260, 4870, or 280

[icewall2k5]

Hi there just about to setup a new rig.. nothing special. I don't really plan to oc my gpu.. maybe a factory oc instead.

E8400 with ddr2 rams and i will still be using winXP.

problem is can't decide on which video card. I game at 1920 x 1200 res 24' monitor.

As for games i play mmos, fps, rts...

I read bunch of posts.. seems like gtx280 is the way to go at that res. But it will also cost me an extra 150-200 dollars.

I was just thinking whether or not it will be worth the extra cost.

If not, then it comes down to 260 vs 4870 (512). I was looking at EVGA 260 FTW vs 4870 (non oc) like $25 bucks difference.

Please help me out..
Thanks

 

[apoppin]

Forget the lesser cards

GTX280 or HD4870x2 is the only way to go if you want max details at 19x12

it is very much worth it over a single HD4870/512 which IS insufficient imo

[yes, i am benching all 3 cards, currently; overall, i like the 280 - so far - but when the X2 scales, it is *awesome* also]



EDIT: i just noticed this:

i will still be using winXP

If you are not running DX10 - nor plan to - 4870 or 260 should be fine at 19x12

 

[scheibler1]

I was in the same situation. I went with the GTX260.

You can get this steal of a deal right now on newegg(I just did)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814130370

Enter this code for $20 off
EMCAKBBAD

There is $40 instant rebate and $40 mail in rebate. EVGA even includes Crysis and a lifetime warranty. I sold the copy of crysis since I already had one for $20. If you check out the GTX 260 review, the FTW edition speeds compete and sometimes beat the GTX280. You should be able to obtain or even surpass the FTW edition speeds with the vanilla card.

IMO, the GTX 280 isn't worth the price tag when the GTX260 has the same performance at FTW edition speeds

 

[Sylvanas]

I'd be going with Palit's awesome 4870 here with 2x Dual-DVI 1x Display port and a neat 'Smart Switch' which Overclocks the card to a predefined setting by Palit when you press it- not to mention the nice looking cooling solution.

 

[scheibler1]

meh, honestly I'de just go with whatever you can find the cheapset. It just so happens that the GTX 260 is the cheapest at the moment, even with a lifetime warranty and a great factory cooler that has great overclocking potential.

 

[bryanW1995]

I just tried it and the $20 coupon is still good. $219 shipped plus free crysis is definitely the best deal for either 4870 or 260. I agree with scheibler, go with the 260.

 

[amtbr]

Or you could wait about 2 days and see how the prices are on the new GTX 260 'Gold' edition. A minor increase in performance, but it should effect prices even more.

 

[scheibler1]

I doubt it will affect prices. They will charge a premium for the "gold edition" and the refresh die shrinks. IMO the reason why they are on sale is b/c the die shrinks are coming out soon. I didn't mind picking up a normal gtx 260 for that deal....they overclock very well too

 

[bryanW1995]

I haven't heard of the gold edition. is that gt200b?

 

[amtbr]

http://www.overclock.net/hardw...tx-260-216-stream.html

You might be right scheibler1, but why not wait a couple days to find out if you are thinking about pulling the trigger. Its not like current GTX 260 prices are going to rise. Why anyone would recommend a 4870 over a GTX 260 right now makes no sense. According to the benchmarks listed above, the GTX 260 'Gold' beats the 4870.

 

[Janooo]

OP, if you go with 260 make sure it fits in your case. 4870 is a little bit shorter.

 

[ajaidevsingh]

Either a 4850X2 or a 4870