4850, 4870, or geforce 9800 gtx?

[mport9491]

This is killing me.

Mobo: Gigabyte EO45 - UDEP
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550
HDD: WD 320GB SATA
PSU: I'm planning to get a 500w since I dont have money anymore.
Memory: I dont have yet but I think I'm getting a Patriot/Corsair 2gb (2x2) = 4gb with 1066mhz
So its like this.

For the past weeks I've been researching about gfx cards and I would want to get one which I wont have lots of problems with and at the same time, will have nice graphics.

I was supposed to go for the 4870 but I dont want my gfx cards to overheat and have problems like those since I'll be bringing this computer to the Philippines which is a very tropical place (95 degress F). I saw 4850 and tried to compare it to the 9800 gtx, it was both great and I can't decide which one to get. I dont have enough money to go Crossfire or SLi. I need help on choosing a video card so can anyone help?

I'm planning to get a computer case with 3 or two big fans to keep it well ventilated, a big mid tower would do perhaps?

I'm also considering these cards performing with a 500w PSU. I'm not planning to get anything more than 500w, I have a tight tight tight budget atm.

HELP please! And if possible, please tell me where to buy it and what website thanks!

 

[JackNaylorPE]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-graphics-card,2464-4.html

4870 competes with the GT 260 and 5770....4850 is a step down

 

[jonpaul37]

i've had both the 4850 512 meg and the 4870 1gb. Both are decent cards, the 4870 is a very nice card and i did not have any troubles at all with heat and i kept it OC'd 100% of the time.

Brand i has was Sapphire.

Hope this helps

Ps. For what it's worth, i would vote against the 9800gtx, the 4xxx series cards are newer/better in my experience

 

[jay2tall]

I vote for the 4870. It's worth it and the price/performance comparison on it is GREAT.

Just make sure your 500W is a good quality one. You may have issues if you get a junky one that can't handle the power draw on the 4870. Which PSu did you have in mind? Link us.

 

[capt_taco]

I've got a 4870 with a Q9550 processor and I couldn't be happier with it. No problems with overheating/power, and with a single card 500W should be just fine for you. Don't get the 4850, the tradeoff to the xx50 models from the xx70 is usually going to be noticeable.

 

[OvrClkr]

I would save up and get a 5770.... This way you won't have to upgrade sooner than later...