GTX 260 vs 4870

[d3moliti0n]

Hi

Is there a big difference between the GTX 260 (216) 896MB and the 4870 512MB at a resolution of 1680 x 1050 (on a 19" LCD)?

Would I notice a big difference in performance in current and upcoming games? I basically want the card that is the most 'future-proof' (as I don't want to upgrade again for a while after this, probably over a year or so until I would upgrade again).

I also don't intend on buying a bigger screen any time soon either, so basically will be running games at 1680 x 1050 for the time being.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Adokaum]

There would be some difference because the 4870 is a 512mb version.
The 4870 1GB version would be about the same as the core 216 maybe few fps +/- to each card depending on a game.
I would say that HD 4870 would run cooler due to their different cooler designs, while the GTX 260 only has that gainward card and it doesnt seem to make much difference from the reference cooler anyway.
I'm in a bit of a coffufle my self drawn in by the 4870 coolers but the 260 warranty and i like nvidia.

 

[Zaphrod]

Worth bearing in mind if you use or plan to use Linux in the future that the ATI driver support for Linux is poor. I am currently considering the Gainward GTX260 GS for £134.99. Seems too good to pass up for that price.

 

[icey_haj]

GTX260 '216' > 512MB 4870

GTX260 '216' ~ 1GB 4870

 

[95thrifles]

yes but at the res he's using you wouldnt notice the difference in the memory so Id say no thered be no difference, at that res

 

[Zaphrod]

Just wanted to post that I was wrong about the Linux Driver issue, seems ATI have pretty good drivers now. Make choosing a card even harder for me now.

 

[chaotic_uk]

yes but at the res he's using you wouldnt notice the difference in the memory so Id say no thered be no difference, at that res

well the 4870 with 512 ram would strugle at that res with newer games (more so if AA is turned on ) , i know i have this issue lol . get a 1gb card at least