Graphics @ $140

[sadams04]

Thinking of pulling a pair of XFX HD 4850 GPUs to run in Crossfire @ 8x/8x. I am looking for opinions on this or a single GPU having similar performance at a similar price (if there is one). Are there disadvantages to the 4000 series GPUs that would sway a purchase decision toward a newer card? I was looking at a single HD 6950, but it is $100+ more than the 4850s and I don't see myself adding a second 6950 in the future (new rig at that point). Currently playing a little WOW and Starcraft on a X4 955 @ 3.8GHz, 4GB mem, and 9800 GT.

HD 4850 ($70 USD each) => http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150482&cm_re=4850-_-14-150-482-_-Product

 

[hang-the-9]

If you are looking to upgrade just for WoW and Stacraft, you probaby don't need to. I can max out WoW on a 9800GT with a slower CPU, I'm sure you can play at Ultra with good results also. Spend the money on chinese takeout. Wait till you find a game that chokes up the system, then look at upgrades. Price vs speed just gets better the more you wait.

 

[Griffolion]

Two 4850's in crossfire will perform admirably, you won't find much better bang for buck. However the 4 series ran hot and loud as well as drew considerable power. So if you're prepared for that, then go for it.

 

[purple stain]

What is your CPU and monitor resoultion?
5850's are selling for dirt cheap now.A single 5850 is equivelnt to x2 4850's.Also the 5850 has DX11.

 

[sadams04]

While I am fine now, my gaming time has been slowly increasing. Also thinking about some COD or another game so it is probably time for an upgrade.

 

[purple stain]

Their is also the option of a 6850.They are a lil cheaper than the 5850 but give good performance and will do very well when in crossfire.I would suggest getting a 6850 now and saving up for another later.

 

[sadams04]

Resolution is at 1920 x 1080.

The 5850 looks like a good option. A little more than the pair of 4850s, but DX11 would be nice.

 

[Griffolion]

The 5850 will be more than suited to your resolution, it's also a single card, more up to date solution. While both options are good, i personally would go the single card route.

 

[benski]

You can get within 10% of the performance #s of CF 4850s with a single 460, and the 768m model can be found for $130 after rebate from either Asus or MSI. You would get Dx11 and not have the hassle of crossfire. The 5850 would be better but I don't see any for less that $165 after rebate.

 

[purple stain]

The gtx460 is a nice card but i wouldn't want to go with the 768mb version with a 1920 x 1080 resolution.

I'd reccomend the 6850.It doesn't perform as well as the 5850 but only slightly slower.But it uses less power and is better at tessleation which will come in handy for some of the newer games coming out later this year or next year.Also when you crossfire 6850's compared to 5850's the 6850 outperform the 5850 crossfire.

PowerColor 6850 $180=$160 after MIR + $10 Promo Code + Free Shipping

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131374&cm_re=6850-_-14-131-374-_-Product

What's your current PSU?

 

[sadams04]

My current PSU is an OCZ 650w. Not the greatest PSU, but no need to replace it... yet. => http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341036&cm_re=OCZ_650w-_-17-341-036-_-Product

If I am recapping this correctly, my best options are:
Dual HD 4850s @ $140
Single HD 5850 @ $165 (leaning this way)
Single HD 6850 @ $160
Single GTX 460 1GB @ $140

 

[purple stain]

I think out of those the 6850 is best.The 5850 is a faster single card but in crossfire the 6850's will outperform the 5850's.And the 68xx series cards a new so they are better prepared for the future.

I just realized you mostly play Blizzard games.If so it might be a better choice to the Nvidia route and get a GTX4601G.Altough the 6850 is faster than the gtx460, in Blizzard games Nvidia cards are more favored than ATI so it is possible to see higher fps with a GTX460 than a 6850.