Upgrading GTX 460 1GB, 200-250 Budget

[billin30]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Relatively soon to take advantage of the AMD two free games deal

BUDGET RANGE: USD $200-250) After Rebates

USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, some CADD (Microstation)

CURRENT GPU AND POWER SUPPLY: Gigabyte GTX 460 1 GB and Corsair 750HX 750W PSU

OTHER RELEVANT SYSTEM SPECS: Intex Q9550 @ 3.4 Ghz, Gigabyte EP45-UD3R, 8 GB OCZ 5-6-6-18 2T DDR2 PC2-6400

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg, Amazon; USA

PARTS PREFERENCES: AMD to take advantage of the two free games deal.

OVERCLOCKING: Yes

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080, but hoping to up that to a 2560x1440 in the next year hopefully.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I have been watching the best graphics cards for the money and I am just getting to a point where I can get a good performance upgrade at a decent price. I have been playing Darksiders 2 recently and had some frame rate drops. I play a lot of FPS's, Starcraft 2, Bioshock, Tomb Raider, etc.

I know that some of these 7850 XT or LE are coming out with the 79xx boards (that could be totally wrong, but you know what I mean) and was wondering if these are a good idea, though I dont think they are eligible for the free games deal, which is a big reason I am even looking in the first place.

Thanks for any input.

 

[andrewcarr]

I would get a 7870. But then it comes down to which model. My favorite one is this HIS.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161404
But if you're looking to save a bit then this card is by no means bad.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202025

If you look in this article (yes it's on a 7950 but it has the identical cooler to the 7870's) the HIS scored the best. It also vents all the hot air out the back of the case helping to keep the case temps down. The turbo stuff it talks about is completely irelevent.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-7950-review-benchmark,3207.html
HIS- http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-7950-review-benchmark,3207-2.html
Conclusion- http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-7950-review-benchmark,3207-14.html

EDIT-
The 7870 LE is a great deal for the performance (I missed that you were looking at those). It's actually the best deal at the price.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202024
I would stay away form the powercolor version

 

[djangoringo]

Yes, the 7870 tahiti le is a good option within the budget, these two are tahiti le ones:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131484
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202024

 

[joafu]

Add another vote to the 7870 LE

 

[billin30]

I am interested in the Sapphire 7870 XT, thought it is at the top of my price range even after rebate. I am considering just sticking with a regular 7870. I just have to decide how much I am looking to spend. I feel like its going to come down to any sales that come up.

Is there any talk of additional vendors releasing XT versions, possibly at lower prices? Is the performance increase of an XT even worth the extra cost?

Thanks

 

[andrewcarr]

Toms just did an article on the 7870LE and it performs closer to the 7950 than the 7870.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/tahiti-le-7870-7930-benchmark,3401.html
Since you're interested in this card I highly recommend you read the article, it will show the 7870, 7870 LE and quite a few other cards performance. But if you only want a 7870 you can stick with the two I listed, and it'll still be a great card.