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Replacement for HD4870X2 2GB

monster_munch

monster_munch

monster_munch

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Joined
26 Dec 2005
Posts
355
Location
Manchester
Hi Guys,

What card currently out there would compare to the GFX FPS output of a Readon HD4870X2 2gig version.

I would really appreciate a few suggestions.

Thank you in advance
 
If i were you I wouldn't upgrade now. I came from 4850cf to 6970, and I can see the difference in performance of the cards, it's cause new card can handle aa better at the same resolution. But I see no difference in picture quality, as I only play fps's so all those aa and af doesn't count for me. I kinda discapointed for spending money for a new gear, but I just wanted something new. So if you feel the same, go for it, your best shots would be 6950 ir gtx570, unlocking 6950 is not the best bet, someone posted that unlocking extra shaders does give just few fps increase. So if you have enough money go for 6970, it's a descent card that can play most of the games maxed out (8xAA/16AF) at 1080p,exept crysis :D if you can streatch your budget for gtx580 get a 6950cf ;)
Or wait for 7xxx series and new NV products, as your card can handle everything ATM, dx11 features, mhm nothing interasting there yet.
 
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I don't understand why my 3 year old card can pretty much match the performance of these current cards? its crazy isn't it ? or was the 4870 just a really good card.

The 4870 is actually broke now, so I need to upgrade for sure.
 
monster_munch said:
I don't understand why my 3 year old card can pretty much match the performance of these current cards? its crazy isn't it ? or was the 4870 just a really good card.

The 4870 is actually broke now, so I need to upgrade for sure.
Click to expand...

You mean 4870X2.. it's a dual chip card, so will be very roughly double the performance of a single card (Doesn't quite work that way hence the 'roughly'). So, if we take Moore's law of transistor count doubling every 18 months... and add the life span of the 4870X2 before they released the 5xxx series stuff, you will see why it is only now being superseded easily.

The 5870 was about on par with it.. and lately, it's not been about performance with releases from ATI, they have released with 'efficiency' in mind etc... Don't forget the 5970 which would have pummelled your 4870X2 into the ground though.

EDIT: What would compare>

5850 overclocked.
5870 @ stock
5970 (Much much faster than your card)
480 @ stock (faster than the 4870X2)
570 @ stock (faster than the 4870X2)
580 @ stock (wayyy faster than your card)

Not sure where the 6950 and 6970 sit.. but 6950 is probably on par with the 4870x2 and the 6970 faster.
 
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Well, I was very happy when I upgraded from my 4870x2 to the 6950. Their might not be a whole lot of difference in performance, but actual gameplay is much better. It's something most people notice when they move from any dual card setup to a single card setup, that games feel smoother.

Then there is the added benefit of less noise, less heat and less power consumption. It also leaves the avenue open for eyefinity in the future.

And don't forget their is a host of av features on the card that the 4870x2 doesn't have. Might not be important to you, but if you ever buy a receiver or a HDTV it will be simple to hook them up to your computer.

The other option I would consider is the 570GTX, I think the 580GTX is just too expensive. The 570 is a great card with lots of overclocking potential.

Oh, wait, is your signature up to date with your system specs? If it is, then I would suggest the 6950 or the 6970 over the 570 as your motherboard only supports crossfire.

Actually the 6950 is probably the best, it's a bit quiet and cooler than the 6970 and it scales very well in crossfire if you decide to buy a second one later on. It's a great performer at stock even without any unlock.
 
Interesting!

Are you saying that;

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-027-HS&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1752

That card is pretty much £300. I bought the 4870x2 about 3 years ago for £400. Are you saying, I need to spend £300 sheets, 3 years later just to match that card :P Surely that isn't right.

I might look at a;

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-027-HS&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1752

I have £400 to spend. So might get that and a SSD and maybe a nice new mousemat lol

I only really play cs, tf2 and stuff. Nothing very graphically intense tbh
 
CS is muc improved on single card. I always disable catalyst AI when I was playing CS:S on my 4870x2 because I found the hit reg better on one card.
 
Source games / online games favour cpu power. So if that's all you play then a 6950 is a good example of what to consider. More than good enough.
 
If you don't have an SSD I would defo get one with your new gfx card!! You will be very happy with the performance
 
monster_munch said:
Interesting!

Are you saying that;

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-027-HS&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1752

That card is pretty much £300. I bought the 4870x2 about 3 years ago for £400. Are you saying, I need to spend £300 sheets, 3 years later just to match that card :P Surely that isn't right.

I might look at a;

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-027-HS&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1752

I have £400 to spend. So might get that and a SSD and maybe a nice new mousemat lol

I only really play cs, tf2 and stuff. Nothing very graphically intense tbh
Click to expand...

The exchange rates were a lot better when you bought your 4870x2. That was when there were $2 to the pound. With today's exchange rates it would have been quite a bit more expensive.
 
I upgraded from a 4870X2 to a GTX580 and it utterly craps all over the previous dual GPU card. What's more, I find games are less glitchy, smoother and simply have better support on release.

Never underestimate the power of the micro-stutter, you'll be very pleased to be rid even if you think you've never noticed.
 
Hmmm.

I've been considering changing a couple of items in my current build and where the 4870x2 is a great card - i don't get DX11 which i would love to have.

Looking at Anandtech, the 5970 seems to be a decent upgrade.
 
You're not missing anything amazing right now with DX11... but if you still have the update itch and can get a good price for you 4870x2 get a GTX 570 and clock it to 580 speeds.. that way you have almost 5970 speeds on a single GPU card and no dual card headaches that some get.
 
monster_munch said:
.... ...
That card is pretty much £300. I bought the 4870x2 about 3 years ago for £400. Are you saying, I need to spend £300 sheets, 3 years later just to match that card :P Surely that isn't right..... .. .
Click to expand...

Think you missed my previous comment on this. You bought a dual chip gfx card, and it is now competing against single chip products offering the same or better performance. As I said, if you bought the 5970 (which is the next dual chip card because the 6990 has not been released yet), that would blow your 4870x2 out of the water and is a comparable dual chip product.

You are not comparing like for like basically. Dual chip boards will always last longer performance wise than their single card alternatives :-)

Are you looking for a cheap card offering similar performance, or a card that betters your 4870x2 by a fair margin?
 
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