GeForce GTX 470 vs Radeon HD 6870

[emperorhaplo]

Hello,

I'm building a new system, and want to buy 2 cards, either in SLI or in Crossfire. Currently I'm considering the GeForce GTX 470 or the Radeon HD 6870. I read the best graphics card for the money thread, and it puts their performance at the same level at the ~$500 level. Any advice about differences between the two would be appreciated. Thanks.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: January

BUDGET RANGE: ~$500

USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, watching hd-movies, 3d Design, Photoshop, Occasional video editing

CURRENT GPU AND POWER SUPPLY: current GPU is an 8800GT. Power supply i'm buying with the new system is going to be 1000 watt psu : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171049

OTHER RELEVANT SYSTEM SPECS: i7 950, 8 GB RAM, CoolerMaster HAF 932 case, sabertooth x58 mobo

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg

PARTS PREFERENCES: none

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Yes

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1680x1050, 1920x1080 (tv for movies)

Thanks for any comments.

 

[Embra]

Do you plan on play games at 1680x1050 for long? Two cards are not really needed to play most games at max settings with one good card. You definitely have the hardware for a nice SLI or CF setup.

Here is a link that compares many GPU configurations, including the just released ATI's.


comparisons


Hope this is helpful.

 

[kg2010]

Since you will be using Photoshop and the occasional video editing, you will benefit from CUDA.

You could go for a single 570 and save money, but if you want SLI, be sure to get these 470's, since they are only $245 AR right now:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127513&cm_re=gtx_470-_-14-127-513-_-Product

I've yet to see my card go past 65C on FULL load, and that's only with 61% fan, which isn't audible.

I ran some Heaven benchmarks yesterday with my card overclocked, and it outperformed a 6970!

My recommended overclock settings for these cards are: 800c-1600s-1800mem and won't take much more voltage over stock, this will give you GTX 570 stock performance. ( Bonus )

 

[emperorhaplo]

Thanks for the replies, they were helpful

 

[emperorhaplo]

Best answer selected by emperorhaplo.

 

[Maziar]

This topic has been closed by Maziar