SAPPHIRE 4870 1024MB VAPOR X £99.99 inc VAT

[KraniX]

How much of an upgrade would one of these be from an 8800GT running at 1680x1050?

I ordered the Gainward 4870 OCUK had on special a few days ago, am running an 8800GT myself - was discussing this card versus a 5770 a couple of days back, benchmarks show 8800 and a load of other cards in my post that might be useful to you for an idea of performance increase - http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18105705

 

[KraniX]

Is the vapor-x quieter than the standard cooler?

Seems like it, by quite a long way.

Although it will be tough to tell the difference if you're running a machine with numerous audible fans, it's when you slow the other fans down that you begin to really notice the difference. Whereas our reference HD 4870 was clearly distinguishable among all the other fans in our machine, Sapphire's Vapor-X has to have an intent ear to pick it out of the crowd. It does its job very well.

Talking about the 2GB version but can't imagine it is much different.

http://techgage.com/article/sapphire_radeon_hd_4870_vapor-x_2gb/1