GPU? (HD3870X2 vs 9800GX2)

[=)BiT(= Evant3k]

I want to buy a new GPU for my rig. My MSI Radeon RX1900 512MB will be not enough to run games pretty soon (it still runs Crysis on Medium with 25 FPS and COD4 High with 60 FPS). My first option is to buy a second X1950 512MB and crossfire for $100, or go for the top shelf and reach for the newer stuff.
My Card: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16814127208

I am choosing from the HD3870 X2 ($300-$500) or the 9800 GX2 ($500-$600), which one is worth it's money, I am in favor of the Radeon product since I have always been with ATI never failed me as apposed to 2 fried Nvidia cards in the past, but I would like to get your opinions. Post any FPS benchmark, heat average temps (idle and stress).

So HD3870 X2 vs 9800 GX2

So my options are:
1. Crssfire current RX1900 512mb with an extra X1950 512mb
2. Buy the HD3870 X2 1GB
3. Buy the 9800 GX2 1GB

Please no hate posts I know it's an exciting topic. I want to hear especially from owners of one of the cards. Please no ("Radeon FTW" posts or "Nvidia FTW" I don't need to scroll through that.

[jesus]

Re: GPU? (HD3870X2 vs 9800GX2)

If you're willing to put down $300 - $600 for a new card, then you might want to wait until the HD4870 comes out, which I think is in june.

This is what the specs are supposed to be:
480 stream processors
850MHz core speed
1GB of 1935MHz GDDR5 RAM
256-bit memory interface

These are some benchmarks (although, I don't know if they're legit or not):





the GT200 (nvidia's new line up) specs look good, too, these are the rumoured specs:
55nm TSMC process
Single chip with "dual G92b like" cores
330-350mm2 die size
900M+ transistors
512-bit memory interface
32 ROP
192SP (24X8)
6+8 Pin
550~600W PSU min

I can't find any benchmarks though

[Eagle101]

Re: GPU? (HD3870X2 vs 9800GX2)

Jawohl mein Kommandant!!! (yes sir my commandant! too many CoH :P) Anyways Tomeis has a put a lovely layout over there nice work Tomeis, here is the thing Evant, if you can hold out till June that would be great, June or July me thinks, you could get real next gen cards but thats only in the favor of you spending a bundle of money i.e. ($300-$500) or ($500-$600) like what you said.

Personally i would go for the ATi 38s. But anyways if you cant wait it out, then get the 38 you posted above.

3870X2 is more stable and its 2gpus slapped on one PCB "The Radeon HD 3870 X2 puts two GPUs in a single card." whilst the 98GX2 had two cards i.e. two 88s slapped together.

[TheSpark29]

Re: GPU? (HD3870X2 vs 9800GX2)

I would advise the OP not to spend that kind of money right now. As previously mentioned, ATI's 4870 and nVidia's 9900 series is right around the corner. Both products will be more powerful than the 3870X2 and 9800GX2. Buying a current-gen product now doesn't make sense, as it will be outdated in a month or so. Just wait a bit and keep your eyes open.

3870X2 is more stable....

Ummm, I don't think there's any proof that the ATI card is more stable....

[=)BiT(= Evant3k]

Re: GPU? (HD3870X2 vs 9800GX2)

Yes, I will wait it out the upgrade is not yet necessary because my old card works pretty well with current games. If the HD4870 benchamrks are true then the ATi product is defiantly worth waiting for plus it is supposed to run on a upgraded memory GDDR5 so that takes some stress of the card. 9800 GX2 is just 2 8800 with a slightly upgraded architecture, so I don't understand why Nvidia is being such a rip off.

Option 4. Wait for the HD4870

[TheSpark29]

Re: GPU? (HD3870X2 vs 9800GX2)

Yes, I will wait it out the upgrade is not yet necessary because my old card works pretty well with current games. If the HD4870 benchamrks are true then the ATi product is defiantly worth waiting for plus it is supposed to run on a upgraded memory GDDR5 so that takes some stress of the card. 9800 GX2 is just 2 8800 with a slightly upgraded architecture, so I don't understand why Nvidia is being such a rip off.

Option 4. Wait for the HD4870

Whoa now. Nvidia isn't ripping anyone off more than ATI is. Both companies' dual GPU products both have 2GPUs on a single interface. ATI put two 3870's on a single PCB. No new architecture. Just 3870 Crossfire on a single card. Nvidia just used 8800GTS SLI on two PCBs, one PCI-E slot.

As for waiting, I'd be more intereasted in Nvidia's 9900 series than ATI's 4870....

[Eagle101]

Re: GPU? (HD3870X2 vs 9800GX2)

Ah forget my previous post (To OP) i would say wait as well, your card can hold out till then mate, so wait it out and may the best card win.

[=)BiT(= Evant3k]

Re: GPU? (HD3870X2 vs 9800GX2)

I will wait its totally worth it 4870 will be a great card.

[Eagle101]

Re: GPU? (HD3870X2 vs 9800GX2)

^^ Good choice