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5870 to 7970

lotus7

lotus7

lotus7

Associate
Joined
12 Jun 2007
Posts
194
Location
Cricklade
Hi,

I usually upgrade my system every three years but have n't done so this year as it's doing pretty much all I use it for.

The system is:
Processor Intel i7 920
Motherboard Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD5
Memory Corsair 6GB ( 3 x 2 GB) DDR3
GPU Powercolor ATI 5870
Monitor DELL U3011

Main use of the system is general web browsing, 3D design ( autodesk inventor). I am a casual gamer, or I was until I discovered skyrim, which plays ok at native resolution of 2560 x 1600.


Since Bioshock Infinite is due out in March, I was wondering if upgrading the graphics card would be beneficial. I was thinking about an ATI 7970, but would it be held back by the rest of the system ?
 
It wouldn't be held back by your system as long as your i7 is overclocked and I wouldn't bother getting the 7970 over the 7950 but if money isn't reallly a problem, then go for it!

Have you got an SSD in your system? If not, I'd definitely get one.
 
If money is no problem go for it

A HD 7950 or HD 7970 will give about 2 to 3 times the performance of a HD 5870 depending on the card and situation.

Just looking at your spec, you are using a U3011. The extra vram on a HD 7950/70 will also make a big difference there with modern games.
 
Last edited:
I thought it would be more than that, does that mean a 7950 is not much of an upgrade from something like 2x5850?
 
Kotu said:
I thought it would be more than that, does that mean a 7950 is not much of an upgrade from something like 2x5850?
Click to expand...

Its a huge upgrade when using a 30" monitor. Then 1gb of vram that comes with a HD 5870 is no where near enough compared to the 3gb that comes with a HD 7950 or HD 7970.

To give you an idea of the increased GPU power, I own a pair of HD 5970s which I can over clock a bit past HD 5870 speeds 880/1225 and in 3dmark11 they score 15817 for graphics. I also own some HD 7970s and the best one of them on its own scores 12477 for graphics.

Thats 4 GPUs (15817) against 1 GPU (12477)
 
Im in the exact same situation pretty much. 2x 5870s. Wondering just how much of an upgrade a 7970/680 would be. (or 7950/670)

@1440p.
 
I have a 7970 with a i7 930 running at 4 ghz went from a 5870 not held back at all as long as you o/c your chip. Roughly twice as powerful but it's the 3gb video ram that's important with your monitor size.
 
Thanks for the advice, you have persuaded me to spend some of that tax rebate that was burning a hole in my pocket.
 
You should see a massive increase in fps going from a 5870 to 7970. I know someone that has recently done just that and it was well worth it!
 
Just upgraded from 5870 CF to MSI 7970 lightening. Bloody RBS locked card. So unlocking it means i missed next day delivery (rage) monday is the day now.... What on earth am i supposed to do all weekend now!?
 
Usual great service from OCUK. I had an email this morning stating the parcel would be delivered between 1:25 -> 2:25.

The card arrived at 1:35, it's in the desktop and running. First impression is that it's quieter than the 5870.

Right, I`m off to try it out... :)
 
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