~$250 for a GPU (Figuring out if it would be worth it to upgrade from a GTX 460) - Page 2

Hmm. Looks good. I just PM'ed two people. One had a GTX 480 with a Accelro cooler on the top for $165. The ASUS GTX 570 was $215. I'm not sure if they were pending or not, but I'm thinking that the GTX 480 would be the best deal. The more I look at it, the better it looks. It's 90 dollars cheaper, it's performance is similar if the 7850 is OC'ed, and the noise isn't that different with the better cooler. This might make me change my mind though. And I like OC'ing...

I forgot to mention that I am currently winning an auction on eBay for a GTX 570 for $150. It has a day left, and I don't expect to win though. If I get outbid, I need to do some more research. Bidders regret...

HELP! GAH. I can't decide.... GRR RAGE UNCONTROLABLE. GAH. Please? I'll hold my breath.... Oh. That doesn't work? Darn.

What would you do is the easiest way to do this.


GTX 480 vs GTX 570 vs 7850

First one is $165. Second is $215. Third is $250


GTX 480 has high power, but is quiet with the cooler that he is selling with it.
GTX 570 uses less power, but isn't quite as powerful? It is louder with the cooler provided.
7850. Not sure noise wise. OC'ed beats both of the cards. But is more expensive. Uses less power. I do fold (For EVGA bucks), and I believe this would be the worst folding card?

Another thought. Should I save up for another month? Than I would be in the $350 zone. But I don't think I want too. Too many ideas. I like the idea of the 480 or 7850.

I also considered the 6950, but it would have to unlock for it to be a big upgrade (IMO) and I can't be assured of that. I think it's new tech, or nVidia for me. I am green, but haven't tried red.

Keep in mind that the first two are used, and I haven't gotten a response yet from there owners. In case they are already spoken for, please list what you would buy in order.

I'd add a pole, but I haven't sorted things out with the mods yet. (I've PM'ed one, once I get a response, I'll figure out what happens to me! )
Edited by falconizer - 7/1/12 at 3:39pm

AMD cards have always been second place against Nvidia in folding, so if you do plan to fold, get either the 480 or the 570.

About the choice, i'd pick the 480. If you compare the 480 vs the 570, the 480 has the same cuda cores than the 570 at slightly lower speeds, but it has 256 MB more VRAM and a faster memory bus, plus the Accelero coolers, while big, are some of the most silent and cooling efficient ones on the market.

I would just buy a new GTX 480 with a custom cooler (i'm thinking a Twin Frozr II) or just install a new or used Accelero cooler on a reference one. I've seen them got for like $200 brand new (reference) and their power is quite good despite their age. Hell, my 470 SLI setup is a champ at folding, BOINC and gaming, despite the power draw.

1 for the 480. Anyone else? I know that the GTX 480 might be the better deal-but I just really want the 7850. If the GTX 480 isn't spoken for, I'll jump on that I guess! If it is spoken for, I'm headed to the 7850 camp. Here is my reasoning.

GTX 480=GTX 570=7850 (Non OC)≤6970≤GTX 580=7850 OC'ed

Considering you get a BRAND NEW card, in my order of preference:
GTX480 (someone said its $210)
GTX560Ti 448 (assuming you can't find a 570 under $250)
A very good GTX560Ti like Hawk, Gigabyte SOC, etc

+1, but I would still look at the 400-series cards if you want bang for buck. The GTX 470 is always way cheaper than the 560 Ti 448 cores, and has the same specs (other than clocks, but those are user fixable with Afterburner), and beats the regular 560 Ti. The 480 is better than a 570, and in less demand than a 7850.

Since you are folding, I'd go with the 480. The whole 400 series are just great for it. Only problem is the power bill and heat with it, the thing is a monster when it comes to those!

There are alot of ppl giving opinions on what cards to get, giving specific examples. I'm going to do you a favor and just pool the common suggestions and give you links to the best prices on them at newegg.

GTX 560ti galaxy: 175$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814162074
AMD 6950 sapphire: 190$(promo EMCYTZT1834)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102987
AMD 7850 xfx core edition: 200$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150617
GTX 480 EVGA : 210$(price jumped 10$ last night)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130759
GTX 560ti 448 core gigabyte: 240$(+BF3 code)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125406
AMD 7870 msi twin frozr: 280$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127662

So yeah, thats basically the best price per card(least thru newegg, excludes refurbs aswell). Out of all of em, I'd go with the 7850
hope this helps

Adding 560ti 448 core in a sec...
Edited by thehidecheck - 7/1/12 at 4:57pm

Tell you what, ima go find an objective benchmark(bf3 fps) of all the cards I listed and I'll get you a frame/dollar ratio for each.

This and noise were my biggest issues. Noise would be taken care of from the aftermarket cooler. BUT I live in Virginia without A/C. It gets up to 105F in my computer room. Adding that much more might be a bad idea. I think this would be my biggest deterrent from a 480. I don't pay for the power, my Dad does.

That'd be awesome! I play BF3 most of the time too, so that'll be great.