HD 6870 Vs HD 5870

[HateDread]

Hey all,

I have a choice between a HIS 6870 and a Gigabyte 5870, both around the $150 AUD mark, and both used. (EDIT: The 5870 is $170).

I know that previously, people stated that the 5870 out-performed the 6870, and benchmarks reflected this. It's also apparently a better overclocker. With new drivers and optimisation, is this still the case? I'm not sure which card to go for, considering that I'll be holding onto it for a few years (currently still using a HD 4850 golden sample from a few years back).

GPUReview.com shows that the 5870 possesses a lot more power: http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=635&card2=613

Regards,
- HateDread.

 

[shamsmu]

hd5870 is around 10% faster than the hd6870 at the expense of around 30% more power draw and more noise.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Powercolor/HD_6870_PCS_Plus/7.html

If I was you, I would look for a used gtx560 ti, you can win auctions at ebay. Here's a good one-

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MSI-GeForce-GTX-560-Ti-HAWK-Arctic-Cooling-Accelero-Xtreme-Plus-II-/200799571632?pt=AU_Components&hash=item2ec0964eb0#ht_1057wt_1378

or save around $250 and get a brand new hd7850.

 

[HugoStiglitz]

Yes the 5870 out performs the 6870.

look at something in the 78xx range or above in AMD/ATI

you should be able to pickup a 5870 2nd hand for sub $150 ($170 is a bit steep)

A normal 1gb 5870's are going for $100 - 130 and extra good one's (2gb Eyefinity 6, or high voltage models) are going for $130-150

www.overclockers.com.au has a hugh 2nd hand market for all parts and you can often pickup great 2nd hand deals. you need to create an account and wait a little while b4 u can access the for sale section.

you could also sell your 4850 on there

 

[esrever]

In your case I would go with the 6870, its performance is just 5% lower than the 5870 but it uses much less power and also gives better performance in newer games due to the improved tessalation unit.

 

[HateDread]

Just found a HD 6970 2gb edition with 'Arctic Cooling Accelero Xtreme Plus II' included for about $200 inc. postage (only $50 more than the HD 6870). Should I get it?

I have a 550W PSU though; it's good quality, however; Vantec Ion2+. I have a 6-pin+2 and another 6-pin.

Should I jump on this?
- HateDread.

 

[iixwh3l4nxii]

Yes.

 

[jaguarskx]

The Radeon HD 6xxx series has a 2nd generation DX11 engine which basically means a Radeon HD 6870 will outperform a Radeon HD 5870 in DX11 enabled games.

Naturally the HD 6970 is a better card... just not sure if it's a good deal or not since I have not been keeping up with prices.

 

[shamsmu]

Just found a HD 6970 2gb edition with 'Arctic Cooling Accelero Xtreme Plus II' included for about $200 inc. postage (only $150 more than the HD 6870). Should I get it?

I have a 550W PSU though; it's good quality, however; Vantec Ion2+. I have a 6-pin+2 and another 6-pin.

Should I jump on this?
- HateDread.

yeah go for it, the hd6970 is better than the gtx 560 ti which sells for around $220 at the moment. Unless you can save up $50 more for a much cooler and less power drainer hd7850, get the hd6970.

 

[HateDread]

I meant to say only $50* more. I'm jumping on it With that aftermarket cooler I should be good to go!

It's less than a year old - if the stock cooler is re-attached, would HIS accept this under warranty? I'm not sure how long left it'll have - seller isn't sure.

 

[shamsmu]

it's hard for us to tell.

But if you can reattach it properly, then they might. I burned down a few gpus due to high amount of overclocking and still got RMA for them from Asus.

 

[PanicMaster85]

I have a hd 6850 which can play any game out there maybe not on max settings but I guess you get what you pay for 😛 I do recommend the 6870 because it is about 10 fps better then the 6850 and i can play crysis 2 on ultra at around 20-40 so i guess with the 6870 you would get around 30-50 or more!