Card to replace my (I think it is) dieing 88GTX

[AdamAnubis]

I think my 8800GTX is dieing, it doesnt like dx10 and occasionally crashes on desktop. I need to get a mates machine to test it in first though to confirm.

However, if i were to replace it, i would be looking a fairly high end card, but don't want to spend too much that it iwll be wasted

I've narrowed it down to the GTX260, 9800GTX+ or the HD4870. Which is better, and has the better 'future proofing'? I'm guessing the HD4870 as it has 800SP's, and the drivers aren't fully out yet, but I wouldn't mind the GTX260 cos it has so many transisotrs (yay ). What do you think would be best?

[shaithis]

I have never seen a bad gfx card that crashed to desktop. Most CTDs I have seen were due to system memory issues.

But, out of the choice of cards you listed, I would probably go with the 4870.

[AdamAnubis]

It doesnt CTD, it hard locks and crashes the entire system and i have to restart manually.

[Mithrandir]

Have you overclocked anything in your system?

[wzix]

4870 is much better than the other two

[SupaT]

Another vote for the 4870.

Played Grid on a mates Pc with his newly installed 4870 and everything looked lush and creamy

Not as noisy as I've read either - spins up really loud when you start the Pc, then quietens down to inaudible levels (can't remember what case he's got but it's nothing special).

I'm waiting for the overclocked versions to start coming out.

[Zhaoman]

The 4870 should overclock like a bat out of hell; give it a good cooler and the 800 stream processors should start to show their true potential. The fact that the GDDR5 should be even more overclockable is a great bonus too. With the stock fan only running at 15%, I do wonder what ATi were thinking when they shipped it out.

[AdamAnubis]

Nope nothing OC'd in my system. Yeah, i was pretty much thinking the HD4870 too. If i can i'll grab a 9800GX2 or a GTX280, but i doubt they will be available around £200

[kevpuk]

By all accounts, the HD4870 is some card and great value atm.

Definitely go 4870 over GX2, GTX is arguably slightly better overall but will leave your wallet considerably lighter !

[Powderhound]

The 4870 should overclock like a bat out of hell; give it a good cooler and the 800 stream processors should start to show their true potential. The fact that the GDDR5 should be even more overclockable is a great bonus too. With the stock fan only running at 15%, I do wonder what ATi were thinking when they shipped it out.

You can edit an XML file to get the fan to speed up, can't you?

[AdamAnubis]

I know the HD4870 is more powerful, its just the GTX260 is so much more efficent. But if the HD4870 is more futureproof, then you have saved money that way too. Its just like gah :s The money you will save on the HD4870 goes on electricity, and the GTX260's higher tag kind of defeats the elec bills. But then if the HD is more futureproof, it wins that way. so confusing!

[Koolpc]

Have you checked your ram? Try one stick at a time? Temps ok too?

[inonefly]

i'd take 4870 out of the 3 not liking the gx2 either

[nutter998]

Gotta be the 4870 over the nvidia cards, unless you've got money to burn . . .

[AdamAnubis]

Yeah, the HD4870 is cheaper. I dont have money to burn, but the HD4870 burns through electricity

[Crevan]

OcUK are offering Leadteak 9800GX2 for £225 this week - that's almost a £100 discount. Do you reckon it's a good deal for the money?