Which GTX 260 to replace a 8800GT?

toon_mad · 10 May 2009 at 08:54

Which GTX 260 to replace a 8800GT? [RESOLVED]

Hi, im going to finally get a GTX 260 today, im upgrading from a 1 year old Palit 1GB 8800GT, the GTX wont be SLI, well unless i change the motherboard i intend to use it as a single card. While there is nothing wrong with this card, my cpu is starting to suffer a bit on games like GTA IV, not to mention irritating stutters, so im hoping a more powerful Graphics card can take some of the stress away, and downclock the cpu somewhat.

Anyway ive looked at the ATI 4870 and the GTX 260 (either should have more than 512mb, like 896Mb or something), i quite like the look of the XFX GTX 260.

Can anyone help me on a few questions

-> How much more performance can i expect? I currently run games like GTA on a resolution of 1024x768, most settings medium, vsync off, would this card allow me to run at 1680x1050 resolution, very high settings, vsync on?

-> What is the cooling like on the cards? I have to use RivaTuner to set my fan to a loud 80% to keep it from artifacting, these cards will be more better at handling the heat?

-> Im kind of set on a XFX GTX, but i may intend to overclock the card, are XFX good for this, or should i look at other branded versions?

Thanks

EdGey · 10 May 2009 at 09:11

hey, i made the same upgrade but from a 512 8800GT and can say theres a pretty big performance gain at 1280x1024, and probably an even bigger gain at 1680x1050.

they run pretty cool, i have mine heavily overclocked and its fine with default fan setting of 40% (which can be easily alter'd using EVGA precision or something). runs quiet too.

personally id go for this one:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-114-OK&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=927

simply because it is the cheapest and exactly the same card as the XFX one.

regarding overclocking, i think thats just down to luck. Some cards overclock very well, some not so well. Ive got a Zotac one, and it overclocks well so i guess i was lucky.

i think that answers most of your questions, or atleast i hope it does.

toon_mad · 10 May 2009 at 09:20

thanks for the reply, i wasnt sure on the OcUk Value cards, are they just rebranded or something?

Also i know it has 2 years warranty, which is better to have than 1 year.

Cheers mate

almighty15 · 10 May 2009 at 09:35

I have a zotac 260 core 215 55nm

Came with race driver grid, mirors edge and 3d mark vanatge

toon_mad · 10 May 2009 at 10:57

i noticed the link EdGey posted, you get mirrors edge but in voucher form, is that to take the voucher to a store or some kind of download? No way am i downloading the game, i dont get unlimited internet

EdGey · 10 May 2009 at 11:01

its to download, i didnt bother either

Helios1234 · 10 May 2009 at 11:30

Go for the ocuk value one, it could turn out to be any brand but I'm guessing it will be Palit or Sparkle or something along those line. My own one was a Gainward and overclocks quite decently as well.

Mirrors Edge has to be downloaded I'm afraid

.

Mr Doovde · 10 May 2009 at 11:38

If I remember correctly, somebody on another 260 thread rang OcUK, and was informed that the current batch of OcUK value cards were rebranded Sparkles.

almighty15 · 10 May 2009 at 11:49

The OCUK value brands are :

1. Nvidia OEM reference boards direct from Nvidia and just sold by OCUK

2. Made by Palit, ive had Palit cards and had no problems with them at all

3. Made by Sparkle

toon_mad · 10 May 2009 at 15:40

Ok thanks for the replies everyone, im pondering over the OC Value one or to pay a bit more for a branded one.

The free mirrors edge doesnt interest me if its download only, shame it isnt a retail copy.

Diggsy · 10 May 2009 at 15:52

The download can be burned onto a disk, and I am sure if you really want the game someone on here could burn a copy and post it to you, then all you need to do is use your own serial

In fact, if you ask nicely OcUK may even do this for you, but I wouldn't bank on it.

I might even be able to do this, once I get everything transferred to my new system (in sig) which I have had sitting beside me since late Jan and am still not using - damn PSU was faulty and needed replaced

Plus I have been a little lazy this time around and can't be annoyed with the hassle of the transfer. Mad I know, but ho hum

toon_mad · 10 May 2009 at 16:33

Thanks for the offer Diggsy, im going to pass on the OC Value card though, ive decided to add a bit more money for a different 260, i know these cards shouldnt need overclocking, but if i go for a make i know overclock well, it can be handy in a couple of years time.

Thanks again mate

almighty15 · 10 May 2009 at 16:47

toon_mad said:
Thanks for the offer Diggsy, im going to pass on the OC Value card though, ive decided to add a bit more money for a different 260, i know these cards shouldnt need overclocking, but if i go for a make i know overclock well, it can be handy in a couple of years time.

Thanks again mate

I have this 260GTX, overclocks very well and comes with Race Driver GRID ( This is on a disk and not download ) and 3d mark vantage

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-008-ZT&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=927

EdGey · 10 May 2009 at 16:58

i thought it was totally down to luck which cards overclock well?

no matter what brand you get, all the chips are different in terms of how well they will overclock. Every brand uses exactly the same cards, no brands are better for overclocking than others.

or atleast thats the way i saw it? could anyone clarify?

Diggsy · 10 May 2009 at 17:16

toon_mad said:
Thanks for the offer Diggsy, im going to pass on the OC Value card though, ive decided to add a bit more money for a different 260, i know these cards shouldnt need overclocking, but if i go for a make i know overclock well, it can be handy in a couple of years time.

Thanks again mate

No worries, the offer stands if you change plans. I think you get that voucher with the EVGA cards too, or at least I did (albeit at a competitor. I know, I feel ashamed

)

wolvers · 10 May 2009 at 20:49

toon_mad said:
Thanks for the offer Diggsy, im going to pass on the OC Value card though, ive decided to add a bit more money for a different 260, i know these cards shouldnt need overclocking, but if i go for a make i know overclock well, it can be handy in a couple of years time.

Thanks again mate

I bought the OcUK one, it's a Sparkle and it overclocks well.

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18004109

As EdGey says, paying more for a branded one doesn't guarantee a better overclock. You may however get a longer warranty, other items bundled or possibly a different cooler.

Mr Doovde · 10 May 2009 at 20:57

In relation to this, do people find the golden sample cards worth the extra cash for the overclocking possibilities?

almighty15 · 10 May 2009 at 21:04

Factory overclocked cards general overclock better because they have been slected as the 'best of the batch'

Its the same with CPUs, certain batches and yeilds overclock better then others, same thing applies to graphics cards

woody79 · 10 May 2009 at 21:25

ive just gone from a 8800gts 512 to a 260gtx and i dont see any noticable gains in real world performance,am a bit disapointed realy maybe i was expecting to much.

avrc · 10 May 2009 at 21:30

Mr Doovde said:
If I remember correctly, somebody on another 260 thread rang OcUK, and was informed that the current batch of OcUK value cards were rebranded Sparkles.

Yep I contacted then via the ticket system and was told they're rebranded sparkle cards.