HD3870 in crossfire vs HD4850

[crazy pyro]

Which is better, I have a feeling I can get the 3870s less than the 4850 from a local supplier (Sadly they don't stock the 4850).

 

[DarkEgo]

Well, that depends. What is more important to you benchmarks or games. If you like benchmarks more get to 3870's. If you like games more, I would get the 4850. Also it depends on your location. If you are in the States and can go to NewEgg, then get the 4850.

 

[crazy pyro]

UK so no newegg, plus a local wholesaler stocks the 3870s so I can probably get them cheaper.

 

[thebluebumblebee]

Something to consider is that the software that ATI is releasing to allow the GPU to do more than GFX only works on HD48xx series! 3800 is obsolete, sorry to say.

EDIT: If you're into overclocking, consider 2x 4830!

 

[DarkEgo]

How much would you be paying for the 3870's? I will see if I can find you a better deal.

 

[crazy pyro]

What do you mean more than graphics?

 

[DarkEgo]

I don't know UK prices but this looks like a good deal. http://www.overclock.co.uk/product/...DDR3-Dual-DVIHDTV-Out-PCI-E,-Retail_8156.html

 

[crazy pyro]

I've gotta call the wholesaler, however I'm pretty sure they'll be about 20% cheaper than standard, I'll get back to you on the price tomorow. The machine will be used mainly for gaming with the occasional benchmark.
That link you posted's around the same price as the ASUS HD4850 which I'll probably get off Ebuyer (Just for convenience since I'm buying the majority of my other parts from there.)

 

[spearman914]

like someone said above. 3870 CF for benchies and 4850 for games. 3870 for benches because benches take more advantage in CF then games. And for a 4850 standing a lone is for games.

 

[Steevo]

Something to consider is that the software that ATI is releasing to allow the GPU to do more than GFX only works on HD48xx series! 3800 is obsolete, sorry to say.

EDIT: If you're into overclocking, consider 2x 4830!

Not true.



All cards with stream processors benefit.

 

[James1991]

Something to consider is that the software that ATI is releasing to allow the GPU to do more than GFX only works on HD48xx series! 3800 is obsolete, sorry to say.

EDIT: If you're into overclocking, consider 2x 4830!

i thought it was going to work on all cards with unified shaders which would mean it would work on the HD2k, 3k and 4k series

 

[thebluebumblebee]

OK, I'm partly right, partly wrong.

"There's a catch, however—you'll need a Radeon HD 4600- or 4800-series GPU to use the tool." From: http://techreport.com/discussions.x/15886

"Once installed, the driver package automatically turns on the ATI Stream acceleration capabilities within ATI Radeon HD 4000 series graphics cards." From : http://www.techpowerup.com/76167/AMD_to_Release_GPU_Acceleration_for_Applications_to_run_Faster_than_Ever.html

And I have a 3870.

 

[JC316]

I would say that the 3870 would edge the 4850, I would rather have a single card solution than a Crossfire for simplicity.

 

[crazy pyro]

Ok, the company doesn't have 4830s on offer so they're out of the question.
I'll check the price this weekend and if it's significantly cheaper I'll go for the 2 3870s since I don't want to over spend on this system.

 

[Sonido]

Something to consider is that the software that ATI is releasing to allow the GPU to do more than GFX only works on HD48xx series! 3800 is obsolete, sorry to say.

EDIT: If you're into overclocking, consider 2x 4830!

2x 3870's should be enough to get you playing your games with great performance, but a 4850 gives the best bang for buck out there.

 

[crazy pyro]

Ok then, I just realised the motherboad I was buying doesn't support crossfire anyway so this is a bit of a moot point lol.