8800 ultra vs HD 4890

[heavy_metal]

I know that the HD 4890 is faster than my current 8800 ultra I was just wondering if it would be worth the upgrade. I current game on a 24 in screen with 1920 x 1200 res. I have a Intel Core i7 920 overclocked and am considering sli ultras or cf 4890 just wondering what you guys think? Any other ideas would also be ok.

 

[sprucebr1]

The 8800 Ultra is just older really. The HD4890 is not any better than the HD4870, its just something for that price point, to compare to the GTX 275. 2 8800 Ultra's in SLI should have no problem at 1920x1200. Go with SLI if you can, and are able to find an 8800 Ultra. I would consider this over 2x4890, you'll be saving money, and still playing the best games/apps etc. I'd only say something else if you wanted a 4870X2. Hope you have enough power and space for a second 8800 Ultra.

 

[japps2]

the 4890 is a little better than a 4870...slightly more efficient and better clock speeds. Has overclocking potential, which the 4870 does not. I assume you have a x58 motherboard that can run sli or xfire? If so why not look at the gtx275 also? it is a good compeditor to the 4890. Anyway, there isn't really a card out there that offers an enormous gain over the 8800ultra. that being the case, inless you find a cheap ultra on ebay I would say wait for December and see what dx11 cards have to offer. otherwise you'll spend $300+ on ~20% gain in performance.

 

[gamerk316]

For that res, i'd go with the 4890. I only SLI if its substantally cheaper then getting a much better single card solution.

 

[coozie7]

This test does the HD4890 in CF:

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ATI/HD_4890_CrossFire

And this is self explanatory:

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/video/display/crossfirex-sli-core-i7.html

The X-bit Labs results might be of the most use for you; They are using the same i7 920 you are using so you might be able to compare their framerates with your own.

Personally, I`d try to source a good 8800 Ultra and SLI that until the DX11 cards and Windows 7 arrive, then re-appraise the situation.
Just one word of caution, the 8800 uses a ferocious amount of power, you`ll need a PSU like a nuclear power station to drive two of them.

 

[JAYDEEJOHN]

Heres a review that shows the 4890 the 275 and the 8800GTX. You can extrapolate the difference between the ultra and the GTX. Clearly, both the 4890 and 275 are in completely different categories compared to the ultra, which is more or less but a mid range card nowadays
http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/ati_radeon_4890_nvidia_geforce_gtx_275/page5.asp

 

[spoonboy]

The ultra is about as good as a 4850 really. So about 30-35% of a 4890. Plus the 4890 will go another 15% faster from stock with overclocking. The memory has some #serious# overclocking headroom.

 

[megamanx00]

Two 8800 Ultras in SLI would really give you some serious performance. The problem is finding that second 8800 Ultra at a price that makes sense. As it is prices are outrageous for a 8800GTX. If you can get one for a good price on craigs list or ebay go for it. If you go the eBay route just make sure the seller has a good rep. There's no point in buying a new one from an online store since the online retailers that still have one are charging enough that you could buy two 4870s for the price.

 

[Gravitational24]

What about waiting for directx 11 cards to come out?

 

[invisik]

8800ultra are just to costly to find. Just hold tight and upgrade to the next gen dx11 cards which are right around the corner.

 

[TheGreatGrapeApe]

What about waiting for directx 11 cards to come out?

Probably wasn't an attractive option 4 months ago when this thread was created and when the DX11 cards were 7+ months away. Hmmmmm......

Lotsa necromancy going on out there today.