640MB (640-P2-N821-AR) and a friend recommended based on his use I look at HIS Hightech Radeon HD 4850 512MB Overclocked at 685MHz, IceQ4 Cooling (H485QX512P).

What would you all think, as I am not the best at judging video cards.

Thanks,

Chad

 

[Huttfuzz]

To tell you the truth, the 4850 is a better card than the 8800gts 640mb, no doubt about it, it's a big step ahead. BUT, the 8800gts 640mb is still a great mid-range card. So the question here is, what is the resolution you play
? IMO, save your money and wait for the next generation of cards and THEN change. I own 2x8800gt in SLI and i play everything Maxed out with some AA @ 1680x1050. So that is exactly what i am going to do, wait for the next gen. Hope that helped.

 

[cceller]

Huttfuzz,

I play everything at 1680x1050 as well. I can get the ATI card for about 200 bucks at NewEgg - was just curious as to what other folks thought.

Thanks for your input.

Chad

 

[mtyermom]

that 4850 will outperform the 8800GTS 640 (g80) by a decent amount, but is it worth $200? Hard to say. If you are becoming unsatisfied with the performance of your current video card, then perhaps, yes, it might be worth the $$ to upgrade. If you're still getting reasonable performance from your current card, then wait until the next gen of cards to put any money down.

 

[serpent1202]

What are your other system specs? That $200 might be better used elsewhere. While it is true that 90% of the time the graphics card is the bottleneck, depending on your specs it might not be.

 

[cceller]

Vista Home Premium (64bit)
Quad Core @ 2.4
8GB G-Skill RAM
2 x 250 WD Sata Drives (7200 RPM)
SB X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatal1ty Pro Sound

 

[jitpublisher]

Generally, you want to jump at least 2 tiers when upgrading a video card, or you are really paying a premium for the performance boost you get. Going from a 8800 (g80) to a 4850 is not really 2 tiers, it is more like a tier and a half, so it's kind of up to you.
As mentioned, rest of your sys specs would be helpful.

 

[trevorvdw]

$200 for a 4850? Aren't they going for around $140 - $150 after rebate? I got a 4870 512MB for $211 shipped from Newegg 2 weeks ago (Sapphire model) and if/when the rebate comes it'll make it $191.

 

[cceller]

trevorvdw, the HIS card I looked at lists for $224.99.

I can post the URL if needed?

 

[bydesign]

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=AT-4850D51&c=pw $150ish

 

[cceller]

In your opinion, is the fact that the card I posted is Overclocked at 685MHz and has the IceQ4 Cooling worth the extra dough?

 

[accu]

i sold my 8800gts640 for 127 and got 4850 for 140. 8800gts640 is good for most game, but if you can get 4850 for ~150 is better.

 

[cceller]

Hmm, I guess it all boils down to the $$$.

I really like the cooling on the card I posted as I understand it is supposed to be very, very good.

 

[rawsteel]

dont upgrade, wait for the new 5000 series or new nvidia gpus
currently if you upgrade you will be disapointed. Its just not worth it the trouble

 

[cceller]

Thanks folks, overall, sounds like I should just wait.

 

[soloman02]

I highly suggest you wait until the end of the year. AMD and Nvidia are rumoured to be rolling out a refresh of their latest cards.
http://www.techpowerup.com/75685/AMD_to_Give_RV770_a_Refresh_G200b_Counterattack_Planned.htm

I currently have an 8800GT 512 and at my resolution (1280x1024), I would see little gain going to even a 4870.

If you buy a 4850/4870 now, the performance increase per dollar will be very low.

 

[megamanx00]

If you have an SLi board, and an appropriate PSU, you could always SLi your 8800GTS. While the 640 cards are getting harder to find new there is always ebay or craigs list if you're willing to take it to chance to get it cheap.

 

[cceller]

No SLI here, sorry.

 

[bobbknight]

In reality it comes down to what you want to do with your money.
Is it worth the bang for buck, many have said no.