Replacement graphics card

[chris_argyle]

I am currently pondering an upgrade from my 8800GTX, not because I am finding it hugely restrictive, but because I think my computer should be DX11 capable! (and the extra grunt would be nice).

I have been using my PC to game less and less recently due to time constraints, but I still occasionally get to play the odd FPS and racing game (BFBC2 and F1 are probably the most recent games I have put any time into). I play at 1920 x 1200 and ideally like to have detail turned right up, but this isnt always possible with my current card.

I noticed that OCUK are selling a 5850 for <£120 inc postage. Is this the best bang for buck card atm?
Any other recommendations at a similar budget?
Should I wait 6 months/whenever I begin to feel really limited by my 8800gtx?

[scaryjim]

I was going to suggest a second 8800GTX, but according to your "my system" you already have two? Or has one bitten the dust?

At that price the 5850 is going to be the best bang for buck, but don't forget it's already a generation out of date. Looking back at the Hexus 6950/6970 review the 5850 scores 52 average in BFBC2 @ 1080p so you're already starting to drop below the magical 60fps target. To do significantly better than that you'd realistically need to spend around £200 on a 6950 or GTX560 Ti, or after the heavy price slashing a GTX480 is quite a bargain (if you can put up with the noise, heat and power draw ). At around £120 you're looking at much slower cards.

[Domestic_Ginger]

probably is the best bang for buck.

If you are struggling with your res in the games you are playing then why not. It should be a decent upgrade but cards are still struggling a bit dx11 is turned on (the 5ks are not great at tesselation).

Next gen or 28nm cards are coming later in the year. ATI are planning a die shrink with not much improvements architectualy over the current 69xxs. not sure what NV have planned but I can not see them deviating too far from the fermi architecture.

EDIT: 2 8800GTXs will consume more power than a single 480 and at idle will consume more than a 5850 at full load. Selling the 8800 and getting a 280/285 would surely be the better and possibly cheaper option?

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

The HD5850 1GB is slightly faster than a GTX285 and consumes less power too. The GTX480 has similar performance to a GTX570 but consumes more power and runs hotter too.

[chris_argyle]

I was going to suggest a second 8800GTX, but according to your "my system" you already have two? Or has one bitten the dust?

Well spotted! I attempted this about 6 months ago, but since then one has bitten the dust. Showing artifacts constantly on screen. I was a little underwhelmed by the SLI performance, I dont know if my motherboard was holding it back, or if it was a scaling issue, but eitherway I think its probably not a solution for me without a larger overhaul.

I have been considering a 480, however ideally I am looking to quieten my computer. Any ideas on how it compares to a reference 8800GTX?

Thanks guys.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

I have been considering a 480, however ideally I am looking to quieten my computer. Any ideas on how it compares to a reference 8800GTX?

The GTX480 is nearly twice as fast as an HD4870 512MB:

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/N..._Fermi/32.html

The HD4870 512MB is around 20% to 30% faster than a 8800GTX.

[Domestic_Ginger]

I'd go on the newer reviews (that still include <dx11 cards). For 8800GTX read 4850 (imo its equal to the g92 chips which equal the g80s).

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Z...0_1_GB/31.html

Was going to say you will need a decent case to keep it cool.....

[scaryjim]

EDIT: 2 8800GTXs will consume more power than a single 480 and at idle will consume more than a 5850 at full load. Selling the 8800 and getting a 280/285 would surely be the better and possibly cheaper option?

Yes, it would be a much more sensible solution. But then I'm not a sensible person

An 8800GTX should benchmark somewhere between the 4830 and 4850, and as such anything upwards of a 5770 or a GTS 450 - for ~ £100 - would be an upgrade to some degree. At £120ish, the other options are the GTX460 and the 6850, but the 5850 is an inherently better card than either of those. So really the option is get the 5850 while you can, or wait 6 months and see what comes out at the risk of not being able to get quite as much of a performance increase. Either way, however, you will be able to get a much faster card than the 8800GTX for ~ £120, so I wouldn't worry too much...