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Best Graphics Cards For The Money: February 2011

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  • HD
  • Radeon
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February 10, 2011 5:00:03 AM

This month's graphics card update features Nvidia's GeForce GTX 560 Ti and AMD's response, the Radeon HD 6950 1 GB. We also cover the software-based modification that potentially turns your Radeon HD 6950 2 GB into a fully-equipped Radeon HD 6970 2 GB.

Best Graphics Cards For The Money: February 2011 : Read more

More about : graphics cards money february 2011

February 10, 2011 5:04:49 AM

I love this competition, if only AMD's CPU's could compete at the same high level...

Anyone else get the feeling that nVidia and AMD cut back on the performance of their cards simply to slot into a pricepoint?
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February 10, 2011 5:44:08 AM

can you include the e-350 iGPU 6310 in the charts since you do include the previous integrated GPUs ? I know it's slow but just to have the chart almost complete.

I am missing DX version support information on the cards, since raw performance does not help with lacking features.
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February 10, 2011 6:27:25 AM

I unlocked the HD 6950 and over clocked it to HD 6970 specs. Works great and stable in different games.
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February 10, 2011 6:41:12 AM

Hilarious how they put in vendor prices that show that their chosen cards at the lower price points aren't even close to retailing at the price point they claim!
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February 10, 2011 6:45:37 AM

And don't even get me started on the fact they're all US...
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February 10, 2011 8:24:39 AM

mi1ezAnd don't even get me started on the fact they're all US...


these articles are compiled over some timeframe and the current prices do not have to reflect the prices when the article was finished.

and since you are on a US site, do you expect Euro prices?
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February 10, 2011 8:41:47 AM

AMD makes great GPU's but can't even keep up in the CPU space?
Better to be good at one thing than to be mediocre at both I guess.
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February 10, 2011 9:41:01 AM

one suggestion that i am obliged to make is to add to the hierarchy chart sli/crossfire configs as well.
would be most useful!
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Anonymous
a b U Graphics card
February 10, 2011 10:24:37 AM

kinda have to agree with mi1ez, the prices listed here for the radeon 6800 series cards is a little inflated. i've been shopping around on newegg and tigerdirect for about a month, price optimizing a new system, and the 6850s can be had as low as $160 and the 6870s as low as $200 with mail in rebates. AMD currently has nvidia beat on prices, imo
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February 10, 2011 10:44:40 AM

yawwnnn... my 295 gtx still near the top of the chart now there is a surprise
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February 10, 2011 10:47:36 AM

so funny to see intel can't trade punches with a 8800gt yet wow who would have thought!
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February 10, 2011 10:50:15 AM

My old 4650 still hangs on..
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February 10, 2011 11:47:43 AM

joytech22AMD makes great GPU's but can't even keep up in the CPU space?Better to be good at one thing than to be mediocre at both I guess.


that's a point of view question :-)

I mean how much compute intensive tasks for an average user need a 6core i7 ? Even an Athlon II X4 is sufficient for 80% of people. So Intel taking the high end is just for show. Price is what sells today.
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a b U Graphics card
February 10, 2011 11:56:01 AM

I've seen 5870's regularly priced below the $250 mark over the last couple weeks. With rebates, these same cards drop to $200-$220. That, to me, represents the best value in the $175 to $275 bracket, hands down.
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February 10, 2011 1:22:02 PM

haplo602can you include the e-350 iGPU 6310 in the charts since you do include the previous integrated GPUs ? I know it's slow but just to have the chart almost complete.


This made my day!! An IGP? haha..... Man these parts arent even in the city where the ballpark is located
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a b U Graphics card
February 10, 2011 1:32:52 PM

I guess I will stick with my 5850 for now.
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a c 204 U Graphics card
February 10, 2011 2:10:27 PM

With the dollar soon to crash, the build I'm planning for late Spring/early Summer may be my last personal build for the foreseeable future. I'm thinking a GTX560Ti is probably where I want to be; higher than I need right now, but should remain viable for years.
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February 10, 2011 3:25:34 PM

dirtmountainA pretty big jump from $120 to $185 from the 5770 to the GTX 460 1GB. The GTX 460 768MB at $150-$160 would have been a great midpoint there.http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814127519


I agree with you. The big problem is that every single card you buy now has a dang rebate. So you can get some great deal if you are willing to take the chance with the rebate. Am I the only one who hates all these rebates?
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February 10, 2011 3:30:22 PM

mi1ezAnd don't even get me started on the fact they're all US...

No one's stopping you from going and putting together a complementary article for other (non-USA) markets. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised that if you put in the time and effort to consistently make a monthly update like Cleeve (Mr. Woligroski) here has, Tom's just might offer to post it up alongside these.

cmartin011yawwnnn... my 295 gtx still near the top of the chart now there is a surprise

Not really. The dual-GPU (especially nVidia's) cards tend to last a Looooong time. However, they tend to only hold up particularly well in older shader models, and without using AA; in those cases two GPUs from an older generation will easily thump nVidia's next big thing. The same went for the generation before, when I noted to people that for those who didn't use AA, a 9800GX2 curb-stomped the supposed "latest and greatest" GTX 280 at a lower price. (oh, and also actually even putting a damper on the 4870's parade, too)
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February 10, 2011 4:02:24 PM

I bought the 560 Ti. Great little card (literally: two inches shorter than the 9800 GTX it replaced). It's very easy to overclock the 560 Ti too, and it can almost match the 570 (but not quite).
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February 10, 2011 4:06:15 PM

Still hanging on to my 275's. I want SLI 570's but not yet. Still can't believe that the 4650 came back to the list.
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February 10, 2011 4:57:18 PM

vvhocare5This made my day!! An IGP? haha..... Man these parts arent even in the city where the ballpark is located


take a carefull look at the chart (and this time lower than the first 1/3). there are all the intel graphic cards and also the ATI integrated ones.

next time read carefully before you post bullshit ...
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February 10, 2011 5:22:54 PM

Yeah, I could have gone with two radeons or 560's over my one EVGA GTX 580 SC, but why when I can avoid all CF and SLI driver/game issues by using one card? That advantage alone and worry freedom was worth it to me. And so far across many games, that has proven fruitful- no video driver/SLI/CF problems whatsoever- none! Besides, when I do go SLI it will be with two 580 SC's.

I've mostly only chosen radeon cards in my time, and this is a rarity for me to go with Nvidia. Honestly, and just imo, radeon cards overall have clearer graphics. Not by much, just slightly noticeable to me in games and in video. A recent TH article may confirm that to a degree.
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February 10, 2011 5:58:33 PM

jtt283With the dollar soon to crash, the build I'm planning for late Spring/early Summer may be my last personal build for the foreseeable future. I'm thinking a GTX560Ti is probably where I want to be; higher than I need right now, but should remain viable for years.


If the dollar is going to crash, there might be bigger things to worry about than your graphics card :p 
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a c 204 U Graphics card
February 10, 2011 6:53:15 PM

p0ndIf the dollar is going to crash, there might be bigger things to worry about than your graphics card

Absolutely, which means "buy now while I can," then minimize all expenses, as income, or its source, simply won't matter. No, I'm not wearing a tinfoil hat; the writing is on the wall concerning the mounting US debt load, which WILL become unserviceable.
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a b U Graphics card
February 10, 2011 8:24:24 PM

What about the HD5850? I've seen them running about the same price after rebate as the Hd 6850's. I've been watching those prices closer than the 6850...
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February 10, 2011 8:46:15 PM

caamsaI agree with you. The big problem is that every single card you buy now has a dang rebate. So you can get some great deal if you are willing to take the chance with the rebate. Am I the only one who hates all these rebates?


Ya i won't even look twice at something if it has a rebate attached to it.For me its just a "Please buy something else" sign.
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February 10, 2011 9:16:46 PM

I would get a 560 ti for 1920x1080 or 1920x1200 and a 570 for 2560x1440 (both cards I would overclock heavily)
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a b U Graphics card
February 11, 2011 12:06:02 AM

Wow. HD 5770 FTW.
RazberyBanditI've seen 5870's regularly priced below the $250 mark over the last couple weeks. With rebates, these same cards drop to $200-$220. That, to me, represents the best value in the $175 to $275 bracket, hands down.

"With Rebates." Sure it does, but that term is like throwing in a 50/50 chance of it being the best value or not. Typically it's best just to do your shopping and then consider the rebate a little bonus afterward if you actually get it. Kind of like getting a free flash drive with things from NewEgg. :D 
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February 11, 2011 2:55:32 AM

HD 5850 is the biggest steal over some of these recommedations at $180ish without rebates if you already have one. Seems to be over looked by many and in crossfire I get the performace of the HD 5970 with a slight OC or better\equal performance than the 580 . Not to mention the fact that it is $150 cheaper with this CF setup.
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February 11, 2011 3:55:07 AM

Glad to see my 4890 still hangin ;) 
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a c 173 U Graphics card
February 11, 2011 4:02:00 AM

jtt283With the dollar soon to crash, the build I'm planning for late Spring/early Summer may be my last personal build for the foreseeable future. I'm thinking a GTX560Ti is probably where I want to be; higher than I need right now, but should remain viable for years.


Given the pace of things and how the global markets are it may be your last for many years. When the dollar goes down every other currency in circulation is going to be worthless in the long run. Famine will also hit much of the world at that stage.
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February 11, 2011 6:47:31 AM

joytech22AMD makes great GPU's but can't even keep up in the CPU space?Better to be good at one thing than to be mediocre at both I guess.

Well, for starters, the GPU department is originally ATi's... AMD is simply continuing their efforts, so to speak. So logically, it should be: ATi's great GPU. But as Shakespeare said: "What's in a name? That which we call rose? (in this case AMD or ATi)" :lol: 
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February 11, 2011 6:57:45 AM

haplo602take a carefull look at the chart (and this time lower than the first 1/3). there are all the intel graphic cards and also the ATI integrated ones.next time read carefully before you post bullshit ...

Settle down, cowboy... You must've misunderstood the meaning of the man's post. Not that I'm defending anyone.

Take a close look at the term: "city" and "ballpark"... City means discrete GPU, while ballpark means gaming. At least that's what I think. So in this case, any IGP aren't eligible for the category. If you include Sandy Bridge's IGP, that's a CPU. While an 890GX is a motherboard chipset component. It's not about the performance issue from the first place. Although, it's also a solid fact that even the best IGP is still inferior to the HD4650, which is the poorest performing card in the selection.
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February 11, 2011 7:18:49 AM

Most graphics card in todays market can run most games. But if i was to choose which is the best bang for buck graphics card it has to be the AMD 6950. They go from $270 to $299 and you can flash them into a 6970. For Nvidia i like the GTX 570.
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February 11, 2011 8:37:15 AM

damasvaraSettle down, cowboy... You must've misunderstood the meaning of the man's post. Not that I'm defending anyone.Take a close look at the term: "city" and "ballpark"... City means discrete GPU, while ballpark means gaming. At least that's what I think. So in this case, any IGP aren't eligible for the category. If you include Sandy Bridge's IGP, that's a CPU. While an 890GX is a motherboard chipset component. It's not about the performance issue from the first place. Although, it's also a solid fact that even the best IGP is still inferior to the HD4650, which is the poorest performing card in the selection.


I got the meaning of his post, however he replied like an idiot because he thinks I do not know what I'm talking about ? AND since all the IGPs are in the chart (even the Intel bastards), what's strange in asking about the newest addition to be included ?
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February 11, 2011 11:22:41 AM

articleThe prices of these cards are an anomaly compared to the rest of the playing field, so we can't give them full recommendations in the list below. As individual values, they're uncontested, though.


Well, I've had this idea for a long time now. Why don't you include an extra page in each article describing these anomalies in detail based on your educated guesses about which deal will last as you probably have higher access to these dealers than the average consumer.


BTW, this is one of unique articles on Tomshardware. It certainly saves you hours of research. Thank you very much toms.
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February 11, 2011 11:42:17 AM

These last couple of months the battle is always on high end and upper mainstream graphic card. No new sub $100 best pcie graphic card. AMD release 6670 and 6570 to oem only, and despite geforce gt 440 finally hit retail, there's no review available.
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February 11, 2011 12:18:24 PM

The egg has one brand of ati 4830 for $60 no rebate and has had it for weeks, yet you recommend the 46xx series?! full 256 bit bandwidth here.
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February 11, 2011 2:49:02 PM

jtt283With the dollar soon to crash, the build I'm planning for late Spring/early Summer may be my last personal build for the foreseeable future. I'm thinking a GTX560Ti is probably where I want to be; higher than I need right now, but should remain viable for years.


Crash? What crash?
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February 11, 2011 6:00:18 PM

With the impending release of both the GTX 590 and Radeon 6990, is there a chance of those two cards causing a price drop in the current high-end card market? Or will they most likely be priced too high to effect anything else?
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February 11, 2011 9:29:08 PM

Im Still looking for a replacement for my 4890-OC Cross-fire set-up. I was looking at the 6970 to see if that single card would provide the performance of what I'm running now but after looking at the benchmarks, 2 6950's would be the best option
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February 11, 2011 9:47:46 PM

bildo123Crash? What crash?


lol. You think we can print money to pay our debts forever? We are in a unique position to do so now because the dollar is the world's reserve currency, but it is an unsustainable trend.
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February 13, 2011 9:19:20 AM

Please also include benchmarks with 3x24 monitor setup in your future reviews of video cards!
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February 13, 2011 2:43:46 PM

I agree with Don Woligroski's article that they do tend to follow ATI's & NVidia's specifications,but there are those cards that may have just enough of an extra in your own eye's to get it there and then...
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February 13, 2011 2:57:47 PM

The only bad thing with the warranty part is that when the local PC store says 12 months back to base warranty (especially if it's Techbuy from Sydney,Australia) they never try to honour their warranty promise...So I would advise you all to shop online at other online stores instead of going to Techbuy Sydney,Australia...They are the worse,they sell you returns & tell you that it is still a brand new unopened product...
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February 13, 2011 3:30:42 PM

Been buying pc parts from zipzoomfly and what was newegg? egghead or googlegear back then.

Upgraded at least once a year (or more) untill I felt no need after q6600.
Then the huge leap with raided ssd drives.

I'm finally upgrading to a i5 2500k (ordered cpu on ebay) crosses fingers for portatech order to go thru I made thursday.
But the absolute best bang for the buck after weeks of searching in video cards is to:
Look often for open boxes and (my favorite) factory refurb.
Get a gtx460 1GB for between $140-$160 shipped.
www.newegg.com
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Anonymous
a b U Graphics card
February 14, 2011 4:58:48 PM

They're on crack... making it sound like the 6870 and the 560 Ti are on par with each-other... The 560 Ti completely outperforms the 6870, but costs about $30 more on average. I think they missed it when AMD said that the 6950 1GB was going to compete against the 560 Ti... It never fails to amaze me how often they don't their homework here.
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