• Welcome to TechPowerUp Forums, Guest! Please check out our forum guidelines for info related to our community.

Don't Know Which Video Card to Buy in USD~$300 Range

MelodiousUltra

New Member
Joined
Jun 17, 2010
Messages
86 (0.02/day)
Location
Southern California
Processor Intel Core i5 750 Lynnfield 2.66 GHz LGA 1156 95W (B1) @ 2.66 GHz
Motherboard Asus P7P55D Pro (Intel P55 Chipset) LGA 1156 ATX Motherboard
Cooling 1x 120 mm Back Case Fan; 1x 140 mm Top Case Fan; Intel Stock Fan
Memory OCZ Platinum OCZ3P1333LV4GK 4 GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 PC3-10666 @ 7-7-7-20
Video Card(s) XFX Radeon HD 5850 1 GB GDDR5 256-bit PCI-E 2.0 HD-585A-ZNFC
Storage Western Digital Caviar Green 750 GB WD7500AADS
Display(s) Samsung 2494SW 24" LCD Monitor (1920 x 1080)
Case Antec Three Hundred Mid-ATX Case
Audio Device(s) VIA VT1828S Onboard Audio
Power Supply Cooler Master Extreme Power Plus 600 Watt (RS-600-PCAR-E3)
Software Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate x64 (Build 7600)
So I got I can finally get a new graphics card but I don't know which one to get. You can already tell that I'm looking for a video card that can run a wide variety of games: from Halo to Crysis at the highest settings at the highest resolution with the best visual quality, give me graphical improvements in Windows 7, is a great option for multimedia/entertainment and general use. I need a video card:
  • that will fit in my case without difficulty (and that includes the power connectors)
  • from a manufacturer with reliable support, organized website, and other conditions that constitute a good company
  • with an excellent warranty
  • with good software/drivers and useful accessories/manuals that come with the graphics card
  • that can overclock when I play games [but clock back down when in 2D mode] moderately (enough to match the performance of an HD5870 or somewhere near it)
  • that can run Windows Aero without glitches (lol, my current one can't)
  • that has great image quality for pictures and movies
  • that won't be too loud or too hot in general (games, movies, pictures, multimedia, productivity/work)
  • that's efficient (won't be too hungry for power (meaning my current one can support it as well as a Corsair CMPSU-650TX {which I want to get}, fan control, etc.)
  • that has a good price for its performance.
  • that has a good resale value which means people would still like it if it was used so that I could sell it to them at a rational and agreed price

You can take a look at my system specs there.
The cards I have in mind are:
  1. XFX Radeon HD 5850 HD-585X-ZAFC - Total: $299.00
  2. Asus Radeon HD 5850 EAH5850 DIRECTCU/2DIS/1GD5 - Total: $324.99
  3. Sapphire Radeon HD 5850 Toxic 100282TXSR - Total: $339.99
  4. EVGA GeForce GTX 470 012-P3-1470-AR - Total: $329.99

Please let me know what you think and any comments you might have. Thanks for helping me.
 

Fourstaff

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Nov 29, 2009
Messages
10,020 (1.91/day)
Location
Home
System Name Orange! // ItchyHands
Processor 3570K // 10400F
Motherboard ASRock z77 Extreme4 // TUF Gaming B460M-Plus
Cooling Stock // Stock
Memory 2x4Gb 1600Mhz CL9 Corsair XMS3 // 2x8Gb 3200 Mhz XPG D41
Video Card(s) Sapphire Nitro+ RX 570 // Asus TUF RTX 2070
Storage Samsung 840 250Gb // SX8200 480GB
Display(s) LG 22EA53VQ // Philips 275M QHD
Case NZXT Phantom 410 Black/Orange // Tecware Forge M
Power Supply Corsair CXM500w // CM MWE 600w
XFX 5850 hands down, XFX is a good company and they offer amazing warranty, or so I am told. Some people might dispute that, and ask you to choose GTX470 but IMHO the GTX470 is not as worth it as the 5850 because it consumes much more power.

You might want this version instead:XFX HD-585X-ZNFV Radeon HD 5850 1GB 256-bit DDR5 P...

Your list of requirements is too long and most of them are quite useless, eg: good software/drivers (any self respectable system builder will download their own) and can run Wndows Aero (it doesn't take much and even integrated solutions can run it without a sweat).

Don't bother about the resale value, the moment your rip open the package, its value drops dramatically, and if you are using it for 2 years, it will be worth only like 50% of what you paid it for or even less.
 
Joined
Jan 26, 2010
Messages
1,644 (0.32/day)
Location
I'm roomates with Corey Feldman
Processor W3520 Xeon
Motherboard Asus Sabertooth X58
Cooling Cool it Vantage
Memory 6gb Dominators
Video Card(s) GTX 460
Storage 60Gb Vertex II 500Gb storage
Display(s) LG 42LH40 42" 1080P
Case 932 HAF
Audio Device(s) Voices in my head
Power Supply Raidmax730/
Software Win7Pro64
Benchmark Scores Pretty High one's. but it's not a contest/ I just read them for the articles.
I agree with fourstaff... xfx is the way to go!
 

MelodiousUltra

New Member
Joined
Jun 17, 2010
Messages
86 (0.02/day)
Location
Southern California
Processor Intel Core i5 750 Lynnfield 2.66 GHz LGA 1156 95W (B1) @ 2.66 GHz
Motherboard Asus P7P55D Pro (Intel P55 Chipset) LGA 1156 ATX Motherboard
Cooling 1x 120 mm Back Case Fan; 1x 140 mm Top Case Fan; Intel Stock Fan
Memory OCZ Platinum OCZ3P1333LV4GK 4 GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 PC3-10666 @ 7-7-7-20
Video Card(s) XFX Radeon HD 5850 1 GB GDDR5 256-bit PCI-E 2.0 HD-585A-ZNFC
Storage Western Digital Caviar Green 750 GB WD7500AADS
Display(s) Samsung 2494SW 24" LCD Monitor (1920 x 1080)
Case Antec Three Hundred Mid-ATX Case
Audio Device(s) VIA VT1828S Onboard Audio
Power Supply Cooler Master Extreme Power Plus 600 Watt (RS-600-PCAR-E3)
Software Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate x64 (Build 7600)
Okay so we've narrowed it down to the XFX Radeon HD 5850 models.
HD-585X-ZAFC for $299.00 vs. HD-585X-ZNFC for $308.50.

The 585X-ZNFC looks more fragile than the 585X-ZAFC because it doesn't have a full shroud. I'm not sure which card is longer because I need the shorter of the two. (Is it me or there isn't a door hanger that comes with the 585X-ZNFC?) If they're the same length, which one has better cooling and lower volume?
 
Joined
Jan 26, 2010
Messages
1,644 (0.32/day)
Location
I'm roomates with Corey Feldman
Processor W3520 Xeon
Motherboard Asus Sabertooth X58
Cooling Cool it Vantage
Memory 6gb Dominators
Video Card(s) GTX 460
Storage 60Gb Vertex II 500Gb storage
Display(s) LG 42LH40 42" 1080P
Case 932 HAF
Audio Device(s) Voices in my head
Power Supply Raidmax730/
Software Win7Pro64
Benchmark Scores Pretty High one's. but it's not a contest/ I just read them for the articles.
the znfc does come with a door hanger... both have identical specs jst different styles... i personally love new egg so i would go that route... you jst need to decide on what style of card you want.
 
Joined
Jul 19, 2006
Messages
43,585 (6.74/day)
Processor AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Motherboard ASUS TUF x670e
Cooling EK AIO 360. Phantek T30 fans.
Memory 32GB G.Skill 6000Mhz
Video Card(s) Asus RTX 4090
Storage WD m.2
Display(s) LG C2 Evo OLED 42"
Case Lian Li PC 011 Dynamic Evo
Audio Device(s) Topping E70 DAC, SMSL SP200 Headphone Amp.
Power Supply FSP Hydro Ti PRO 1000W
Mouse Razer Basilisk V3 Pro
Keyboard Tester84
Software Windows 11
Go with the ZAFC.

1. It's cheaper
2. Reference design - Meaning it can be overclocked with 3rd party tools and have voltage/fan control
3. The cooler is efficient and will exhaust the heat out of your computer case.
 
Joined
Dec 21, 2008
Messages
1,374 (0.25/day)
System Name Hakase
Processor Ryzen 7 3700X @ Stock
Motherboard ASUS ROG Strix B450-F
Cooling Noctua NH-U12S
Memory 2x8GB Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 @ 3000MHz 18-18-18
Video Card(s) Asus GTX1070 Dual
Storage 250GB 860EVO - 2x600GB Cheetah 15k7 - 2x2TB Constellation ES - 2+3TB Green - 500GB Deskstar
Display(s) Viewsonic VX2476-smhd
Case Fractal Design Define R5
Audio Device(s) Fostex PC100USB > Altec Lansing ATP-3
Power Supply Corsair CX750M
Mouse Logitech G Pro X Superlight - Razer ExactMat Control
Keyboard Leopold FC750R, MX Blue
Software Win 10 Pro 64-bit
Benchmark Scores not benching anymore...
XFX HD5850 wins hands down
good warranty
 

MelodiousUltra

New Member
Joined
Jun 17, 2010
Messages
86 (0.02/day)
Location
Southern California
Processor Intel Core i5 750 Lynnfield 2.66 GHz LGA 1156 95W (B1) @ 2.66 GHz
Motherboard Asus P7P55D Pro (Intel P55 Chipset) LGA 1156 ATX Motherboard
Cooling 1x 120 mm Back Case Fan; 1x 140 mm Top Case Fan; Intel Stock Fan
Memory OCZ Platinum OCZ3P1333LV4GK 4 GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 PC3-10666 @ 7-7-7-20
Video Card(s) XFX Radeon HD 5850 1 GB GDDR5 256-bit PCI-E 2.0 HD-585A-ZNFC
Storage Western Digital Caviar Green 750 GB WD7500AADS
Display(s) Samsung 2494SW 24" LCD Monitor (1920 x 1080)
Case Antec Three Hundred Mid-ATX Case
Audio Device(s) VIA VT1828S Onboard Audio
Power Supply Cooler Master Extreme Power Plus 600 Watt (RS-600-PCAR-E3)
Software Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate x64 (Build 7600)
I thought that HD-585A ZNFC/ZNDC/ZNBC models were reference design and HD-585X ZAFC/ZNFV/ZNFC are non-reference.
HD-585A Reference Models: 9.5" long for sure. Cooler blows heat out of case via the back. Voltage control. I really want this one, so if you can find it where it is in stock (verified) and will ship within at the very least, 3-5 days, then please tell me.
HD-585X-ZNFV/ZNFC Non-Reference. >10.0"?? Blows exhaust back into case? No voltage control? Only an egg-shaped cooler - based on Newegg reviews, the board and power connectors feel fragile/flimsy(?)
HD-585X-ZAFC/ZAFV Non-Reference Models. >10.0"?? Blows exhaust back into case? No voltage control? Full shroud - seems more durable(?)

If the HD-585X-ZAFC is indeed reference, then I am going for that one, but it seems unlikely as the reference models use the reference cooler (fan at end of card, not in the middle).
 
Last edited:
Joined
Apr 30, 2008
Messages
4,875 (0.84/day)
Location
Multidimensional
System Name Boomer Master Race
Processor AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2Ghz - 5Ghz CPU
Motherboard MSI B650I Edge Wifi ITX Motherboard
Cooling CM 280mm AIO + 2x 120mm Slim fans
Memory G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo 32GB 6000MHz
Video Card(s) Galax RTX 4060 8GB (Temporary Until Next Gen)
Storage Kingston KC3000 M.2 1TB + 2TB HDD
Display(s) Asus TUF 24Inch 165Hz || AOC 24Inch 180Hz
Case Cooler Master NR200P Max TG ITX Case
Audio Device(s) Built In Realtek Digital Audio HD
Power Supply CoolerMaster V850 SFX Gold 850W PSU
Mouse Logitech G203 Lightsync
Keyboard Atrix RGB Slim Keyboard
VR HMD ( ◔ ʖ̯ ◔ )
Software Windows 10 Home 64bit
Benchmark Scores Don't do them anymore.
Yeah I would go with a HD5850 as well:toast:

I do have a HIS HD5870 1GB that Im selling for $360 (aussie dollars) thats around $313 USD, close to $300:D but then there is shipping costs:cry: I know it says in my sale thread that Im only shipping in Australia but I could make an exception:toast:, I could lower the price to around $298 USD if you could handle shipping costs:D up too you man, just thought I would let you know about it:toast:
 
Joined
Jul 19, 2006
Messages
43,585 (6.74/day)
Processor AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Motherboard ASUS TUF x670e
Cooling EK AIO 360. Phantek T30 fans.
Memory 32GB G.Skill 6000Mhz
Video Card(s) Asus RTX 4090
Storage WD m.2
Display(s) LG C2 Evo OLED 42"
Case Lian Li PC 011 Dynamic Evo
Audio Device(s) Topping E70 DAC, SMSL SP200 Headphone Amp.
Power Supply FSP Hydro Ti PRO 1000W
Mouse Razer Basilisk V3 Pro
Keyboard Tester84
Software Windows 11

MelodiousUltra

New Member
Joined
Jun 17, 2010
Messages
86 (0.02/day)
Location
Southern California
Processor Intel Core i5 750 Lynnfield 2.66 GHz LGA 1156 95W (B1) @ 2.66 GHz
Motherboard Asus P7P55D Pro (Intel P55 Chipset) LGA 1156 ATX Motherboard
Cooling 1x 120 mm Back Case Fan; 1x 140 mm Top Case Fan; Intel Stock Fan
Memory OCZ Platinum OCZ3P1333LV4GK 4 GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 PC3-10666 @ 7-7-7-20
Video Card(s) XFX Radeon HD 5850 1 GB GDDR5 256-bit PCI-E 2.0 HD-585A-ZNFC
Storage Western Digital Caviar Green 750 GB WD7500AADS
Display(s) Samsung 2494SW 24" LCD Monitor (1920 x 1080)
Case Antec Three Hundred Mid-ATX Case
Audio Device(s) VIA VT1828S Onboard Audio
Power Supply Cooler Master Extreme Power Plus 600 Watt (RS-600-PCAR-E3)
Software Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate x64 (Build 7600)

Taken off of the XFX website, although the length I suppose is wrong from what the Newegg customers say. From Newegg: the ZAFC . So hence my problem. I can't find an XFX reference HD5850 and it seems I'm stuck with the HD-585X-ZAFC and HD-585X-ZNFC.
 
Joined
Jul 19, 2006
Messages
43,585 (6.74/day)
Processor AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Motherboard ASUS TUF x670e
Cooling EK AIO 360. Phantek T30 fans.
Memory 32GB G.Skill 6000Mhz
Video Card(s) Asus RTX 4090
Storage WD m.2
Display(s) LG C2 Evo OLED 42"
Case Lian Li PC 011 Dynamic Evo
Audio Device(s) Topping E70 DAC, SMSL SP200 Headphone Amp.
Power Supply FSP Hydro Ti PRO 1000W
Mouse Razer Basilisk V3 Pro
Keyboard Tester84
Software Windows 11
http://img.techpowerup.org/100620/HD585XZAFC.jpg
Taken off of the XFX website, although the length I suppose is wrong from what the Newegg customers say. From Newegg: the ZAFC . So hence my problem. I can't find an XFX reference HD5850 and it seems I'm stuck with the HD-585X-ZAFC and HD-585X-ZNFC.

Ahh, they show the wrong picture on the jr.com website...

I'll scour the webz to see if I can find one. :toast:

5850's are really sold out everywhere and there's no reference designs to be found.

The MSI Twin Frozr is not only a sexy looking card it also voltage control with MSI Afterburner. If I wanted to get a 5850 right now, it would most likely be the card I would get. MSI R5850 Twin Frozr II Radeon HD 5850 (Cypress Pr... -pay no attention to the reviews on Newegg. Most complaints are from novice, unexperienced users in this case.
 
Last edited:

MelodiousUltra

New Member
Joined
Jun 17, 2010
Messages
86 (0.02/day)
Location
Southern California
Processor Intel Core i5 750 Lynnfield 2.66 GHz LGA 1156 95W (B1) @ 2.66 GHz
Motherboard Asus P7P55D Pro (Intel P55 Chipset) LGA 1156 ATX Motherboard
Cooling 1x 120 mm Back Case Fan; 1x 140 mm Top Case Fan; Intel Stock Fan
Memory OCZ Platinum OCZ3P1333LV4GK 4 GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 PC3-10666 @ 7-7-7-20
Video Card(s) XFX Radeon HD 5850 1 GB GDDR5 256-bit PCI-E 2.0 HD-585A-ZNFC
Storage Western Digital Caviar Green 750 GB WD7500AADS
Display(s) Samsung 2494SW 24" LCD Monitor (1920 x 1080)
Case Antec Three Hundred Mid-ATX Case
Audio Device(s) VIA VT1828S Onboard Audio
Power Supply Cooler Master Extreme Power Plus 600 Watt (RS-600-PCAR-E3)
Software Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate x64 (Build 7600)
  1. MSI HD5850 R5850 Twin Frozr II - $320.98 Total (after tax - rebate)
  2. XFX Radeon HD 5850 HD-585X-ZAFC - $310.19 Total (Tax)
  3. XFX Radeon HD 5850 HD-585X-ZNFC - $308.50 Total (Tax)

I should note that I won't be too heavy on the overclocking. It would be nice but it's a luxury I guess. I might overclock but not to crazy speeds like 900 core 1300 mem, so I don't know if voltage control is worth it.
  1. It doesn't have a full shroud and on this one forum, I saw someone use a cereal box to serve as a full shroud...10.12 inches (exact) + 2 6-pin power connectors might not fit into Antec 300? Should I sell this card within the next 3 years or should I keep it for the next 3 years?
  2. Full shroud will help make it feel more intact than one without, however, I don't know if ~10 inches + 2 6-pin connectors can fit into my case. Double lifetime warranty could help with possible resale value. Should I sell within next 3 years or keep for 3 years?
  3. It seems that without the full shroud, the card will feel fragile and exhaust has more possibility of entering the case. Length I assume should be the same as above, ~10 inches (without the power connectors). Hoping the sample will do 5870 clocks. Double lifetime warranty could help with possible resale value. Sell in 3 years time frame or keep for 3 years?
 

Tatty_Two

Gone Fishing
Joined
Jan 18, 2006
Messages
25,793 (3.88/day)
Location
Worcestershire, UK
Processor Rocket Lake Core i5 11600K @ 5 Ghz with PL tweaks
Motherboard MSI MAG Z490 TOMAHAWK
Cooling Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120SE + 4 Phanteks 140mm case fans
Memory 32GB (4 x 8GB SR) Patriot Viper Steel 4133Mhz DDR4 @ 3600Mhz CL14@1.45v Gear 1
Video Card(s) Asus Dual RTX 4070 OC
Storage WD Blue SN550 1TB M.2 NVME//Crucial MX500 500GB SSD (OS)
Display(s) AOC Q2781PQ 27 inch Ultra Slim 2560 x 1440 IPS
Case Phanteks Enthoo Pro M Windowed - Gunmetal
Audio Device(s) Onboard Realtek ALC1200/SPDIF to Sony AVR @ 5.1
Power Supply Seasonic CORE GM650w Gold Semi modular
Mouse Coolermaster Storm Octane wired
Keyboard Element Gaming Carbon Mk2 Tournament Mech
Software Win 10 Home x64
Moved thread to "Graphics Cards" ....... I like to keep my drawers tidy :laugh:
 

MelodiousUltra

New Member
Joined
Jun 17, 2010
Messages
86 (0.02/day)
Location
Southern California
Processor Intel Core i5 750 Lynnfield 2.66 GHz LGA 1156 95W (B1) @ 2.66 GHz
Motherboard Asus P7P55D Pro (Intel P55 Chipset) LGA 1156 ATX Motherboard
Cooling 1x 120 mm Back Case Fan; 1x 140 mm Top Case Fan; Intel Stock Fan
Memory OCZ Platinum OCZ3P1333LV4GK 4 GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 PC3-10666 @ 7-7-7-20
Video Card(s) XFX Radeon HD 5850 1 GB GDDR5 256-bit PCI-E 2.0 HD-585A-ZNFC
Storage Western Digital Caviar Green 750 GB WD7500AADS
Display(s) Samsung 2494SW 24" LCD Monitor (1920 x 1080)
Case Antec Three Hundred Mid-ATX Case
Audio Device(s) VIA VT1828S Onboard Audio
Power Supply Cooler Master Extreme Power Plus 600 Watt (RS-600-PCAR-E3)
Software Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate x64 (Build 7600)
Sorry about posting in the wrong thread. I was just used to posting in general hardware.:eek:

So which of the 3 is the best?
 

Kursah

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 15, 2006
Messages
14,666 (2.30/day)
Location
Missoula, MT, USA
System Name Kursah's Gaming Rig 2018 (2022 Upgrade) - Ryzen+ Edition | Gaming Laptop (Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 2022)
Processor R7 5800X @ Stock | i7 12700H @ Stock
Motherboard Asus ROG Strix X370-F Gaming BIOS 6203| Legion 5i Pro NM-E231
Cooling Noctua NH-U14S Push-Pull + NT-H1 | Stock Cooling
Memory TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 32GB (2x16) DDR4 4000 @ 3600 18-20-20-42 1.35v | 32GB DDR5 4800 (2x16)
Video Card(s) Palit GeForce RTX 4070 JetStream 12GB | CPU-based Intel Iris XE + RTX 3070 8GB 150W
Storage 4TB SP UD90 NVME, 960GB SATA SSD, 2TB HDD | 1TB Samsung OEM NVME SSD + 4TB Crucial P3 Plus NVME SSD
Display(s) Acer 28" 4K VG280K x2 | 16" 2560x1600 built-in
Case Corsair 600C - Stock Fans on Low | Stock Metal/Plastic
Audio Device(s) Aune T1 mk1 > AKG K553 Pro + JVC HA-RX 700 (Equalizer APO + PeaceUI) | Bluetooth Earbuds (BX29)
Power Supply EVGA 750G2 Modular + APC Back-UPS Pro 1500 | 300W OEM (heavy use) or Lenovo Legion C135W GAN (light)
Mouse Logitech G502 | Logitech M330
Keyboard HyperX Alloy Core RGB | Built in Keyboard (Lenovo laptop KB FTW)
Software Windows 11 Pro x64 | Windows 11 Home x64
I have the HD5870 version of the ZAFC and I love it. The cooling works quite well in a well ventilated case like my HAF932...even in these warming summer months I'm seeing mid 30's idle and around 60-65c load with the fan never going above 50%. I have no voltage control, but running 1920x1080 I have yet to NEED to OC this card with any modern games I play. My friends that own HD5850's need to OC a bit, and for them and the deals they got...that was the way to go. I'm not too worried about no voltage control this time around (came from a 65nm core216 gtx260 that had voltage control I never used after I settled on 24/7 clocks).

I can say I have been impressed with the zafc version, which I've owned since March iirc...so far it's been a brute, kept my games playing smooth and looking great. I'm sure the 5850 version will too. And fwir you can modify voltage profiles in bios, though I have no need yet to even try. But for overclockers, the one that is allowing voltage mods via softmod (i.e. afterburner) would be the clear winner at only 10 more than the next closest in your list.
 

Timonthy

New Member
Joined
May 14, 2010
Messages
170 (0.03/day)
Processor Athlon 64 X2 5200+ @Stock
Motherboard Gigabyte M61PME-S2 AM2
Cooling Stock AMD
Memory Kingston 2GB DDR2-800 *1
Video Card(s) EVGA 8600GT
Storage Random Seagate 250GB SATA
Display(s) NEC 1970GX/eMachines E211H
Case Resused HP case
Actually Id take the ASUS 5850 DirectCu, volt-modding and a pretty nice fan at not too big of a price premium.

But out of the 3, Id take the MSI, looks great and the twin frozr fans has pretty decent temps. Besides, with the MIR, its the cheapest.
 

CDdude55

Crazy 4 TPU!!!
Joined
Jul 12, 2007
Messages
8,178 (1.34/day)
Location
Virginia
System Name CDdude's Rig!
Processor AMD Athlon II X4 620
Motherboard Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3
Cooling Corsair H70
Memory 8GB Corsair Vengence @1600mhz
Video Card(s) XFX HD 6970 2GB
Storage OCZ Agility 3 60GB SSD/WD Velociraptor 300GB
Display(s) ASUS VH232H 23" 1920x1080
Case Cooler Master CM690 (w/ side window)
Audio Device(s) Onboard (It sounds fine)
Power Supply Corsair 850TX
Software Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit SP1
My EVGA GTX 470 is awesome.;)
 

MelodiousUltra

New Member
Joined
Jun 17, 2010
Messages
86 (0.02/day)
Location
Southern California
Processor Intel Core i5 750 Lynnfield 2.66 GHz LGA 1156 95W (B1) @ 2.66 GHz
Motherboard Asus P7P55D Pro (Intel P55 Chipset) LGA 1156 ATX Motherboard
Cooling 1x 120 mm Back Case Fan; 1x 140 mm Top Case Fan; Intel Stock Fan
Memory OCZ Platinum OCZ3P1333LV4GK 4 GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 PC3-10666 @ 7-7-7-20
Video Card(s) XFX Radeon HD 5850 1 GB GDDR5 256-bit PCI-E 2.0 HD-585A-ZNFC
Storage Western Digital Caviar Green 750 GB WD7500AADS
Display(s) Samsung 2494SW 24" LCD Monitor (1920 x 1080)
Case Antec Three Hundred Mid-ATX Case
Audio Device(s) VIA VT1828S Onboard Audio
Power Supply Cooler Master Extreme Power Plus 600 Watt (RS-600-PCAR-E3)
Software Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate x64 (Build 7600)
I am not an avid overclocker however so I guess I don't need an MSI video card and I'll just hope I can budge my XFX HD5850 to ~850 core/~1200 mem. If not, I guess I'll be satisfied with the HD5850's performance because the only video cards my house has ever had is Intel Extreme Graphics 2, ATI Radeon 9250 PCI, ATI Radeon X300 SE, and EVGA GeForce 8600 GT 512 MB DDR2.

EDIT: Has anyone had experience with ordering computer products from J&R online?
 
Last edited:

TheMailMan78

Big Member
Joined
Jun 3, 2007
Messages
22,599 (3.68/day)
Location
'Merica. The Great SOUTH!
System Name TheMailbox 5.0 / The Mailbox 4.5
Processor RYZEN 1700X / Intel i7 2600k @ 4.2GHz
Motherboard Fatal1ty X370 Gaming K4 / Gigabyte Z77X-UP5 TH Intel LGA 1155
Cooling MasterLiquid PRO 280 / Scythe Katana 4
Memory ADATA RGB 16GB DDR4 2666 16-16-16-39 / G.SKILL Sniper Series 16GB DDR3 1866: 9-9-9-24
Video Card(s) MSI 1080 "Duke" with 8Gb of RAM. Boost Clock 1847 MHz / ASUS 780ti
Storage 256Gb M4 SSD / 128Gb Agelity 4 SSD , 500Gb WD (7200)
Display(s) LG 29" Class 21:9 UltraWide® IPS LED Monitor 2560 x 1080 / Dell 27"
Case Cooler Master MASTERBOX 5t / Cooler Master 922 HAF
Audio Device(s) Realtek ALC1220 Audio Codec / SupremeFX X-Fi with Bose Companion 2 speakers.
Power Supply Seasonic FOCUS Plus Series SSR-750PX 750W Platinum / SeaSonic X Series X650 Gold
Mouse SteelSeries Sensei (RAW) / Logitech G5
Keyboard Razer BlackWidow / Logitech (Unknown)
Software Windows 10 Pro (64-bit)
Benchmark Scores Benching is for bitches.
Stay away from Asus. Other then that 5850 all the way.

I like the following brands.
HIS
Visiontek
Sapphire
XFX
 

MelodiousUltra

New Member
Joined
Jun 17, 2010
Messages
86 (0.02/day)
Location
Southern California
Processor Intel Core i5 750 Lynnfield 2.66 GHz LGA 1156 95W (B1) @ 2.66 GHz
Motherboard Asus P7P55D Pro (Intel P55 Chipset) LGA 1156 ATX Motherboard
Cooling 1x 120 mm Back Case Fan; 1x 140 mm Top Case Fan; Intel Stock Fan
Memory OCZ Platinum OCZ3P1333LV4GK 4 GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 PC3-10666 @ 7-7-7-20
Video Card(s) XFX Radeon HD 5850 1 GB GDDR5 256-bit PCI-E 2.0 HD-585A-ZNFC
Storage Western Digital Caviar Green 750 GB WD7500AADS
Display(s) Samsung 2494SW 24" LCD Monitor (1920 x 1080)
Case Antec Three Hundred Mid-ATX Case
Audio Device(s) VIA VT1828S Onboard Audio
Power Supply Cooler Master Extreme Power Plus 600 Watt (RS-600-PCAR-E3)
Software Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate x64 (Build 7600)
Also, what if I flashed the XFX HD5850 BIOS with an XFX HD5870 BIOS? Can I revert back to the original one when I need to? And is flashing the BIOS worth the risk(s)?

Or should I try getting to HD5870 clocks by normal overclocking on stock voltage first?
 

Kursah

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 15, 2006
Messages
14,666 (2.30/day)
Location
Missoula, MT, USA
System Name Kursah's Gaming Rig 2018 (2022 Upgrade) - Ryzen+ Edition | Gaming Laptop (Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 2022)
Processor R7 5800X @ Stock | i7 12700H @ Stock
Motherboard Asus ROG Strix X370-F Gaming BIOS 6203| Legion 5i Pro NM-E231
Cooling Noctua NH-U14S Push-Pull + NT-H1 | Stock Cooling
Memory TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 32GB (2x16) DDR4 4000 @ 3600 18-20-20-42 1.35v | 32GB DDR5 4800 (2x16)
Video Card(s) Palit GeForce RTX 4070 JetStream 12GB | CPU-based Intel Iris XE + RTX 3070 8GB 150W
Storage 4TB SP UD90 NVME, 960GB SATA SSD, 2TB HDD | 1TB Samsung OEM NVME SSD + 4TB Crucial P3 Plus NVME SSD
Display(s) Acer 28" 4K VG280K x2 | 16" 2560x1600 built-in
Case Corsair 600C - Stock Fans on Low | Stock Metal/Plastic
Audio Device(s) Aune T1 mk1 > AKG K553 Pro + JVC HA-RX 700 (Equalizer APO + PeaceUI) | Bluetooth Earbuds (BX29)
Power Supply EVGA 750G2 Modular + APC Back-UPS Pro 1500 | 300W OEM (heavy use) or Lenovo Legion C135W GAN (light)
Mouse Logitech G502 | Logitech M330
Keyboard HyperX Alloy Core RGB | Built in Keyboard (Lenovo laptop KB FTW)
Software Windows 11 Pro x64 | Windows 11 Home x64
Try OC-ing first, don't mix and match bioses like that...dangerous without some more research. See if you can get 5870 clocks using MSI Afterburner or Rivatuner or whatever utility you want first and foremost. Most have a deal that can have them launch with windows and auto set clocks and fan speed profiles and stay minimized...set it and forget it. No need to flash a bios. Some will argue these programs take up memory...my experience with precision and afterburner wasn't bad at all, work fast, small footprints, stable, consistent. And with the average system having 3-4GB of ram...and atm afterburner is using 1,332k of system memory...no real need to do a bios flash imo. Like I said before, I may try it in the future to see if I can up voltages if my card clocks like crap...atm I don't have a need to even try to clock it as smooth as everything plays...and I do like to OC, though it's become more of a "when needed" than "let's see what this can do" situation for me.

:toast:
 

Timonthy

New Member
Joined
May 14, 2010
Messages
170 (0.03/day)
Processor Athlon 64 X2 5200+ @Stock
Motherboard Gigabyte M61PME-S2 AM2
Cooling Stock AMD
Memory Kingston 2GB DDR2-800 *1
Video Card(s) EVGA 8600GT
Storage Random Seagate 250GB SATA
Display(s) NEC 1970GX/eMachines E211H
Case Resused HP case
Stay away from Asus. Other then that 5850 all the way.

I like the following brands.
HIS
Visiontek
Sapphire
XFX

Why not? My experiences with ASUS's are pretty pleasant.
Is there a particular problem with their newer graphic cards that Im not aware of?
 
W

wahdangun

Guest
Also, what if I flashed the XFX HD5850 BIOS with an XFX HD5870 BIOS? Can I revert back to the original one when I need to? And is flashing the BIOS worth the risk(s)?

Or should I try getting to HD5870 clocks by normal overclocking on stock voltage first?

it will be EASY for HD5850 to get HD5870 Clock, even without voltage control. so it really doesn't matter (if i were you i will pick shapire vapor-x, its silent and cool)
 
Top