5770 now or 6xxx series later?

[ChromeTusk]

Should I get a HD5770 now (within the next two months and holiday prices) or should I continue saving up for the 6000 series?

I am a casual gamer on Starcraft 2 and WoW (Cataclysm releases Dec 7th), but I would like to max out settings. Currently, my monitor runs at 1680x1050, but I hope to upgrade soon or attach it to my big screen. Other specs found here .

The main HD5770 cards I have looked at are the MSI R5770 (stock and Hawk), HIS H577Q IceQ (stock and Turbo), and Asus EAH5770 CuCore.
Newegg comparison as of 11/30/10.

= = = = = Update Dec 13, 2010 = = = = =
Is the HD68xx too powerful for my CPU (Phenom II 965 BE)? I plan to upgrade my monitor within the next year with a resolution of at least 1920x1080.

HD 6850 cards I am looking at:
Sapphire HD6850 TOXIC
Asus EAH6850 DirectCU
MSI R6850-PM2D1GD5

HD 6870 cards: Not sure which brands and models since this class might be too much for what I do and my budget.

 

[silversurfernhs]

6xxx, it'll be worth it. Hold on tight.

 

[iam2thecrowe]

5770 should run those games at high settings at that resolution, but maybe not with AA on. While considering 6xxx series you should also consider the 5850 which has dropped in prce dramatically, and the gtx460. Also, what CPU do you have? IF its a slower CPU it may not be worth getting more than a 5770.

 

[ortoklaz]

5770 should run those games at high settings at that resolution, but maybe not with AA on. While considering 6xxx series you should also consider the 5850 which has dropped in prce dramatically, and the gtx460. Also, what CPU do you have? IF its a slower CPU it may not be worth getting more than a 5770.

5770 won't drop the price it's already cheap and it may be your best bet specially with the PSU you have,470 or 6xxx would hit your sweet spot(prices are right)
Think about PSU upgrade before you make a move in that direction

 

[ChromeTusk]

Thank you for your opinions. I hope to make the purchase at the end of December, but I am willing to wait.

5770 should run those games at high settings at that resolution, but maybe not with AA on. While considering 6xxx series you should also consider the 5850 which has dropped in prce dramatically, and the gtx460. Also, what CPU do you have? IF its a slower CPU it may not be worth getting more than a 5770.

CPU = Phenom II 965BE: BIOS overclocked at 3.66 for everyday use; Asus TurboV overclocked to 4.1+ while gaming.
Resolution = My current monitor is maxed at 1680 x 1050 , but I am looking for an excuse to upgrade .

5770 won't drop the price it's already cheap and it may be your best bet specially with the PSU you have,470 or 6xxx would hit your sweet spot(prices are right)
Think about PSU upgrade before you make a move in that direction

PSU = Antec TruePower New 750W-Blue: Got this power supply to give myself room in case I decided to try a crossfire set-up (plus it was actually less than the 600W PSUs they had in stock). How much do I need for the current 68xx cards?

My current systems specs are found on this thread: Just want honest opinions on my build.

 

[ortoklaz]

@OP your specs look good (750w PSU was smart move) I own 5770 and the card is just fine for casual gamer but can't run with the top dogs,the 68XX is more refine (not recommended for multiple GPU set up, ati drivers blow )If you wait 2~3 weeks you can get really good price on 470 or 68xx cards,specially with new ati card and GTX570 due to be released on dec 7 or so

 

[ChromeTusk]

@OP your specs look good (750w PSU was smart move) I own 5770 and the card is just fine for casual gamer but can't run with the top dogs,the 68XX is more refine (not recommended for multiple GPU set up, ati drivers blow )If you wait 2~3 weeks you can get really good price on 470 or 68xx cards,specially with new ati card and GTX570 due to be released on dec 7 or so

Although I would love to have a new card on Dec 7th (for WoW:Cata ), I know holiday prices are going to drop and I might even wait for after Christmas sales/clearances. I guess the final prices will be the determining factor, including any taxes and shipping costs.

Which brands and models of the 5770 and 68xx would you recommend? I listed the 5770's I was looking at in the original post. I included the HIS IceQ/Ice5 because it sends exhaust out the back and my current case dampens noise very well. Currently, I have an MSI R5450 (OC 700/890, hybrid crossfire with HD4290) as a temporary solution. That card will go into another PC for the family when I upgrade my card.

 

[ortoklaz]

buy reference card if you can and don't worry about exhaust 5770's run very cool,my choice would be XFX (HD-577A-ZNDK) or Vapor X;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102868
http://xfxforce.com/en-us/products/graphiccards/HD%205000series/5770.aspx

P.S. Nvidia's new graphics card is released on December 7, the day of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm

 

[ChromeTusk]

My motherboard is the other reason I am looking at AMD/ATI cards. It only supports CrossFire if I decide to run multiple GPUs.
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buy reference card if you can and don't worry about exhaust 5770's run very cool,my choice would be XFX (HD-577A-ZNDK) or Vapor X;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102868
http://xfxforce.com/en-us/products/graphiccards/HD%205000series/5770.aspx

P.S. Nvidia's new graphics card is released on December 7, the day of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm

Unfortunately, the Vapor-X is out of stock at my usual shopping sites and stores . Has it been discontinued?

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Does anyone else have opinions on brands and models for the 5770 or 68xx?

 

[ortoklaz]

My motherboard is the other reason I am looking at AMD/ATI cards. It only supports CrossFire if I decide to run multiple GPUs.
===== ===== ===== =====

Unfortunately, the Vapor-X is out of stock at my usual shopping sites and stores . Has it been discontinued?

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Does anyone else have opinions on brands and models for the 5770 or 68xx?

sorry i missed that and "out of stock"is exactly what it means,good luck
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127490

 

[ChromeTusk]

Update on OP. I'm leaning towards waiting a bit longer due to changes in my budget/savings.

 

[iam2thecrowe]

maybe a gtx460...in my part of the world the 1gb has dropped $20 below the 6850....

 

[ChromeTusk]

Found the Asus EAH5770 CuCore on sale after Christmas for $135 minus $35 mail-in rebate at a local shop.

Current computer config