ATI HD4870 with this MB???

[ox1574]

I currently have an ATI X1950 Pro that I want to upgrade to an HD 4870. I am running this on a Gigabyte 965P-DS3/S3 revision 3.3 mb. My question is, i noticed the 4870 is built for use on a PCI-E 2.0 system. Is my current MB able to support PCI-E 2.0, if not, is it still a good idea to get the HD 4870 to use with this mb.

Thanks in advance!

 

[boygenius]

Your board has a PCI-E x16 slot so you will be able to use the card. A PCI-E 2.0 card will fit and run in the older PCI-E 1.1 slot. It just won't get the full capabilities of the card.

 

[ox1574]

So you are saying I don't have PCI-E 2.0 on this mb correct? If so, is it worth it to spend the money on the 4870 if I can't fully use it? Is there another card that would fit my application better?

Thanks

 

[boygenius]

If you have plans to upgrade your mobo anytime in the feature, then it wouldn't hurt to buy the 4870. Also, the 4870 will still perform better then any PCI-E 1.1 card you'll find. You just won't be able to use the full capabilities of the card. I'm not sure what you mean by "would it fit my applications better?" I'm not sure what your applications are so I can't answer that for you.

 

[coozie7]

As far as I know, single HD4870 will not use the full bandwidth of PCI-E 1.1, much less 2.0.
It does need a fair bit of power though and the stock cooler can be either hot or loud if the fan speed is increased beyond 35% through the CCC Overdrive.
What is your CPU and what resoloution do you play at?

 

[ox1574]

I have an Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 OC'd....can't remember what it is up to though...maybe 2.7GHz. I play at 1600x1200.

 

[coozie7]

The HD4850/GTX9800 might be a better match for your hardware and resoloution.

 

[ox1574]

How come? How would the 4850 be better than the 4870?

 

[coozie7]

@ox1574; Not better, just a better match.
I do n`t think your processor will drive a 4870 at its best but the faster 4870 will be viable for longer, it just depends on how long you want to keep the system. For a year or so, the 4850/GTX9800 will serve well, for longer, the 4870 would be better.