Graphics Upgrade

[Gally]

I currently have a ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT (256MB, GDDR4) but I want better performance, so I'd like to buy a new one. Currently, I have it narrowed down to these three. I don't know enough about gddr and other tech specs to choose between them. If you have a better suggestion than those three please tell me. Details effecting my choice:

> I'm a gamer.

> Budget is ?300 ($410/?230) max.

> Won't be using Crossfire/SLI.

> Nvida or ATI, both okay with me.

> PCI express x16

Please advise. Thanks in advance.

[MR.T]

Get something in ATI's 4800 series... mmm such a tasty card series. I would say go for a 4870... but I would suggest you find a better place to buy from. I wouldn't know any good places for the UK though.

[Gally]

Yeah, i think the Radeon HD 4870 (1024MB GDDR5) seems a good choice, as for the site, they have some of the best prices here in Ireland.

Edit: would the 4870 be better than 3870 x2?

[MR.T]

Yes the 4870 would be better. You might also want to make sure you have a good enough power supply to run a high end card.

[Gally]

My PSU is 650w I think. I'm gonna go with the 4870, Is there any difference between MSI, Club3D, Gainward, Sapphire, etc.?

Edited October 7, 2008 by Gally

[Argote]

Yeah, i think the Radeon HD 4870 (1024MB GDDR5) seems a good choice, as for the site, they have some of the best prices here in Ireland.

Edit: would the 4870 be better than 3870 x2?

It would depend on the game, but I'd get the 4870 even if they were at the same price.

"Club3D Radeon HD 4870 1024MB GDDR5 PCI-Express, DVI/VGA, HDCP, HDMI" is the one to get from those 3

[PaulCabby]

sapphire!!

[+shift. MVC]

Only difference between various brands is warranty and the little extra goodies provided with the card.

Sapphire and Diamond are the two biggest ATI manufacturers though.

[Gally]

Sapphire 4870 it is so. Thanks lads.

[sundayx Veteran]

Good chocie.

[+shift. MVC]

No problem, awesome choice. Might want to double check that your PSU is able to run that video card too.

[nmesisca]

Sapphire 4870 it is so. Thanks lads.

I thought www.elara.ie had generally better prices here..

and the shipping is like 7euro

[t_r_nelson]

Since you're getting the 4870, check out the videos on managing cooling by changing the fan speeds. They run really hot compared to most cards. It's alright for the card to run that, but it's nice to get that extra heat out of your case. Here is the best one I've found. You can do this with Riva tuner.

http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html...W50aHVzaWFzdA==