Vid Card upgrade, no fanboys please

[ntaguitar]

PLEASE SOLID REASONING NO FANBOY ANSWERS
By solid answers I mean back it up. Dont just say get an ATI cause its cheaper for dx11! or get an nVidia cuz u needz physx!! that being said...




So, I've been an "Nvidia fanboy" for a while....

Currently running out of date and due for an upgrade (9600 GTX). Budget would like to be around 200 but absolute max at about 400 if good enough a card to last.

I'm by far no pro when it comes to video technology and I try to follow benchmarkreviews.com for new tech (I'm sure there are better places to look but its the most comprehensive reviews and benchmarks I have seen for a casual techie).

Down to brass tacs....

With all of the improvments of ATI recently and earlier/cheaper support of dx11 why go with nVidia? Is physx that important for gaming?

I currently play WoW, Left 4 Dead 2 and Global Agenda. Nothing too intense.

With the GTX 470s running about 350-390 right now I'm inclined to get one just from reliability from my nVidia cards in the past. Had one bad experience with an ATI card a while back and just havent had a good view of the cards since.

Seeing as I can pick up an HD 5850 for about 50 bucks cheaper (and seen reviews saying its about as good as a GTX 470).....I dont know! Any intelligent insight is very appreciated.


TLR

Under $400 budget. Would like dx11. Nvidia or ATI and why?

 

[EXT64]

I wouldn't worry about PhysX too much. While I like more accurate physics in games, I just don't think PhysX will ever catch on seriously if it can't run on ATI cards.

That said, 470 vs 5850 is a hard choice. My understanding now is that while the 470 is more expensive, in many cases it has the performance to back up that price. The only major drawbacks still remaining is its higher power consumption and thus heat. If that is a non-issue to you (and you have a good PSU), I'd call it even.

Then, factor in a preference/comfort to NVidia cards, and I'd say the 470 is probably the card for you.

 

[ntaguitar]

Physx isnt that important, only two game can really take advantage of it ME and Batman:AA.

Id say stick with a HD5850, $50 less, decent performance, wonderful overcloclockability and cool. Unless you need CUDA for CS5, or want to run uningine benchmarks everyday, the GTX 470 isnt that great.

Though it sorta is missing one important detail, what is your PSU?

Sorry, I'm using a Ultra LSP750w PSU on an intel p55kg extreme board with an intel i5 750 quad.

 

[ntaguitar]

Thats not an great PSU, with a 470, which uses more power (~50W) than even the 5870, it wont be too safe if you plan to OC.

I'm only slightly OC'd 2.6 to 3.2 and up to 1600 mhz, I dont really plan on going higher. The 470 only requires a 550, and even at that I can upgrade it if needed. Discussion is the card, not my psu.

 

[ntaguitar]

Just making sure because a 470+PSU wouldent be "Under $400 budget"

according to nvidia specs the 470 is a 550w card and mine is 750w so i should be ok but if not i can get more

 

[jyjjy]

What is your monitor's native resolution?
I general the HD5850 is definitely the best deal on the high end right now, especially if you are willing to overclock.

 

[ntaguitar]

What is your monitor's native resolution?
I general the HD5850 is definitely the best deal on the high end right now, especially if you are willing to overclock.

no idea native, i've ran it 1680x1050 for years. its a dell 22inch idk

 

[EXT64]

22 inch is probably 1680x1050. You should (almost) always run LCDs at their native res.

While Ultra PSUs are far from good in general, that 750W should be plenty for either card (and the rest of your system of course).

 

[jyjjy]

Even an HD5770 should be a very nice card for 1680x1050 if you want to save some money. Your motherboard is crossfire capable so you can always add another later for performance similar to an HD5870.

 

[welshmousepk]

as jyjjy said, at that res a 5770 would do very well.

i would have to say it would be the best choice right now.

 

[jeffredo]

If you are interested in staying with Nvidia and don't foresee any DX11 games on the horizon you want a good GTX 260 would be a fine match for your CPU and monitor resolution:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127464

If you're concerned about DX11 games in the future the HD 5770 would be a good choice - usually a tiny bit slower, but more power efficient. The HD 5830 might be an option for you as well. Pretty decent performance (better than the HD 5770) and DX11 support for about $100 less than an HD 5850. Damn good card for $200.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102878

 

[duk3]

You could crossfire 2 5770s for 300$ and performance like a 5870 if you want.
Are you worried about temperatures?
If not, and you don't want to do the xfire than I would probably look at a 470, which has the best price/performance I believe.

 

[ntaguitar]

22 inch is probably 1680x1050. You should (almost) always run LCDs at their native res.

While Ultra PSUs are far from good in general, that 750W should be plenty for either card (and the rest of your system of course).

Yea I know the LSPs arent 80+ but i get a good deal through my work on em and lifetime warranty so thats what I'll be running.

Using a HAF 922 case with an additional 200mm side fan blowing in on the board, heat shouldnt be a huge issue.

 

[EXT64]

Well, efficiency doesn't really matter for quality. You could have a good PSU with bad efficiency, but that is beside the point. In my experience, Ultra PSUs have been fine as long as you don't run them near max (which you won't be doing). I still run an Ultra X-Conn 550W on my FX60/4850 PC. The 550W could not power a 2900XT reliably though.

 

[ntaguitar]

Best answer selected by ntaguitar.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey