6870 or 460

[irfan88]

Hi,

I have an nvidia motherboard (SLI) and a phenom II 955 BE processor.

I would like to be gaming on a 1920x1080 resolution monitor. So I am a bit confused whether to opt for a GTX 460 1GB card (nvidia) or an AMD HD 6870 card.

The reason why I am confused is because I have this nvidia sli motherboard. If I opt for the 6870, I will not be future proof because I cannot add another 6870 due to SLI support only on the motherboard. Whereas, if I go with a 460 1gb, I can sli another card later.

what do you suggest.

 

[jryan388]

Then get the 460 1GB.

 

[irfan88]

is the GTX 460 1gb on par with the hd 6870. I am talking about the GTX 460 1gb hawk model.

remember I want to be future proof. If bulldozer comes out, I know that I can use my existing Phenom II x4 955BE on the AM3+ motherboards as they are compatible. So I will be upgrading to a new motherboard which is AM3+ socket.

So just kind a confused whether I should go for a 460 or a 6870. because I don't think that AMD is gonna allow SLI support on the upcoming AM3+ socket motherboards.

What do you suggest. Should I still go with a 460 1gb or a 6870. I want to be future proof (that is I want to add another card for sli or crossfire).

 

[jimishtar]

460 gtx

 

[irfan88]

is the GTX 460 1gb on par with the hd 6870. I am talking about the GTX 460 1gb hawk model.

remember I want to be future proof. If bulldozer comes out, I know that I can use my existing Phenom II x4 955BE on the AM3+ motherboards as they are compatible. So I will be upgrading to a new motherboard which is AM3+ socket.

So just kind a confused whether I should go for a 460 or a 6870. because I don't think that AMD is gonna allow SLI support on the upcoming AM3+ socket motherboards.

What do you suggest. Should I still go with a 460 1gb or a 6870. I want to be future proof (that is I want to add another card for sli or crossfire).

 

[sykozis]

GTX460 1GB is actually closer to the HD6850 in terms of performance at stock clocks. It can be overclocked rather nicely to reach the same performance as the HD6870 though. For the sake of being able to make use of SLI later, barring any CPU bottleneck, I'd opt for the GTX460 and simply overclock it. Most can reach 850/1700/2000 rather easily with little impact to operating temperature.

Futureproof is rather a mis-used term though. You can prolong the life of the system, but you can't actually "futureproof" it, as the system will have to be upgraded in the future to run newer apps/games.

Since nVidia is no longer developing chipsets and are in direct competition with AMD, I'd expect that the era of SLI on AMD platforms is ending. So, if you plan on upgrading to Bulldozer later, your best option for multi-GPU support would be the HD6870....or you can buy the GTX460 and hope for an AM3+ motherboard with a Lucid Hyrda chip.

 

[wannaturnuptheheat]

The GTX 460 can perform better than a 6870, WHEN it is overclocked.

However, the question is thus: Are you willing to OC the 460? If so, I wholeheartedly suggest the 460, especially since it gives you an SLI solution down the road. The problem here is that GTX 460s with 1 gig of VRAM and better-than-reference cooling (what you really need to safely OC) start getting upwards of 180, 190 bucks. However, if you're seriously willing to SLI the 460s, then there is no reason not to invest in one now and get another down the road.

EDIT: Seeing your addition, and the fact that you anticipate shifting to an AM3 board, I change my vote to 6870 for the same reason I recommended the 460 -- your new board will likely support Crossfire.

 

[sykozis]

The GTX 460 can perform better than a 6870, WHEN it is overclocked.

However, the question is thus: Are you willing to OC the 460? If so, I wholeheartedly suggest the 460, especially since it gives you an SLI solution down the road. The problem here is that GTX 460s with 1 gig of VRAM and better-than-reference cooling (what you really need to safely OC) start getting upwards of 180, 190 bucks. However, if you're seriously willing to SLI the 460s, then there is no reason not to invest in one now and get another down the road.

If he plans on upgrading to a Bulldozer based processor, SLI will more than likely not be an option without a Lucid Hydra chip on the AM3+ motherboards. If he stays with a single-GPU solution and is willing to overclock....then SLI/Crossfire/Hydra is a non-issu and the GTX460 looks like the best solution due to how performance scales with overclocking.

 

[irfan88]

As you know my complete story now, please suggest me something. A 460 1gb or a HD 6870?????

If I go the 460 1gb way, then will it max out any game at 1920x1080 resolution. (exception:- crysis and metro).


Note: I will be upgrading to the AM3+ socket motherboard in future, I think (not sure as my processor and the motherboard can still get the job done).

 

[wannaturnuptheheat]

As you know my complete story now, please suggest me something. A 460 1gb or a HD 6870?????

If I go the 460 1gb way, then will it max out any game at 1920x1080 resolution. (exception:- crysis and metro).


Note: I will be upgrading to the AM3+ socket motherboard in future, I think (not sure as my processor and the motherboard can still get the job done).

A single GTX 460 isn't gonna max some games, even overclocked... It's a ~$160-~$180 card, it's not a flagship.

My recommendation is based solely on whether you plan to overclock this. If you want immediate single-card power, and are willing to OC, GTX 460 all the way. If you don't like the thought of OCing, then the 6870 is, at stock, the better card, not to mention you invest in a potential Crossfire setup down the road.

 

[irfan88]

I am ok with the gtx 460 or even a hd 6870.

but my main concern is will an AMD graphic card setup be more future proof or will the NVIDIA be more future proof. I am talking about the crossfire and sli options because I would like to stick on to AMD in future instead of nvidia processors.


so please tell me if AMD or NVIDIA is better in terms of future proofing.

 

[wannaturnuptheheat]

I am ok with the gtx 460 or even a hd 6870.

but my main concern is will an AMD graphic card setup be more future proof or will the NVIDIA be more future proof. I am talking about the crossfire and sli options because I would like to stick on to AMD in future instead of nvidia processors.


so please tell me if AMD or NVIDIA is better in terms of future proofing.

As said above, you aren't "future proofing", you're buying a component which will remain useful longer. Everything becomes obsolete within a few years.

That said, if you stick with AMD processors (I assume you mean over Intel processors), then again as stated, your new mobos will more likely support Crossfire natively than SLI (hacks aside). So if you know you plan to dual-card in the future, and you know you plan to go the AMD-centric route, than the 6870 is your best choice.

 

[irfan88]

ok then its a 6870. I will get it. It costs the same price as the GTX 460 hawk in india. (plus the 6870 is faster than a GTX 460).

If I go with a 6870, will it have any problems running on an nforce motherboard (its an nvidia chipset with an amd processor).


Now can you suggest me a good HD 6870 model. should I go with ASUS, Sapphire, MSI or gigabyte.

 

[sykozis]

I am ok with the gtx 460 or even a hd 6870.

but my main concern is will an AMD graphic card setup be more future proof or will the NVIDIA be more future proof. I am talking about the crossfire and sli options because I would like to stick on to AMD in future instead of nvidia processors.


so please tell me if AMD or NVIDIA is better in terms of future proofing.

In terms of "futureproofing"....neither are good options as it's completely impossible to "futureproof" a computer. As has been stated....If you're willing to overclock, the GTX460 is the best option....as well as if you're planning to stay with your current motherboard/processor. If you're going to upgrade to Bulldozer later and want to move towards multi-GPU configurations, then the HD6870. Everything is centered on your future upgrades. With a GTX460, moving to multi-GPU with a Bulldozer based processor will more than likely require a Lucid Hydra chip, whereas Crossfire will be guarranteed as a supported feature on most AM3+ boards. As far as "futureproofing" goes....it's never going to happen. Technology advances and upgrades are required to keep up. A system built today...will need to be replaced at some point over the next 3-5 years depending on usage....which is completely against the definition of futureproof.

 

[sykozis]

ok then its a 6870. I will get it. It costs the same price as the GTX 460 hawk in india. (plus the 6870 is faster than a GTX 460).

If I go with a 6870, will it have any problems running on an nforce motherboard (its an nvidia chipset with an amd processor).


Now can you suggest me a good HD 6870 model. should I go with ASUS, Sapphire, MSI or gigabyte.

Personally, I'd go with Asus or Gigabyte....

 

[spentshells]

Get 6870 Asus direct CU

 

[AstroTC]

Get the 6870 the benchmark says it all:

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/290?vs=313

There is a Twin frozer version of the HD 6870 but it is more expensive i'd recommend this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125357&cm_re=6870-_-14-125-357-_-Product

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150520&cm_re=6870-_-14-150-520-_-Product

 

[irfan88]

If I go with a 6870, will it have any problems running on an nforce motherboard (its an nvidia chipset with an amd processor)

 

[wannaturnuptheheat]

If I go with a 6870, will it have any problems running on an nforce motherboard (its an nvidia chipset with an amd processor)

A single one will not, BUT you will have issues trying to Crossfire.

Please make up your mind... our recommendation hinges on the fact that you see yourself committing with AMD or Intel. As stated, AMD will likely stop making Nvidia-compatible motherboards, so you can't count on Nforce being in the future.

 

[irfan88]

I have already chosen the AMD way. So I will get the HD 6870. I will probably go with ASUS or Sapphire (dont plan to overclock them).


I will run a single card for now because it is sufficient for a 1920x1080 resolution monitor for now.

I will probably get an AM3+ motherboard with the AMD chipset when the bulldozer comes out and then crossfire it when required.

Is it ok now. Please tell me if I have gone wrong somewhere.

 

[wannaturnuptheheat]

I have already chosen the AMD way. So I will get the HD 6870. I will probably go with ASUS or Sapphire (dont plan to overclock them).


I will run a single card for now because it is sufficient for a 1920x1080 resolution monitor for now.

I will probably get an AM3+ motherboard with the AMD chipset when the bulldozer comes out and then crossfire it when required.

Is it ok now. Please tell me if I have gone wrong somewhere.

No, that's sound reasoning. Both Asus and Sapphire are good AMD manufacturers, and even without overclocking it's always good to have better-than-reference cooling.

I wish you luck, both with this GPU and in future upgrades.

 

[irfan88]

Where did I go wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wasn't getting a reference cooling card.

I was talking about this card:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121418&Tpk=asus%20hd%206870


If I go with a reference one, then this card would be better because it has got some good reviews:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102909&cm_re=sapphire_hd_6870-_-14-102-909-_-Product

 

[wannaturnuptheheat]

Where did I go wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wasn't getting a reference cooling card.

I was talking about this card:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121418&Tpk=asus%20hd%206870


If I go with a reference one, then this card would be better because it has got some good reviews:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102909&cm_re=sapphire_hd_6870-_-14-102-909-_-Product

Please read what I wrote again.

it's always good to have better-than-reference cooling.

 

[sykozis]

nForce chipset development has already ceased...so, without an NF200 or Lucid Hydra chip, SLI isn't possible without driver hacks. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for motherboard makers to put an NF200 chip on an AMD board and the Lucid Hydra chip doesn't have the best performance numbers. So, if you're going to upgrade to Bulldozer...HD6870 provides seemingly the only guarranteed multi-gpu configuration.

Sapphire has seemingly had more quality control issues as of late...at least judging by posts in other forums...

Get the 6870 the benchmark says it all:

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/290?vs=313

There is a Twin frozer version of the HD 6870 but it is more expensive i'd recommend this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125357&cm_re=6870-_-14-125-357-_-Product

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150520&cm_re=6870-_-14-150-520-_-Product

Those benchmarks don't "say it all" as the GTX460 can easily be overclocked to match or exceed the performance of an HD6870 for less money.

 

[irfan88]

can I get the asus direct cu 6870. it has custom cooling.