970 vs. 480

[macelodeon]

Simple question, 970 or 480? the 1070 is way to over priced in Canada so im considering these two options. I will be getting a I5 4690K. Both of the cards are around the same price (sale) so I Would like to know which one performs better? thanks!

 

[13thmonkey]

The reviews will tell you which is better.
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/amd-radeon-rx-480-polaris-10,review-33587-6.html
for instance.
These are a much better source than peoples opinions, who will typically only have one or the other.

 

[iam2thecrowe]

Don't get a 480 till they release non-standard versions of it, the current stock AMD version has a problem where it draws too much power from the motherboard, potentially harmful to the motherboard. They are supposed to be releasing a software patch for this, but I call BS on that being a proper fix. A 480 is a good choice when they release some proper boards, the 970 is also a good choice, proven and reliable if you want to buy something right now. Talking performance, both trade blows depending on the game.

If you have a quality 650w+ psu and don't care about power consumption, an r9 390/x is another option. They may become cheap when they're trying to clear stock with the rx 480 out.

 

[gaborbarla]

The 970 has less effective RAM 3.5gb (512meg is like 32 bit which does work in games well) but is a bit faster even at stock speeds. The speed difference is not really that significant though and the 480 has 4 to 8 gigs of RAM. The upcoming 1060 is rumoured to have 980 performance and 3 or 6 gb of RAM, and might be worth checking out before you make the jump. There are some nice aftermarket cooler 970s that are well overclocked that would make a difference, might also be worth checking that out.

Hope this helps,
Gabor

 

[macelodeon]

The 970 has less effective RAM 3.5gb (512meg is like 32 bit which does work in games well) but is a bit faster even at stock speeds. The speed difference is not really that significant though and the 480 has 4 to 8 gigs of RAM. The upcoming 1060 is rumoured to have 980 performance and 3 or 6 gb of RAM, and might be worth checking out before you make the jump. There are some nice aftermarket cooler 970s that are well overclocked that would make a difference, might also be worth checking that out.

Hope this helps,
Gabor

Thanks man, I need to update the original post because I forgot to mention that the card is a Asus 970 STRIX, not stock. Any different then what you said? I also have a 500W power supply, but plan on upgrading to a 600W-650W power supply, or is 500W enough for a I5 4690K and 970/480

 

[iam2thecrowe]

what particular 500w PSU? it should be fine if its a good quality mid-tier or better psu and if its not incredibly old.

 

[macelodeon]

what particular 500w PSU? it should be fine if its a good quality mid-tier or better psu and if its not incredibly old.

Corsair CX500M

 

[gaborbarla]

The 970 will require a 500W psu, it should work with yours just fine.
THe 480 needs a 450W PSU and the 1060 will require less than that. In any case I would very much recommend waiting for the 1060 if you can, it is out "mid July". Newer cards are better and supported longer. The 1060 is rumored to be on par with a 980, which the strix cannot touch.
http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/asus_geforce_gtx_970_strix_review,15.html

 

[bicycle_repair_man]

In any case I would very much recommend waiting for the 1060 if you can

I completely agree.

 

[gonf]

yer i would go for the RX480 or the 1060 myself too.
they should work about the same. maybe a few fps different depending what game. one will work better than the other on different game. just keep in mind that the RX480 should support Crossfire in the future (even tho i never liked the idea of 2 video card. the driver give too many problem) and the 1060 won't support sli. but the 1060 will use less power than the RX480. so they both have their pro and con.
in the end of the days it about which brand you like more. "market shear are about 30/70 amd 30/ nvidia 70" : )

 

[JediMa]

http://

date of release july 19th

 

[iam2thecrowe]

what particular 500w PSU? it should be fine if its a good quality mid-tier or better psu and if its not incredibly old.

Corsair CX500M

If that is your psu then i would wait and go with the 1060 as it uses the least amount of power. The CX series corsair psu's aren't particularly good, although you can do a lot worse, I wouldn't put a high load on them and expect it to last.

 

[Devildjinn]

Rx480.
Power draw issue has been fixed with the latest drivers.
You can crossfire them later on down the track to boost power.
Crossfire isn't fantastic at the moment, but it devs jump on board with multiple Gpus on dx12 it COULD pay off.