AMD 6970 or GTX 480

[happy]

Hi guys,
So I am contemplating between the 6970 and the 480. The only thing holding me back from getting the 480 is the memory difference between the 6970. Which one should I get. I mostly play BF3 and GTA IV. Down the line I'm hoping these cards will hold up for BF4 and GTA V. Which one would be best for my purpose? I know the memory difference isn't a huge factor given that the 6970 and the 480 are neck and neck. But I just wanted to know in the future will be much of a factor?

Thanks

 

[erocker]

Did you look at reviews? Your questions are answered here:

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/HIS/Radeon_HD_6970/

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/NVIDIA/GeForce_GTX_480_Fermi/

 

[happy]

Did you look at reviews? Your questions are answered here:

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/HIS/Radeon_HD_6970/

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/NVIDIA/GeForce_GTX_480_Fermi/

Nope, but looked at some benchmarks though.

Thanks

 

[Crap Daddy]

Considering that you can get a 480 at 250$ and newegg has some 6970 listed at a minimum of 350$, the 480 is a nobrainer. But you might look for a GTX570 or a HD7870 for 280$/360$

 

[Super XP]

Nope, but looked at some benchmarks though.

Thanks

Both cards have there strengths and weaknesses. It all depends on the games you play and at the screens resolution you use.

 

[happy]

Considering that you can get a 480 at 250$ and newegg has some 6970 listed at a minimum of 350$, the 480 is a nobrainer. But you might look for a GTX570 or a HD7870 for 280$/360$

Oh, I'm looking to by used, and trying to stay under the $200 budget.

 

[happy]

Both cards have there strengths and weaknesses. It all depends on the games you play and at the screens resolution you use.

Probably the highest would be 1080p, but right now my max res is 1024 x 1xxx. I assume the 480 will do better for my resolution, but I'm trying to future proof this and don't want to mess with my rig anymore. So I'm assuming a 6950 with unlocked shaders would best suit my price range and my gaming?

 

[Capitan Harlock]

if you have to bring the gtx 480 , first thing change cooler,the stock gtx480 its a fryeggs ,the 6950 reference with dual bios its a good deal for unlock and have a 6970

 

[happy]

Opinions need.
Hi, so now I am debating between AMD 6950 with only unlock shaders not flashed to 6970 and this ---> ASUS EAH6970 DCII/2DI4S/2GD5 Radeon HD 6970 2GB 25..., which is 50 dollars more. Should I go for the 6950 or the one on newegg? That 6970 is 1000mhz and looks like it will be less noisy because of teh aftermarket cooler.

Thanks

 

[brandonwh64]

There are some GTX 480's on hardforums for 190$ shipped.

 

[happy]

There are some GTX 480's on hardforums for 190$ shipped.

I decided not to go with the 480 as I think the 1.5gb memory is not going to be as future proof as the 6970 2gb memory and the 7970 3gb memory. Also, I've heard that the 480s run super hot, and my case is super small.

Thanks

 

[yogurt_21]

I decided not to go with the 480 as I think the 1.5gb memory is not going to be as future proof as the 6970 2gb memory and the 7970 3gb memory. Also, I've heard that the 480s run super hot, and my case is super small.

Thanks

they're also several years old now so a used one could be f'd up and be without a warranty. pity the 7870 isn't cheaper.

 

[Wrigleyvillain]

I decided not to go with the 480 as I think the 1.5gb memory is not going to be as future proof as the 6970 2gb memory and the 7970 3gb memory. Also, I've heard that the 480s run super hot, and my case is super small.

While your logic here is generally sound and I certainly applaud you for trying to get as much vram as possible you did mention you play BF3 (granted only one game however) and NV cards simply do much better on higher settings especially with MSAA in the mix. My 480 completely owns my old 6850 Crossfire in this game and the latter is technically 2-5% faster. The additional 512MB memory definitely is a factor too though.

They can run a bit hot I just turn up the fan speed to like 72% and it never goes above 80C. Ya thats loud but I don't hear it while I'm gaming, of course. One of the best GPU bang-for-buck deals right now at around $200.

 

[happy]

Opinions needed guys,
Is $425 for a reference 7970 a good deal? I'm pretty sure they will go lower as time goes by.

Thanks

 

[eidairaman1]

Opinions needed guys,
Is $425 for a reference 7970 a good deal? I'm pretty sure they will go lower as time goes by.

Thanks

$102 bux lower than the lowest price on newegg. hell yes

 

[xenocide]

$102 bux lower than the lowest price on newegg. hell yes

Yea, it is a very good deal if it is BNIB, but if it's some sketchy person on eBay I'd be weary...

 

[happy]

Yea, it is a very good deal if it is BNIB, but if it's some sketchy person on eBay I'd be weary...

Thanks, the seller actually bought it from someone and is now selling it. So shouldn't it be a bit lower?

 

[MxPhenom 216]

why 480? 570 or 6970 should be what your choosing between. And Id choose 570. If you really are choosing between 480 and 6970. id take the 6970

 

[happy]

why 480? 570 or 6970 should be what your choosing between. And Id choose 570. If you really are choosing between 480 and 6970. id take the 6970

Thanks for the opinion,

Would you choose get this -->ASUS EAH6970 DCII/2DI4S/2GD5 Radeon HD 6970 2GB 25... or a 6950 with unlocked shaders then. I'm just trying to see what I can get for the best deal thats all. It's a 50 dollar difference the newegg one is 250 and the 6950 is 200.

 

[MxPhenom 216]

all the prices im seeing for the 6970. Id just get this. MSI twinfrozr gtx570 PE/OC

MSI N570GTX Twin Frozr III PE/OC GeForce GTX 570 (...

The 570s perform better then the 480s Im pretty sure.

WAIT. that hd6970 is deactivated. Not available anymore.

 

[Vulpesveritas]

The Asus will probably be cooler and quieter, but will take out another PCI slot.

Though that 7970 is a very good deal it sounds like.

 

[happy]

all the prices im seeing for the 6970. Id just get this. MSI twinfrozr gtx570 PE/OC

MSI N570GTX Twin Frozr III PE/OC GeForce GTX 570 (...

The 570s perform better then the 480s Im pretty sure.

WAIT. that hd6970 is deactivated. Not available anymore.

The Asus will probably be cooler and quieter, but will take out another PCI slot.

Though that 7970 is a very good deal it sounds like.

Thanks for the opinions. Greatly appreciated.

 

[happy]

WAIT. that hd6970 is deactivated. Not available anymore.

Oh. I'm buying used. I'm buying everything used of course.
Trying to haggle with sellers for the lowest price possible.