System
Specs:
GA-MA780G-UD3H Mobo
Phenom II 710 Triple core
4gb OCZ 1066 ram
Sapphire 4870 512mb
Seasonic 650w PSU
Coolermaster Elite RC-330 with 4 case fans
22" BenQ @1920x1080.
Everything runs very cool (CPU 42c, GPU 70c under load).
I know this is an oft posed question, but the responses seem to vary based on the system. I had originally planned on adding a second 4870 512mb when I built this system, but didn't do my homework on the Mobo, and from what I have gathered, crossfire on 16x/4x is a waste of money, unless crossfiring two low-end cards. Since my 4870 already outperforms any low-end crossfired cards, I am debating how to go about upgrading. I bought my 4870 512 on a killer deal (about $200CAD back in march) thus saving me over a $100 on getting a 1gb model. I am regretting this somewhat, as running games @1920x1080 is significantly rougher than lower resolutions, an issue that I might not be experiencing if I had shelled out for the 1gb model.
I have a buyer for my card if I replace it, which will help with the purchase cost of a new card, but am concerned that the return on the investment might be too weak. I want to stay with ATI, so my current options are 48701gb, 4850x2, 4870x2, or 4890. Keep in mind that it is getting VERY difficult to find a 4870x2 in Canada for less than $600, and even harder to find stock in 4850x2. Every spring (tax return season) I build a new rig, so this is really only a 9month upgrade.
Is a 48701gb or 48901gb a big enough upgrade, should I wait for the 5xxx cards to be released, or should I just deal with my situation till next spring?
Thanks in advance for your input!
Specs:
GA-MA780G-UD3H Mobo
Phenom II 710 Triple core
4gb OCZ 1066 ram
Sapphire 4870 512mb
Seasonic 650w PSU
Coolermaster Elite RC-330 with 4 case fans
22" BenQ @1920x1080.
Everything runs very cool (CPU 42c, GPU 70c under load).
I know this is an oft posed question, but the responses seem to vary based on the system. I had originally planned on adding a second 4870 512mb when I built this system, but didn't do my homework on the Mobo, and from what I have gathered, crossfire on 16x/4x is a waste of money, unless crossfiring two low-end cards. Since my 4870 already outperforms any low-end crossfired cards, I am debating how to go about upgrading. I bought my 4870 512 on a killer deal (about $200CAD back in march) thus saving me over a $100 on getting a 1gb model. I am regretting this somewhat, as running games @1920x1080 is significantly rougher than lower resolutions, an issue that I might not be experiencing if I had shelled out for the 1gb model.
I have a buyer for my card if I replace it, which will help with the purchase cost of a new card, but am concerned that the return on the investment might be too weak. I want to stay with ATI, so my current options are 48701gb, 4850x2, 4870x2, or 4890. Keep in mind that it is getting VERY difficult to find a 4870x2 in Canada for less than $600, and even harder to find stock in 4850x2. Every spring (tax return season) I build a new rig, so this is really only a 9month upgrade.
Is a 48701gb or 48901gb a big enough upgrade, should I wait for the 5xxx cards to be released, or should I just deal with my situation till next spring?
Thanks in advance for your input!