[The_Rocker]

Yo guys,

With my big upgrade to DDR3 and i7 I would like to change my graphics set up again as well and get into the high end once again.

I have had two sets of SLI GTX280's so want faster than that, I have also have 2 4890's in Crossfire before but sold one of them due to a loss of gaming interest a few months back.

Now I want all the power again, I am liking since buying my first ATI cards (a pair of 4890's) as I have not had one driver issue unlike with previous Nvidia SLI set ups.

So, I think I am torn between the following choices:

1. Get another XFX 4890
2. Sell current 4890 and buy a 5870

The second of those choices is more appealing to me as it provides the option to get a second 5870 and run Crossfire again. However, the second 4890 option is cheaper and it will have me running Crossfire again.

The questions are as follows:

How does a 5870 do against a pair of 4890's?

And also:

What sort of performance will I see from a pair of 5870's considering my previous high end SLI and Crossfire set ups?

Cheers

 

[Contagion]

2x 4890's are better than a GTX 295 performance wise.
The 5870 is just a step under the 295 so, if are wanting to go performance, then get another 4890.
CF'ed 5870 right now, don't scale all that well. However, their drivers are still in the baby form.
The 5870 having DX11 is also something to consider.
But, I am very doubtful it will catch on fast enough for it to matter in your decision right now. Also the 5870 yet below the performance of CF 4890's uses about half the power.
I say grab another 4890.
Those in CF are monsters.

 

[meticadpa]

According to Robilar, a moderator on here, CrossFire HD4890s on his i7 rig were faster than a single HD5870 in all applications, games and benchmarks.

HD5870 CrossFire would be amazing though. You're looking at just under QuadFire HD4890 performance.

May I ask... why not a HD5970? That's basically two 5870s on one card, but downclocked slightly. It works out a lot cheaper than buying two individual HD5870s too.

 

[grunion]

5870 hands down, seriously runs circle around everything out there.
CF 5870 would have to be nearly 2x the performance you have now.

 

[Afrodisiac]

4890CF will be the [much] cheaper option and offer comparable performance, but there are things like DX11 and low power consumption and heat output from the single 5870. Also, single card FTW. So 5870 gets my vote.

 

[Chilly]

There's no need to rush for DirectX11, I say go for another 4890

 

[Mr Sprinkles]

I would go HD5870, as DX 11 is catching on quite fast with games, so all that eye candy could be yours

And as someone else pointed out HD5870 is much less power hungry.
I would go HD5870 deffo

I see i took a while to write my reply

 

[kow_ciller]

If you're not in a rush for DX11 I would get another 4890. I recently did the same and these cards scale so well its crazy. Then throw some overclocking on top of that and they give the 5870 a kick in the ass. Speaking with alot of the top benchers I know, the 58xx series is overrated for now since prices are so inflated. You can always sell both 4890s later when 58xx cards actually drop in price and aren't inflated by 30%

 

[almighty15]

CF 5870 >> CF 4890 >> GTX 295 >> 5870

Personally I would get a 5870 now, DX11...etc...etc... and you can always add another later

You're going to lose more money in the long run by getting another 4890 now and then getting a 5870 later, get a 5870 and sell your 4890 while it's still worth something

 

[The_Rocker]

Well, the thing is here... If I grab another 4890, then I hit the performance wall. However if I got a single 5870 to start with, I get close to Crossfire 4890 Performance, Less power consumption and the option to go Crossfire 5870's...

Its seems to me that a 5870 is a win win situation!

I also have a Motherboard and GPU to sell so therefore, I could cover a good chunk of the cost.

However...

I have just realised that by selling my Rampage Formula X48 (4 Months old)... I will pretty much be able to cover the cost of a brand new XFX 4890.

I currently have an XFX 4890 Black Edition (I got two but sold one) so therefore would have to grab a normal one and do a bit of OC'ing...

So at the moment, I think a second 4890 gets my vote.

 

[kow_ciller]

Good choice. The 4890s are definitely no slouch. By the time the 4890s actually lag behind 5890s will be out and the fermi vs. 58xx battle will make prices drop a ton.

 

[shadow19935]

HD5870 definately. for all above^^ and below reasons.

 

[The_Rocker]

Guys, I must say again that I have had Crossfire 4890's before as some of you seem to be posting as if I have no idea how amazing they are.

They outperformed my SLI 280 set ups which pleased me

The 5870 is sooooo tempting but I could pretty much get away with selling my motherboard and not having to spend over £40 to get another 4890.

 

[almighty15]

Dude get the 5870

Higher min fps = Win

Sparse grid super sample = Win

Eyefinity = Win

Best in the business angle independent AF texture filtering = Win

Lower power consumption = Win

Less heat = Win

1Ghz core speeds = Win

More memory bandwidth = Win

More performance as drivers mature = Win

Want me to carry on?

 

[Afrodisiac]

Well, looks like you had your mind made up before starting the thread.

 

[The_Rocker]

ARGHHH!! Can't decide!

Ok.... I think im starting to lean towards a 5870 now.

 

[kow_ciller]

Dontdoit. The 4890s are calling you <3

 

[DUNC4N]

You had 4890's and they were great, but go for the 5870. New, Different, Cooler, Quieter, Better.

 

[almighty15]

Why don't you make a poll?

 

[ZealotKi11er]

Well if u get a 4890 and when u want to get 5870 after u are going to have to sell 2 4890. Now is a good time to get the 5870 if u can find one.