Graphics card advice :-/

[playwastin]

Hi there.

I need help on choosing a gpu.

I'm torn between the gtx 480 deal or a 6950 flashing to 6970.

I will mainly want to just play games in a high setting or the next few years to come.

I use a samsung syncmaster 2333hd Tv/monitor for the xbox pc and ps3 so would probably use 1920 x 1080 resolution.

The mobo I am using is an ASUS M4A88T-V Evo/usb3

I don't think I will crossfire but it has occurred to me but it wouldn't happen for a long time if I did.

The CPU is Amd phenom ii x2 560 black edition.

I hope you can help me decide because I want to buy it tomorrow so I can use it on my much needed day off on Saturday!


P.s excuse any spelling mistakes or typos. I'm using my iPhone because I have no Internet installed in my new flat yet.

 

[MoodyB]

If you have good case cooling & a good psu I'd probably go for the gtx 480.

No need to flash / mod it & should be equal to, or faster, than a 6970 when both are overclocked.

 

[playwastin]

I should have mentioned I'm using a coolermaster gx750 psu and a nzxt gamma case with some cheap fans filling all the slots

I have 1front intake

2x top exaust

1 back exaust

2 side intake

 

[MoodyB]

PSU & case should be fine, as long as you don't have you pc in a room at tropical temps

Just keep in mind the 480 can run pretty hot & loud under load. Just how much exactly I can't say as I've never owned one myself, though plenty on here do.

This might give you an idea :

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4061/amds-radeon-hd-6970-radeon-hd-6950/12

 

[Cleeecooo]

Id get a cheaper card and upgrade to quad core. The dual will bottleneck something. Otherwise id get 480

 

[playwastin]

Thanks MoodyB

Cleeecooo, if I unlock the CPU on that board to x3 or x4 should it be a problem then?

 

[Cleeecooo]

No not as much. Just try unlocking first and see if it works. Then decide what to do frome there

 

[MikeHiow]

It seems to me like too many people are getting sucked in to the whole "Wow, a 480 for £195" thing, and forgetting that this card is almost a year old and has been superseded by a whole generation of cards.

The 6950 is quieter and more power efficient, and I've achieved greater than 480 performance just by doing the shader unlock and turning up the clocks a little bit (900/1350).

People will argue that the 480 will overclock further, but it sucks enough power and makes enough noise as standard - I can't see how this is an option without a third party cooler. - which I just don't think is worth it for a few fps.