HD6870 a reasonable upgrade over HD5670 1GB?

[liiasega]

I'm looking to upgrade my GPU.

Main Uses: Gaming, web
Resolution: 1920x1080

currently:
i5-2500k
gigabyte GA-Z68AP-D3
8GB Corsair XMS3 DDR3 1333
XFX 5670 1GB

Budget ~ $150-180 after rebates/shipping

Preferred Source: Newegg/Microcenter

I was thinking of this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102948

I don't mind switching to Nvidia if it's bang for buck.

Thanks in advance

 

[Dragh0n]

Yes.

 

[Sunius]

It's a huge upgrade! But at $180 after rebates, this one is much more powerful:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500196

One more thing: you didn't mention your power supply. Chances are that you've got a weak model, so neither GTX 560 Ti nor HD 6870 will work. We need to know the model!

 

[xtreme5]

It's a huge upgrade! But at $180 after rebates, this one is much more powerful:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500196

One more thing: you didn't mention your power supply. Chances are that you've got a weak model, so neither GTX 560 Ti nor HD 6870 will work. We need to know the model!

+1

 

[photonboy]

Yes, it is a significant update.

I'm not sure what games you play, but you may wish to consider an even better card than that.

I know it will likely be $300 but the GTX660Ti is supposed to be out in the next two months and it's going to be an amazing value.

It also depends on the games you play.

I had an HD5870 which is very similar to an HD6870 and it played Skyrim (without the HD texture pack) at 1920x1080, high quality 60FPS.

I recommend:
1) seriously consider spending $300 on a GTX660Ti or similar HD7xxx card
2) compare benchmarks
3) get a non-reference cooler (whatever card you get) for lower noise
4) quality brand and read customer reviews on THE EXACT CARD YOU BUY

This is way BEYOND YOUR BUDGET likely but I think it's worth reading as there's a lot of good info:
Asus GTX670 DirectCU II: http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ASUS/GeForce_GTX_670_Direct_Cu_II/

 

[liiasega]

Thanks for the input.

PSU: OCZ ModXstream Pro 600W

is zotac a pretty dependable brand?

 

[liiasega]

Games wise, I'm not doing anything too crazy.

Borderlands (and sequel next month), SC2, Diablo 3, Texture Modded FO3 and FONV.

I'm mainly looking to be able to play most current games w/ good results, and really stay up with a couple upcoming games...maybe keep myself playing new games for a couple years.

 

[Sunius]

Zotac is great brand. The card has very high quality cooler and very high overclock, so it will perform much better than standard GTX 560 Ti.

 

[Smeg45]

I have a 6870 and I will be upgrading within a month to a 7950, although the 68 still has some life in it yet. A good choice for your budget.

 

[liiasega]

Best answer selected by liiasega.