Planning new GPU upgrade, torn between a few

[Ice213]

Hi everyone,

I recently got some help in planning a new upgrade for my PC, CPU, mobo, SSD and ram all stand to be changed, along with possibly a new graphics card.

Just for reference, I currently have 2 Sapphire 4870 1GB's in crossfire. I got recommended the 7850 and then overclocking it, and I've been browsing these forums quite a lot to see if that would be the best option for me, but I still cannot make my mind up so I wanted a little more graphics specific advice.

I'm going to be gaming quite a lot at 1920x1080, and hopefully on the higher settings (maximum if i can manage it).

I'm torn mostly between the 7850, 7870 and the gtx 670. If i were to get the 670 I would probably have to save up a little longer (probably the middle of july when i get paid), the 7870 a little less longer and as you can guess the 7850 I would be able to get sooner still.

I was just wondering which of these cards everyone would recommend? Is the 670 worth the extra 100 or so over the 7850? Is the 7870 even worth considering over its little brother the 7850 with all its overclocking potential?

Also, I am fully open to any other suggestions of graphics cards that you guys may have.

Thanks a lot everyone

 

[Ice213]

bump

 

[Flashheart]

I would discount the 7870 mate, as if you get a good 7850 you'll be able to close the gap quite easily with overclocking.

GTX 670 is worth it if you have the money, we're looking at two different tiers really

 

[Ice213]

Thanks for the reply . Well my main dilemma is since I'm only going to be playing at 1080p, is the 670 slightly overkill? I don't really want to upgrade again for a few years, so would an overclocked 7850 play today's games (max payne 3, bf3 etc) on max settings at 60fps? And hold it's own at max for the next 2-3 years, Or would i have to look at the 670 for that?

 

[JonSmith]

I get 50-60 FPS with my 6850 at high settings on BF3 at 1080p in SP. Drops to around 25-35ish on ultra though, so with a 7850 you'll be absolutely fine . In MP I run medium to constantly push 60FPS, and the game still looks amazing.

 

[Ice213]

Maybe that would be my best option then, I originally was going to get the 7850 until I started to get tempted by the 670, but I wasn't sure if it was worth the extra £100+ in terms of its performance at 1080p. I suppose in the future a crossfire (if the card ever starts to struggle before my next upgrade) would be something to consider...

 

[Ceptic]

I'd save for the GTX 670, you may get some luck and it comes down in price or a OCuk weekly/daily offer.
I managed to get a 670 for £330 inc delivery a month or so ago, and I can't fault it, running OC'd @ 1270 w/ boost and BF3 is faultless at 1080p Ultra, easily in 70 FPS average and min 54, even when recording.
The 2GB of ram is suffice enough for 1080p single monitor. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

 

[flinco]

I'd say go for the 7850. The extra money for the 670 is only worth it above 1080p.

 

[PorkPieCat]

i go with the other suggestions. 7870 isn't economical in any sense, and the 7850 can oc about 50%. i'm only getting a better card because i have a 120hz monitor and want to occasionally game in 3d

 

[tommybhoy]

7850 oc'ed to the max realistically isn't that far off a 670, best bang for buck by a country mile!

Your spending anything between £120-150 extra for very little extra performance.

Think of it this way, an extra £50 over a 670 would get you oc'ed 7850 CrossFire that will absolutely murder a 670.

 

[Ice213]

7850 oc'ed to the max realistically isn't that far off a 670, best bang for buck by a country mile!

Your spending anything between £120-150 extra for very little extra performance.

Think of it this way, an extra £50 over a 670 would get you oc'ed 7850 CrossFire that will absolutely murder a 670.

When you put it like that, I can't really fault the logic to be honest . I'm not planning on going multi monitor or at a much higher than 1080p resolution, but if I did decide to down the line, would another 7850 oc'd be able to handle the extra monitor/higher res or would I have to consider a better card?

I think that I may take advantage of the £10 off sapphire 7850 on here at the moment, since the two 4870's I have at the moment are both sapphire and I've never had anything but good times with them .

Thank you all for the input, it's much appreciated .

 

[tommybhoy]

Get one card and try it, only then will you know the answer to your question, if you indeed go with a higher res or just crave more oomph.