HD4850 or 9800GTX?

[demonicd]

Hi,

Wanting to upgrade a 320MB 8800GTS for 1680x1050 gaming and I've kind of decided on the 9800GTX since I've always had nvidia cards previously. I see from benchmarks the HD4850 isn't far off the 9800GTX and a bit cheaper. I'm not too fussed about cost but 9800GTX prices are most I'm willing to pay - just wondering if I'm looking at the best bang per buck. Are there any issues with these HD4850 cards? Are they quiet or noisy depending on brand? Any brands to avoid?

Cheers,
Dave

[Webby]

Performance wise at 1680*1050 a 9800GTX+ and a 4850 will be nearly identical across a wide range of games obviously with one card being better in some than in others.

The stock cooler on the 4850 is quiet as you like but the card runs hot because of it. The problem comes with the after market coolers a disproportionate number of them seem to be fixed speed... it makes no sense to me but there you go.

If you want fan speed control and good cooling and quiet then you really need to be looking at the Powercolor PCS+ receives very good reviews or possibly the HIS IceQ4 Turbo.

9800GTX+ wise the stock cooler is good enough so your options are a bit larger but you do pay a bit more for it.

[Pob255]

As webby has said
the two are level pegging for speed
the 4850 tends to edge out the 9800gtx+ by cost
The 9800gtx+ is flipping huge, like having a shelf inside your pc (I'm sure they made it bigger than needed) but the stock cooler is very good, keeps the temps down, is quiet, is a two slot & vent air out of the case type.

the 4850 while smaller and a single slot cooler, it is very hot and while the default fan speed is quiet truning the spped up to reduce the high temps makes it rather loud.
There are a more 4850 cards with non-stock coolers than 9800gtx+ with non-stock coolers.

Personally I'd advoid the palit/xpertvision cards as there have been to many complaints/failiers for my likeing.

[Webby]

Yeah I'm with Pob on the avoiding Palit/Xpertvision I personally won't be buying one for myself or anybody (friends or family) else that comes to me personally for advice. I will however still keep including them as options when people ask for the lowest price 4850 as they invariably will be.

[demonicd]

Thanks for the advice guys.

[Rud91]

With the eye candy(AA) I think the HD 4850 edges out...