Sapphire ATI HD 2900XT-512 or HD3870-512 ?

[Panayotis Melas]

Hi, everyone,

I am setting up a new computer, based on the following configuration:

- Windows Vista Ultimate
- Abit IP35 Pro Mobo
- Intel Quad Core Q6600 -> 2.4 GHz
- 2 GB Crucial Ballistix 1066 RAM w/Thermalright cooling
- 2 x WD Raptor 150 GB System HDDs SATA2 (RAID)
- 4 x Seagate/Samsung Storage HDDs SATA2
- LG DVD-R/RW DL Drive
- Pioneer DVD-R/RW & BD-ROM Drive
- Auzentech X-Meridian 7.1 Sound Card
- Terratec 2400i DVB-T TV Card
- Lian-Li Case
- PC Power & Cooling 750W Silent Quad PSU

On hand I've got two ATI Graphics Cards, both from Sapphire:
The HD 2900XT-512 MB and the HD3870-512 MB

Clarification before asking:

- I don't play games (or at least this is not my primary area of interest)
- I will connect this computer to my relatively Hi-End Home Cinema system, which, among others, has three video projectors, an 8" CRT NEC, a Toshiba DLP of 1280 x 720 resolution and a recent DLP 1980 x 1080 HD one.
- I do quite a lot of video recording, both in SD and HD.
- I also do video rendering and processing as above
- I use some heavy programs, such as Adobe Premiere, Photoshop, Corel and AutoCAD.

Which one should I choose?

How do they compare, in terms of CPU usage, SD and HD video reproduction and graphics processing in general?

 

[paradigm]

3870, no contest.

Its everything the 2900XT is, PLUS its cooler running, quieter, and consumes less power. Its also more up to date.

 

[gareth170]

2900xt and 3870 are the same performance.. so get a 3870...

 

[Panayotis Melas]

3870, no contest.

Its everything the 2900XT is, PLUS its cooler running, quieter, and consumes less power. Its also more up to date.

Thanks, I appreciate.

Quite operation is of signicant importance, no doupt.

The other two factors, although not negligible, come second and third.

But my primary concern is the CPU usage and the video reproduction, especially the HD. Is the 3870 better on both areas?

Thanks (again), in advance

 

[Panayotis Melas]

Thanks

2900xt and 3870 are the same performance.. so get a 3870...

Thank you, too.

I am almost convinced for the 3870. I will probably use the 2900XT in another PC, with a P4-> 3.6 GHz CPU on an Intel 945 Mobo with Windows XP Pro. How does it sound?

 

[gareth170]

Thank you, too.

I am almost convinced for the 3870. I will probably use the 2900XT in another PC, with a P4-> 3.6 GHz CPU on an Intel 945 Mobo with Windows XP Pro. How does it sound?

should be fine... what psu as it got?

 

[Vir]

isn't this a bit of an overkill if you don't game?

 

[paradigm]

Depends. Adobe photoshop now uses hardware acceleration, and can use a LOT of video memory depending on sizes of images being handled. Its certainly not overkill for any 3D rendering work, and its a great choice if you need HD playback/output (via HDMI).

And for the cost, its easily worth the cash.

Having said that, a 512MB 3850 would do the trick.

 

[Panayotis Melas]

should be fine... what psu as it got?

An ETASIS ET750 (750 W)

 

[Panayotis Melas]

isn't this a bit of an overkill if you don't game?

Both computers are meant to be used for almost the same use, especially in terms of HD video reproduction.

This is why I want to use it and don't sell it for much less than it costed me.

 

[Scougar]

3870 as it supports HD decoding (UVD stuff, and means you'll won't need such a powerful CPU if you are watching HD content and I think DIVX (not sure on that last one)) and runs cooler and quieter which is perfect for your home cinema

Matthew

 

[Panayotis Melas]

OK

Thank you, too, Matthew; thanks everybody for your opinions.

They were really helpful.

 

[Ben M]

most people say that raptors aren't worth the bang for buck over say a barracuda

so two raptors is definately overkill...