1280x1024 hd4870

[kookueb]

Hello.
Next month im getting a new pc, and it has an ati hd4870. I only game at 1280x1024 ( i wont upgade monitor ) and i'd like to know; is it the best card for that resolution?(heck, i'll even play at 800x600 if my pc gets overaged, not planning on buying another pc for a long time)and could it last me a few years? I also have a 1.0 mobo and ive read somewhere 5xxx series ( 2.1 )cards dont perform that well or wont work at all on 1.0 mobo 's . So if i plan to upgrade my gpu it would be a hd4890 ( which i heavily doubt cause the fps change wont be that much, will it ?). Please answer my questions

Thanks

 

[borisof007]

The card you have, the 4870, will be adequate for 1280x1024 for most games on medium settings (for older games, you could get away with higher settings).

Most 2.1 PCI-E cards won't work right with PCI-E 1.0 slots, so yes, some of the 5xxx series cards wouldn't make sense for you to get without building a whole new rig.

I wouldn't recommend getting a 4890 from a 4870, it's a small upgrade for a huge power draw, increase in heat, and not to mention price.

 

[Pallimud]

I had a 4850 and played SC2 on ultra, TF2 on high with AAx4, and Empire Total War on High as well. Not to mention that I was playing at 1920x1200 resolution.

So your 4870 can power through games without an issue. For average games, you'll play on High or even Ultra. I don't think you'll ever have to go under medium. Granted of course you have a decent CPU.