4850 or 4870 or other!?

[Ommid]

Hi all, right, need a new video card.

I want the best value for money, cost isnt the issue. Best bang per buck.

So I am not sure if I should get the 4850 or the 4870 or something like the 9800GTX+?

I will be doing some gaming at 1680*1050

Really need something that will run well via HDMI on my 40 inch TV and would want the sound to go through HDMI too.

Which card is for me?

Want something silent too

Thanks all

[staffsMike]

Well sound over HDMI limits you to ATi, which isn't a problem because the two cards mentioned are pretty awesome.

1680 x 1050 rules out the HD4870 as you don't need the extra power.

So a HD4850.

If you are willing to change the cooler on it then a cheap £110 card + an arctic cooling accelero and a 120mm fan will be your best bet for a much cooler card and running silent.

If not take a look at something like this.
http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=14828

[Ommid]

Well sound over HDMI limits you to ATi, which isn't a problem because the two cards mentioned are pretty awesome.

1680 x 1050 rules out the HD4870 as you don't need the extra power.

So a HD4850.

If you are willing to change the cooler on it then a cheap £110 card + an arctic cooling accelero and a 120mm fan will be your best bet for a much cooler card and running silent.

If not take a look at something like this.
http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=14828

Thanks Staffs Mike

Will I retain my warranty if I change the cooler on the Sapphire 4850?
Also If I could get the BFG GTX260 for 160 quid is that good?

[Hidden Hippo]

No - Sapphire's warranty (last time I looked at it) was voided if any changes are made to the card or if it cannot be identified as a Sapphire product.

[Ommid]

No - Sapphire's warranty (last time I looked at it) was voided if any changes are made to the card or if it cannot be identified as a Sapphire product.

You're right, I just checked

[colmo]

Sapphire are revising their basic 4850 card with a better cooler:

http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=14828

[Ommid]

But I guess, if i want to play games on my 40 inch screen 1gb ram would be good? When is the 1gb model coming out?

[Hidden Hippo]

Nobody really knows is the short answer. I was debating getting one, and Overclockers predicted they would have them in yesterday and are now saying mid-August. Ebuyer have a quantity available for pre-order but do not know the due date (I gave them a ring this morning).

You could have a look at the XFX GTX260 XXX - Hexus benchies suggest it is a little more powerful than the HD4870 and is retailing around £215.

[kalniel]

But I guess, if i want to play games on my 40 inch screen 1gb ram would be good? When is the 1gb model coming out?

What resolution is the screen?

[richieuk]

Hardly bang for your buck but the 260 is an option. However like staffsmike mentioned, if you want a HDMI output w/ sound, its the 48** for you.

For 4870, it competes with a basic 280, or 260 slightly modded. Its cheaper than both and more back for your buck. However, for serious value, the 4850 is available from asus with a better HS and fan at 1GB for under £125 on 30th of August. The 512MB one is available now for similar price.

http://www.scan.co.uk/Product.aspx?WebProductId=837911

[Ommid]

Hardly bang for your buck but the 260 is an option. However like staffsmike mentioned, if you want a HDMI output w/ sound, its the 48** for you.

For 4870, it competes with a basic 280, or 260 slightly modded. Its cheaper than both and more back for your buck. However, for serious value, the 4850 is available from asus with a better HS and fan at 1GB for under £125 on 30th of August. The 512MB one is available now for similar price.

http://www.scan.co.uk/Product.aspx?WebProductId=837911

I think I will give it a week or two and go for the 4870.

[staffsMike]

What resolution is the screen?

That's what I was thinking.

Even at 1920 x 1200 the HD4850 is a great performer, especially if it's only occasionally going to be used on that screen and spend most of it's time at 1680 x 1050.

If the 40" isn't 1920 x 1200 then don't bother with anything more than the HD4850 and even if it is, it's still what I would get.

[Ommid]

That's what I was thinking.

Even at 1920 x 1200 the HD4850 is a great performer, especially if it's only occasionally going to be used on that screen and spend most of it's time at 1680 x 1050.

If the 40" isn't 1920 x 1200 then don't bother with anything more than the HD4850 and even if it is, it's still what I would get.

It is 1920*1080. If that 4850 IceQ comes out quickly I will just get that but dont fancy having the stock cooler really and dont want to change it due to warranty with Sapphire.

Hence If I buy a 4870 the cooler is already a bit better and quieter and Ithink it is more future proof too? Also mem is abit faster?

[staffsMike]

Hence If I buy a 4870 the cooler is already a bit better and quieter and Ithink it is more future proof too? Also mem is abit faster?

The cooler itself is no better, still runs up to 80 degree's idle and generates a similar level of noise afaik.

It will be better but whether it will be noticeable is arguable. The non reference sapphire card looks good to me.

[Ommid]

The cooler itself is no better, still runs up to 80 degree's idle and generates a similar level of noise afaik.

It will be better but whether it will be noticeable is arguable. The non reference sapphire card looks good to me.

True. If it can be found!
I was looking at this

http://www.hardwarezone.com/news/vie...id=11367&cid=6

[Tetsu]

the 4850 his iceq looks sweet.