Radeon 6950 vs GTX 480

[plantlet]

I'm in need of a new graphics card since my GTX 260 192 core is old and needs to retire. It can't keep up in modern games.

The two cards I were looking at were the Radeon HD 6950:
http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Radeon-GDDR5-Video-Bundle/dp/B008NBRSXA/ref=sr_1_10?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1345425216&sr=1-10&keywords=radeon+6950

And the GTX 480:
http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-GTX480-Graphics-015-P3-1480-KR/dp/B004EHWMP6/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1345425256&sr=1-1&keywords=GTX+480

I've heard the Radeon 6950 can have it's shader core unlocked and basically be like a Radeon 6970. So it's really the Radeon 6970 vs. the GTX 480.

Most games I run are at 1360x768 because it's the only resolution my TV doesn't overscan which I'm having trouble with, but perhaps when I fix it I will game at 1920x1080. The most demanding game I will be playing is GTA IV.

Current specs -
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 @ 3.8ghz turbo
RAM: 4GB Corsair Vengeance 1600mhz
GPU: MSI GTX 260 192 core


Also, just wondering my dad has a GTX 260 OC SLI and that's what I'm used to gaming on, will either of these cards be faster than that?

 

[dudewitbow]

newer 6950s cannot unlock. to get one, you need an older model

 

[jemm]

The GTX 480 will be better at higher resolutions, and a bit faster, while the HD 6950/6970 will be better at texture filtering.

 

[Azteck]

Both are great cards, I own 2 6950's and I dont plan on upgrading for a few years. It is more of a preference there, which one do you like more? The 6950 is better if you plan on adding more screens, it is also newer then the GTX480.

 

[plantlet]

Both are great cards, I own 2 6950's and I dont plan on upgrading for a few years. It is more of a preference there, which one do you like more? The 6950 is better if you plan on adding more screens, it is also newer then the GTX480.

I do not plan on adding more screens. I'm just using one 32" TV. I am forced to run at 1360x768 because every other resolution is overscaled. There is nothing in my TV options to fix it.

 

[loops]

480 but make sure u got a cool case and a good psu...

 

[dudewitbow]

just saying, for your resolution, both cards are overpowered, so i would go 6950 only because it will probably run cooler than the 480


to be honest, part of me wants to say you can get away with like a 7770 at that resolution. (which is a relatively the same tier as a normal gtx 260, but modernized)

 

[regina_49]

That's a tuff choice hmmm... 480 is way better but it's a power hog and runs hot i am not sure which i would pick between them i guess the 480 if you have a good case

 

[regina_49]

Wait!What is your current psu brand and model please... it's very very important

 

[Deemo13]

If it could run a GTX260, then I'm guessing itll run a 6950.

I'd go for the 6950 just because it'll run cooler and consume less power. I can run GTAIV on max settings on my 6950 (which has been flashed, which that one cannot do). It should run very well on your computer.

 

[regina_49]

If you have a psu good enough GTX 480 will offer better performance and when overclocked will match stock 580's. The only price is heat and a bit of noise. http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-7.html Here is a hierarchy chart that will show you where cards fall in order on the list.
I think of the two I would go with the 480 because it is one level above the 6950.For a HD6950 vs GTX 480 comparison http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/293?vs=309&

 

[Ironslice]

The 580 is much faster.

 

[regina_49]

The 580 is much faster.

of course i said a 480 can match a stock 580 when oc wasn't meaning it's better :lol: 580 cost $450 or more OP is asking about $200-$210 cards

 

[Deemo13]

Yes, and the 580 is much more expensive

 

[regina_49]

It looks like the 6950 is not to much slower than a 480 i have never owned either card but i think you can't go wrong either way

 

[plantlet]

I think I'm going to get the GTX 480. My power supply is 700w w/ 49 amps, so it's fine. My case is pretty cool, when I play Skyrim or other games for hours, the highest it's ever got is 73c, and thats overclocked at 655/1050.

 

[AbdullahG]

I wouldn't recommend older gen cards, especially the GTX 480. Expect the card to reach past 80C when playing graphically-intense games. At your resolution, an HD 6870 or below will suffice. If you just want complete overkill, get the HD 6950; the GTX 480 isn't worth the heat, noise, and power consumption.

 

[bigcyco1]

I think I'm going to get the GTX 480. My power supply is 700w w/ 49 amps, so it's fine. My case is pretty cool, when I play Skyrim or other games for hours, the highest it's ever got is 73c, and thats overclocked at 655/1050.

I would get the 480 as well it's a beast and deserves more respect than it gets you can always change the stock cooler at a later date if you think it gets to hot personally i think you'll be fine my son has one and did change the stock cooler and when overclocked it kicks one of my 570 ass :lol: