Mid-range GPU recommendation

P1x44r

P1x44r

New member
Hi,

I'm looking for something around $200 (and preferably less) that could handle light gaming at 1920x1200. This is mainly for "Might & Magic Heroes VI" right now. There is so much choice out there and I have been out of PC hardware for a long time now.

To be paired with Q6600/8GB RAM.

Thank you.
 
First thing that comes to mind is an hd6870. Can be had for less than $200 and your cpu won't hold it back much. You probably want to spring for a 2gb version at that resolution.
 
The competition is between the Radeon HD 6870 and the GeForce GTX 560 (non Ti). Both have approximately the same performance, so it's really going to be about features and brand preference or finding a killer deal or maybe a pre-overclocked card with nice custom cooler.
 
I'm definitely more comfortable with Radeon (your card is still going strong Jim ;) ), but I won't let it stand in my way if nVidia provides better performance at a comparable price point.

Found this XFX 6870 card on Newegg for $170 CAD with free shipping:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150561

Ready to pull the trigger by the end of the week. Any objections?

Thanks.


P.S. Oh yes, noise level is important. I'm not looking for a lawnmower.
 
Last edited:
I have the dual fan version of that xfx card and it's very quiet. Like I said I think you should find a 2gb version. I've hit my vram limit in a couple games (only one I remember at the moment is bf3) at 1680x1050.

I'd look for you but I don't know where Canadians shop.
 
Roxen said:
I have the dual fan version of that xfx card and it's very quiet. Like I said I think you should find a 2gb version. I've hit my vram limit in a couple games (only one I remember at the moment is bf3) at 1680x1050.

I'd look for you but I don't know where Canadians shop.
Click to expand...
We shop at Newegg.ca :)

Here's the 2GB version, but it's $60 more: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150563

To be honest, I don't see myself playing anything too fancy (such as BF3). I'm not a gamer, the only games I play on PC are HoMM/King's Bounty series and perhaps Diablo 3 whenever that's out.

Not to say I wouldn't like having the option of firing up an occasional shooter just to see what it's like, but I'm not very likely to spend much time with those.
 
I had a previous XFX and i have had some fan issues. Wasnt as quiet as i thought it would be and the fan started to make some vibration sounds after a few months. Ive since switched to the Asus DirectCU and have been extremely impressed with its quality and how much quieter it was compared to the XFX. Not sure if the fan performance on the 6870 is better, one would hope. Again the Asus is a bit more $$$$ but you may be able to find them via sale or cheaper by MIR.
 
P1x44r said:
We shop at Newegg.ca :)

Here's the 2GB version, but it's $60 more: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150563

To be honest, I don't see myself playing anything too fancy (such as BF3). I'm not a gamer, the only games I play on PC are HoMM/King's Bounty series and perhaps Diablo 3 whenever that's out.

Not to say I wouldn't like having the option of firing up an occasional shooter just to see what it's like, but I'm not very likely to spend much time with those.
Click to expand...

$219 @ NCIX and $189 after a mail-in rebate.
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=63118&vpn=HD687XCNFC&manufacture=XFX&promoid=1282
 
I went with 6870s due to the scalibillity. That being said if I had to do it over again, I'd probably of gone with the 560s (Ti), or a single solution into an upgrade path (6970 or 570).
 
Thanks for help guys, that 2GB XFX card looks tempting at this price.

If I was to exceed my budget and get it, how well will it let me run the latest games (such as BF3) at 1920x1200?
 
CurrentlyPissed said:
I went with 6870s due to the scalibillity. That being said if I had to do it over again, I'd probably of gone with the 560s (Ti), or a single solution into an upgrade path (6970 or 570).
Click to expand...

Sadly both, 6970 and 2GB 560 Ti are out of my price range. Perhaps a 1GB 560Ti that's just north of my $200 budget will outperform a 2GB Radeon 6870?
 
Right now I'm on a single 6870, other is being rma and it plays bf3 fine. At 1920x1080 default settings are all on high(not ultra). And 16af and I think msaa don't remember. But plays silky smooth.
 
If you're gonna bust your budget, then yes, a 560Ti would outperform a 6870 but then you're also in the price range of a 6950 which would be a better choice, especially if you're thinking of 2GB.

BF3 runs pretty good on 6870's/560's/560TI's/6950's if you use FXAA but not MSAA, and all the other settings cranked up (maybe not ultra but high for 6870/560).
 
It's a never ending game, isn't it? It always seems like just as little more will get you a "much" better card. :)

That 6870 Trunks linked to looks too good to pass up honestly.

Jim, did you refer to a 1GB 560 Ti outperforming 2GB 6870?
 
Yeah, the 560Ti is a bump up in performance from the regular 560 and the 6870. Kinda splits the difference between the 6870 and the 6950. I don't think there are any 2GB 560TI's though.

The VRAM matters if you want highest settings at high res, if you're ok with medium or high settings and 2x/4xAA instead of ultra and 4xaa/8xaa at 1920x1200 then you'll be fine with 1GB.
 
A 560Ti any_vram_1 will outperform a 6870 any_vram_2 in general, provided that both quantities of vram are sufficient for the game and settings in question. If one of them isn't enough, the other card will destroy it be it the 560Ti or the 6870. So more memory means more durable card.

Sometimes the "double memory version" has slightly slower memory than the "normal memory version" of the same chip, what matters a bit with ancient games that cannot use a lot of vram but can benefit a slightly faster one (but we're discussing like 5% here or much less).

It seems that BF3 needs more memory than usual? Is this a trend or a particular case?
 
Qualitier said:
It seems that BF3 needs more memory than usual? Is this a trend or a particular case?
Click to expand...

It will be a trend in the next couple of years. Games are transitioning to take advantage of DX11 capabilities, particularly how to use the compute power of the cards for graphics processing. As this increases, so will VRAM use. Megatexturing is the next phase, where the texture compression and storage capabilities will be used more and more (although not by ID, apparently). Right now though the biggest driver of VRAM use is resolution and AA level, as it has been for many years. 1GB is generally fine for 1920x1200 and 8xaa, sometimes only 4xaa. Above that you want 2GB.

P1x44r said:
There's a Gigabyte 560 Ti for $220:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125401

So, same price as 2GB XFX HD 6870 (before MIR).

Would you guys go with the nVidia card or stick to Radeon?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Between a 6870 2GB and a 560Ti I would pick the 560Ti. However, I'd but this XFX 6950 instead as it has an instant $10 discount code (CAXFX523) bringing it to $239, and a $30 MIR (which if you ever get it would make the card $209). I'm ok with rebates, others are not.
 
P1x44r said:
We shop at Newegg.ca :)

Here's the 2GB version, but it's $60 more: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150563

To be honest, I don't see myself playing anything too fancy (such as BF3). I'm not a gamer, the only games I play on PC are HoMM/King's Bounty series and perhaps Diablo 3 whenever that's out.

Not to say I wouldn't like having the option of firing up an occasional shooter just to see what it's like, but I'm not very likely to spend much time with those.
Click to expand...

Since you bring up Kings bounty I don't think that this has been fixed yet.
 
Your original 1GB 6870 seemed to fit your criteria well, when it comes down to spending that "Little Bit More" I'd push for the 2GB 6950. With regard to NVidia vs AMD in my opinion I find NVidia has a the performance edge and AMD has design edge, personally I have AMD 6970's and love them. Good luck with your decision, it's always a tough one to make.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top