New rig, new GFX

[JoeDredd]

Hi all

So starting to build a WC rig, have been away last month or so, and just wondering how the new cards are doing

Last time I was on here the 280 were just released with heavy price and the 48** were on their way.

So whats the best set up? AMD OR NV? if AMD are the way I will look at CF (X38/ X48), but if NV are the way then I will buy an P45 mobo ( prob ASUS P5Q)

I have read a lot of threads on these cards but just looking for a straight ye or ne

 

[topshot]

ATi 4870

 

[LoadsaMoney]

ATi 4870

 

[TheCenturion]

the 4870 is a good card and can be watercooled, but you might want to wait because apperently the new 260 coming out will beat the 4870...

 

[JoeDredd]

the 4870 is a good card and can be watercooled, but you might want to wait because apperently the new 260 coming out will beat the 4870...

Blimey NV releasing another card so soon, and what is so different about it ??? larger memory, faster, more shaders etc any links appreciated

 

[X-Morgan]

Blimey NV releasing another card so soon, and what is so different about it ??? larger memory, faster, more shaders etc any links appreciated

As far as I've read, it'll have 16 more shaders on it. But that's all I've heard so far. Might have higher clock speeds though.

EDIT - Sorry, forgot the link New GeForce 260

In thinking about that, they've disabled 24 shaders on the old 260, so someone with some knowledge might be able to hack the BIOS for the old 260 to enable them.

Sounds like the good old ATi 9500 to 9700 mod

 

[psychas]

ATi 4870

 

[JoeDredd]

As far as I've read, it'll have 16 more shaders on it. But that's all I've heard so far. Might have higher clock speeds though.

EDIT - Sorry, forgot the link New GeForce 260

In thinking about that, they've disabled 24 shaders on the old 260, so someone with some knowledge might be able to hack the BIOS for the old 260 to enable them.

Sounds like the good old ATi 9500 to 9700 mod

Interesting read that, thanks.

So if I am correct it would be more advisable going for a single card as oppose to CF and that being the case go for the GTX280 or is there an update to this one as well soon

 

[X-Morgan]

Right now, ATi are ahead of nVidia for the time being. nVidia's response? Add more shaders, bolt on more GPU's together etc etc. Personally, I would go for the 4870, 'cos if you're WCing your system, you could get some great clocks from it. Also, if you get a CrossFire system, who's to say that the 4870's will be down in price, slap on another WC block and you're ready to go.

I made the mistake of getting 2 x 6800GS's ages ago JUST for the "omgz0rz SLI lololololol loo at me go!!!11" but it was never worth it. Find what card you can get within your budget, and add another one another time when the GeForce 380 or ATi 5870's come out or whatever marketing name they come up with next time round.

 

[JoeDredd]

Right now, ATi are ahead of nVidia for the time being. nVidia's response? Add more shaders, bolt on more GPU's together etc etc. Personally, I would go for the 4870, 'cos if you're WCing your system, you could get some great clocks from it. Also, if you get a CrossFire system, who's to say that the 4870's will be down in price, slap on another WC block and you're ready to go.

I made the mistake of getting 2 x 6800GS's ages ago JUST for the "omgz0rz SLI lololololol loo at me go!!!11" but it was never worth it. Find what card you can get within your budget, and add another one another time when the GeForce 380 or ATi 5870's come out or whatever marketing name they come up with next time round.

Nice info Morgan, looks like I will go for an X38/ X48 board with a 4870 for now. Thank you

 

[flinco]

4870

 

[Fire Wizard]

the 4870 is a good card and can be watercooled, but you might want to wait because apperently the new 260 coming out will beat the 4870...

The above maybe the case. However, you also have to factor in the price and if for instance the new Nvidia 260 is slightly faster than the ATI 4870, if it is slightly more expensive than the ATI 4870, it will be coming very close to the price of the Nvidia GTX 280.