XFX 9800 GX2 to GTX 460 - upgrade or sidestep

[Michaeljcox24]

would like to get rid of this card because it runs so hot and doesn't do AA very well, soon as I enable it on JC 2 I get huge drops in frame rate.

Would the GTX 460 be a good upgrade, or would I have to go SLI to notice any difference?

Also, which one is the best model?

 

[jak731]

It might be the amount of graphics ram causing your big frame drops. You would need to get a 470 to have more power and memory really though.

 

[RavenXXX2]

Will be an upgrade if you overclock the 460.

 

[Michaeljcox24]

I thought that470's weren't all that good, a lot of people have been raving about the 460.

Which 470 would you recommend? I would prefer a pre-overclocked one

 

[Rroff]

When its not VRAM limited the 9800GX2 still puts up a good fight - often not that far behind 200/4800 series in SLI/CF which is kinda disturbing lol...

While the 460 would overall be an improvement I don't think you'd see as much a performance increase as you might like to see for the money you've spent. I'd be looking at a GTX470 or 5850 and overclocking them - both will do around 33% overclocks from stock

 

[Rroff]

I thought that470's weren't all that good, a lot of people have been raving about the 460.

Which 470 would you recommend? I would prefer a pre-overclocked one

Only downside to the 470 - they are NOT quiet. Grab MSI Afterburner - bump the voltage very slightly and they overclock like crazy tho and with a tweaked fan profile they are liveable with unless you like running furmarks

 

[rounddodger]

I have a 470 and it's a great card, about 35% cheaper and only about 15% slower than a 480, at least at 1080p. If you have the cash though I would grab a 480 without a doubt.

 

[Michaeljcox24]

At some point early next year I would like to get a 3D monitor, I guess a 470 would be a better idea with this in mind.

 

[Rroff]

If your buying for 3D Vision I'd say forget it, if your buying for 120Hz then you will definitely be less likely to have issues with it with an nVidia card - tho that could change in the meantime. Definitely worth getting for 120Hz tho

 

[coupe69]

At some point early next year I would like to get a 3D monitor, I guess a 470 would be a better idea with this in mind.

If you're thinking of going down the 3D route you've gotta be looking at a 470 minimum imo, they're at a good price now too.