Upgrading AMD Radeon HD 5870

[sicatriz]

Hello!

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: This week.
BUDGET RANGE: 300-400

USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, BF3, Witcher 2, All the lastest and greatest.

CURRENT GPU AND POWER SUPPLY:
GPU: AMD Radeon HD 5870
PSU: Ultra 650W ATX

OTHER RELEVANT SYSTEM SPECS:
MOBO: Gigabyte MA790FXT-UD5P
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 ~3.00 GHz
RAM: 4.00 GB DDR3

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: I've really only used newegg

PARTS PREFERENCES: I like XFX, but no preference as long as they are dependable brand.

OVERCLOCKING: no.

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1200.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I am wanting to upgrade my GPU because i think thats where i would get the most performance boost, however if you suggest upgrading other parts that would give me more performance boost for less cost, i am open to suggestions. It is my birthday today so i am getting my setup fitted out

 

[Helltech]

Ultra 650w ATX? Do you have any more information on that PSU?

 

[teh_gerbil]

Happy birthday! What model x4?

 

[sicatriz]

PSU Model No: ULT-LSP650P

the computer wont turn on right now due to some kind of crash, i need the windows boot CD.

but... CPU reads: AMD Phenom II HDX945WFK4DGI CACYC AC 0938GPMW 9A44022I90329

 

[sicatriz]

hopefully i got all the "I's" and "1's" correct on that Chip

 

[AdioKIP]

Try a 7950. The price dropped on them last week so you can get them for $399 now. Overclocked they can beat a 7970. I went from a 5850 to a 7950 and more than doubled my 3dMark score. It should also draw less power than your 5870 so if your current PSU can handle your current card it should be able to handle a 7950.

 

[sicatriz]

I've had many heating problems with my AMD card and was wondering if i should make the switch to Nvidia, the 580 is 400$ as well. How does it stack up against the 7950?

 

[sicatriz]

bump.

If I were to go with the 7950, which manufacturer is a good choice?

 

[AdioKIP]

The 7950 will beat the 580 and stock it runs pretty cool. Personally I went with a Saphire OC Edition 7950 but there are alot of good manufacturers, XFX, Gigabyte, ASUS, Saphire, or even VisionTek (My last 5 or more video cards have been visionteks and never had a problem with any).