4870 512MB or 1GB?

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  • AvalancheDiode
    Need more squeezing
    • Jan 2007
    • 988

    #1

    4870 512MB or 1GB?

    Well, we've seen NVIDIA's answer to 4870, and, apparently, AMD's answer is to slap in another 512MB GDDR5 to make it 1GB. Benchs from Anandtech shows that 1GB did some performance improvement to 4870 and basically raped 260w/216 in most cases.

    There are some 4870 open box on newegg right now that are cheap ($230), if you dare buy open box (which I do). 4870w/1GB now costs around $300 on newegg, which I think is still under hype price. I am not seeing AMD pushing new high-end cards except 4850x2, while NVIDIA may release 55nm a month later. However, I think this is a very bad time to get high-end NVIDIA cards due to their lack of DX10.1 support. DX11 is on the horizon, so AMD 4870 is now better buy.

    The problem is, 512MB or 1GB? It's only $30 difference in purchase price, and $50 AR. Open box is even cheaper, if you dare, of course.
  • Shawn Zipay
    Managing Communities 24/7
    • Apr 2003
    • 68986

    #2
    Re: 4870 512MB or 1GB?

    Spring for the 1GB. It's basically "free" additional AA in games, and it'll probably last you a bit longer for future proofing. For a difference of just $30, go for it.

    Comment

    • TheHeartSmasher
      The Architect
      • Dec 2006
      • 696

      #3
      Re: 4870 512MB or 1GB?

      When looking at the same cards always go for the higher memory when possible.

      Comment

      • Corkum
        Member
        • Oct 2006
        • 639

        #4
        Re: 4870 512MB or 1GB?

        For a slight increase in price the 1gb 4870 beats the GTX 280 in quite a few benchies. It is worth every extra penny.

        Comment

        • =98=
          Member
          • Oct 2006
          • 10299

          #5
          Re: 4870 512MB or 1GB?

          I would say 1GB if you are playing 1680x1050 or above.

          Comment

          • Eagle101

            #6
            Re: 4870 512MB or 1GB?

            What does open box mean, can someone please enlighten me?

            Comment

            • Busby, Paul (Bicci)

              #7
              Re: 4870 512MB or 1GB?

              The box has been tampered with in some way i guess.

              If you have the cash to get the 1Gb model then go for it.

              Comment

              • AvalancheDiode
                Need more squeezing
                • Jan 2007
                • 988

                #8
                Re: 4870 512MB or 1GB?

                Open box means the items were sold but returned to newegg.com for whatever reason. The items are sold as "it is," which may or may not work, and may or may not contain every accessories and manual. Basically, it is a gamble. I got mine current board for $50 with everything intact. Some reported without such luck.

                Comment

                • Eagle101

                  #9
                  Re: 4870 512MB or 1GB?

                  Wow, i thought open box meant OEM :s i was way off :p Thnx for that definition Avalanche :)

                  Comment

                  • Death Merchant
                    Member
                    • Feb 2006
                    • 1090

                    #10
                    Re: 4870 512MB or 1GB?

                    Read the Anandtech review it explains everything

                    Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.

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