HD 4870 + 24 in display

Phoenix · #1 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 04:56 PM

So, should I go for it?

Refurb 24-in Dell monitor (second from bottom)
Dell Factory Outlet

Diamond HD 4870:
Diamond 4870PE5512SB HD4870 PCI Express 2.0 Viper Video Cards 512MB GDDR5 ATI CrossfireX RoHS Compliant-Best Computer Online Store Houston Buy Discount Prices Texas-Directron.com

Yes, this is the birthday thing. Much belated, I know, but I'm just wondering if this is the way to go. Any suggestions? Is a refurb alright?

Lionhardt · #2 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 05:10 PM

No, I have a better idea!

Save your money for something cool. The upgrade will make a diff, but not an AMAZING one. Just wait a year or two more for a V-card. For the monitor, if you already have a 20in or 22in widescreen, dont't.

aliG da taco · #3 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 05:13 PM

I disagree about the video card. The 4870 will last you a long time for the cost, much better than an 8800gts 320mb edition for the latest games, especially with aa and with dx10.1 becoming more important you won't want to miss out

However I won't disagree with you if you decide to wait for the hd 5870, just know it won't be out until at least april or so based off the latest rumors for nvidia's 40nm cards (which are delayed due to TSMC)

kwalker · #4 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 06:01 PM

Go for it.
for the price you cant go wrong.
the 4870 alone will be a powerhouse contender for a long time .
you wont have to upgrade again for at least 6 months

TSIMonster · #5 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 06:53 PM

I have a a 4870 with a P-MVA 24" LCD and also an 8800GTS 320 on a 22" TN panel..... its night and day to me.

**randomizer** · #6 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 06:59 PM

The 4870 is a nice card. DX10.1 is a bonus but even if you don't consider it you've got some serious muscle there. I was going to pick one up after Christmas, but prices are going up across the board now.

Afrodisiac · #7 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 07:11 PM

Other.
Save it.

**Gneisenau** · #8 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSIMonster

I have a a 4870 with a P-MVA 24" LCD and also an 8800GTS 320 on a 22" TN panel..... its night and day to me.

Which way?

Holy_COW · #9 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 07:34 PM

The E248WFP is the cheap version on Dell's monitor line. (cheap panel, stand is not really adjustable)

The way to go is the 2408WFP, lots more of color gamut,way better panel, tons of inputs (hmdi, display port, dvi x2, s-video, rca, analog rbg monitor, component (dvd) ), memory card reader, usb 2.0 hub, etc its bit more expensive but way cheaper than brand new...

**YMAA** · #10 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 07:45 PM

E248WFP isn't exactly a "cheap" display. It's a fantastic quality for the price, definitely a night and day upgrade from the Viewsonic 20" it replaced (VX2025wm). Needs to be calibrated out of the box, but after that it looks fantastic. Great response time too.

For the price, it really is an awesome display. I love mine.

**JumpingJack** · #11 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 10:03 PM

A 4870 may be just a tad weak to drive 24" to it's fullest potential ... a 4870 X2, of course, no sweat ... but, likely, this due to some other constraints -- 480+ is a bit much to pay for an x2 ... the size and the card you chose are fine overall.

**wuzy** · #12 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 11:15 PM

Using 4870 to drive this year's game @1920x1200 is being on the rugged edge, mostly run w/o 4xAA. There's a high possibility
it won't be able to drive next year's. You want min. FPS to be above 35FPS.

Try 4850CF or 4850X2. If performance/$ for 4870 1GB is about the same as 512MB, grab that.

m25 · #13 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008, 04:10 AM

I voted "I have a better idea" because I have a slightly better idea on the card; I'd either spend slightly more for the 1GB version because 10-15% extra performance is worth it. You can get the asus version for just $270:
ASUS EAH4870/HTDI/1G
on the cheaper side, asus again has the delicious 4850 TOP:
ASUS EAH4850 TOP/HTDI/512M
With a nice and silent cooler, stock 680MHz on the core and lots of OCing potential, it also runs the memory @ 2100MHz. For half the price you get something just 5-10% short of a 4870. The $135 price tag is so sweet that I think I'd get this card anyway...

prozac26 · #14 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008, 04:23 AM

I voted no, because it's what I would do.

Although that upgrade would be huge, I would save my money for future rig, or something else down the road.

aliG da taco · #15 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wuzy

Using 4870 to drive this year's game @1920x1200 is being on the rugged edge, mostly run w/o 4xAA. There's a high possibility
it won't be able to drive next year's. You want min. FPS to be above 35FPS.

Try 4850CF or 4850X2. If performance/$ for 4870 1GB is about the same as 512MB, grab that.

I disagree, tests have shown that the 4850 DOES need more bandwidth. A stock 4870 beat a 4850 oc'd to 800 core because of the lack of bandwidth. He's better off finding a used 4870x2 than 4850x2 for that matter also unless if he doesn't plan to do an ocing, if that's the case, then the 4850x2 is a fine card for the price. Just keep in mind 4850 @ 750 =! 4870

TSIMonster · #16 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JumpingJack

A 4870 may be just a tad weak to drive 24" to it's fullest potential ... a 4870 X2, of course, no sweat ... but, likely, this due to some other constraints -- 480+ is a bit much to pay for an x2 ... the size and the card you chose are fine overall.

I disagree. I haven't had to lower settings at all in any game thus far. I left aa off in Crysis, but other wise, everything was on Very High, DX10. And Age of Conan plays maxed with 8xAF and 4xAA. The Witcher plays completely maxed with 4xAA and 8xAF, every game. He could add another 4870 down the road if he wanted more.

**Eurasianman** · #17 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008, 06:58 AM

If you can, I suggest 2 x HD 4850s.