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6850 CF vs 6970 (1920x1080)

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Hello,

I'd like to poll the community on my future purchase. There is a similar thread, but the OP was targeting a different resolution, so I'd like to get some feedback that's a little more customized to my needs.

I just ordered a 120hz 1920x1080 23.6" LG monitor (not tv) to use in 2D only. (no interest in 3D, ever)
I'd like to get the most out of this new monitor and I'm building a new machine around it.

Specs of new machine:
Intel i5 2500K 3.3Ghz -> 4.6Ghz OC (approx)
ASRock P67 Extreme4 LGA 1155
4GB DDR3-1600
PC P&C 750W silencer

I play mostly Source games (L4D2, TF2) and BFBC2. I use the benches from BFBC2 since L4D2 is more CPU intensive.

My budget is flexible, but I prefer to not go over ~$350 (US).

I'm considering the 6850CF (~$350) vs 6950 2GB (unlocked to 6970 for ~$300)

This bench at Anand and this Firing Squad review show the 6850CF ~100fps in BFBC2 (as high as I'd get for this price point)

The $50 price bump for ~30fps seems like good value for a primary game and gets more out of that 120hz monitor.

Am I missing a competing single card or CF solution at that price point? I'm really targeting ~100fps (or better :) ) in BFBC2 more than anything. Also, please feel free to critique the rest of the build if you see fit.

footnote: I'm no fanboy for ATI, but I do take issue with my previous nVidia cards. I had nothing but trouble with my 8800GT SLI and I show my discontent with my wallet. So, for this build I prefer to go ATI out of principle.

Thanks for your input.


More about : 6850 6970 1920x1080

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The 6850CF is the more powerful option thats for sure, but seems like overkill for the games you play, l4d2 and TF2? I mean my buddy plays those max settings at 1920x1200 with a much, much worse video card.

I prefer single card solutions, and I think you will be very happy with a single 6950.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4137/amds-gtx-560-ti-coun...


Here is another thread on the matter, it should be noted that the OP of that thread already HAD a single 6850 prior to his debate.

http://www.overclock.net/ati/904915-6950-unlock-6970-68...
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_Morphine_ said:
The same questions still apply, but taking the 120hz monitor into account, I still lean toward the 6850CF. $100 bucks more for 30fps that I can actually see is quite a bargain. If I was using a 60hz LCD I would completely agree with your suggestion of a single GPU solution (6970, even 5870).

Also, they recently added the 5970 to anand bench.
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/297?vs=302
=o


http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/292?vs=302

I'm just not seeing 100 dollars worth of difference there. You seem intelligent so you do realize that you're not going to be able to tell the difference between 60 and 90 FPS, right?

Helltech said:
The 6850CF is the more powerful option thats for sure, but seems like overkill for the games you play, l4d2 and TF2? I mean my buddy plays those max settings at 1920x1200 with a much, much worse video card.

I prefer single card solutions, and I think you will be very happy with a single 6950.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4137/amds-gtx-560-ti-coun...


Here is another thread on the matter, it should be noted that the OP of that thread already HAD a single 6850 prior to his debate.

http://www.overclock.net/ati/904915-6950-unlock-6970-68...


I do play other games. That's why I mentioned BFBC2 as well. The real driving force is max fps for that 120hz. Paying any amount of money to not reach near 100 seems like a waste of money for the monitor and the video card.


Quote:
At 1080p, 6850x2 is probably overkill for most games.

What's overkill? =P but, seriously. If I had a 60hz LCD I could see the that logic. But I can use those frames over 60fps.

_Morphine_ said:
I do play other games. That's why I mentioned BFBC2 as well. The real driving force is max fps for that 120hz. Paying any amount of money to not reach near 100 seems like a waste of money for the monitor and the video card.


Quote:
At 1080p, 6850x2 is probably overkill for most games.

What's overkill? =P but, seriously. If I had a 60hz LCD I could see the that logic. But I can use those frames over 60fps.


Again, I reiterate however, more frames means nothing when you get that high. You are not going to be able to tell the difference between 55 or 200 FPS. The only time you will be able to tell a difference is if the graphics card isn't powerful enough to keep a steady frame rate, and you go from 60 to 20 to 55 to 65 fps, within a few seconds.

Honestly you seem set on the CF solution, and if you have the money to spend then do it. Granted even THEN I'd still rather get a single card and CF the single BETTER card in the future when needed.

Ask yourself how often you like having to upgrade your hardware? 2 6850's right now smoke every game avaliable at this time. They will have a much longer life span compared to the 6950. I would be looking to the future and how long your money can play the games you would like it to. I just bought 2 Asus direct cu 6850 cards setting them up was extremely easy i don't plan on upgrading again for at least a year and a half.

Another point is 2 6850 cards cost right above $330 and a single 6950 costs around $250 bucks. for an extra $80 or so bucks you get a setup that matches and sometimes passes the 5970.
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