Which Graphics Card?

[JAGX02]

Radeon 6850-~$180
GTX 460-~$200
Radeon 6870-~$240
GTX 470-~$250 (Sparkle or Gigabyte version)

It looks like the 6850 and GTX 460 perform very similarly, so probably go with the cheaper of the two?

But, for an extra $50-70, I can snag a GTX 470. What will get me the most bang for my buck? I also am unsure of the Sparkle brand?

Thoughts?

 

[Abstract Hero]

The best bang for your buck will be the 460 though it'd be worth the price to go for the 470 and sparkle is a great gpu brand.

 

[JAGX02]

Oops I forgot to post it... that might be useful info!

CPU: Intel Core i5-760

Processor: Gigabyte UD3

GPU: ???

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws 8GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) (Model F3-12800CL7D)

PSU: CORSAIR 850TX 850W ATX12V 2.2 / EPS12V 2.91 80+ Certified

Cooler: Tuniq Tower 120 Extreme Universal CPU Cooler

Case: COOLER MASTER HAF 932 Full Tower ([W]240 x [H]560 x [D]560 mm)

HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5"

Gaming (SC II) and pretty much everything else from word process to you tube. I want it to last before I have to throw down another few hundred for another GPU, but I'm worried about the heat issues with the 470. I'm not sure if I should get the Sparkle or Gigabyte or throw down an extra $10 for another brand?

 

[iPROTechman]

What about the heat horror stories?

I'd go with a 460, you can overclock it to near 470 speeds. Or go with a 6870.

 

[gurusan]

6870 without a doubt.

 

[JAGX02]

It seems that the stock 470, stock 6870, and OC 460 all perform very similarly, and can be found within $10 of each other. By default, I would likely eliminate the 470 due to heat/power/noise complaints... I guess I can research more into the 6870 design when info becomes available. And also, I'd like to see the OC ATI cards too!

 

[TheOtis]

Yes, I'd suggest the 6870. It's a new and solid performer. I wouldn't go with a factory overclocked video card though. Much better off getting a video card at factory specs and overclocking it yourself, if you want to take a stab at overclocking.

 

[Abstract Hero]

Never buy an overclocked card. It's not worth paying for what you can do yourself.