Video Card Upgrade for Skryim

[Stone9]

Hey guys,

I'm currently running a Core i5 750 OC'd to 3.6 GHz w/ 16GB RAM, 120GB OCZ Agility 3 SSD, and a XFX Radeon 4870 1GB. I'm really into Skyrim having played Morrowind and Obivion on the XBOX/360. This is my first time playing it on the PC. I'm wondering if I should upgrade my video card? Skyrim puts me at the Ultra level settings, but the framerate does suffer at times. I was able to try another persons XFX 6950 2GB (not a reference design though, so no boosting to a 6970...) and saw the frame rate stay at 60 most of the time.

Do you think it's worth it to upgrade the video card to something that can hold me over until the next line of video cards come out? I've been looking at the 560 Ti's, the 6950's, and more recently the 560 Ti 448 core (not sure if it's worth it), 570's, and the 6970. I've been able to find some 6970's and 570's for a little over $300 which is about my price cab. I figure I could get one of these cards now, then SLI/Crossfire it in the future if I don't upgrade to a newer architecture.

There are a few articles out there comparing cards on Skyrim, but they seem to indicate the older 560 Ti's do better than the 6950's and the 6970's...

http://techreport.com/articles.x/22048/9

I've been reading the posts on here for similar questions, but I figure I'd get advice specific to my current 4870 card and Skyrim.

 

[Helltech]

I would upgrade so you can mod skyrim and make it look 3x better then it already does, but you'll need a beefy card like the 570/6970 that you're already looking at. The Nvidia drivers right now seem to work with Skyrim a bit better then AMD but in a few months I'm sure they will both be fine.

 

[rolli59]

Here HD6970 and GTX570 are pretty equal so GTX560Ti and HD6950 should be to http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/skyrim-performance-benchmark,3074-6.html
GTX560 TI for $210 is good value for the money http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125401

 

[17seconds]

You should be looking at the Nvidia options for Skyrim. Decide on your budget, then get the card that fits.
http://www.hardocp.com/article/2011/11/21/elder_scrolls_v_skyrim_performance_iq_review/7

 

[Stone9]

Thanks for all the great responses guys. I just need to decide between the HD 6970 and the GTX 570. Nvidia does play nicer right now, but Helltech is right, they'll soon be on the same page. I'm really don't need the 2GB of the HD 6970 as I have a Dell UltraSharp WFP2408, so I only use 1920x1200 resolution. The HD 6970 can be had for about

$300

And the GTX 570 for $290

Anyone know anything about Galaxy or they pretty bargain bin?

 

[rolli59]

Galaxy is a bargain brand.

 

[Stone9]

Best answer selected by Stone9.