New 5000 Series ATI Card

[Wishmaster]

So, ive been debating on whether or not build a new i7 machine, and although I really, really want one ... I can't really justify the cost ATM.

Being as what I want will run me about $900 and that excludes a new GPU Im thinking maybe just upgrade the GPU now, and put the whole new platform on hold for 6months -> a year.

Anyway, I currently have a HD 4890 Vapor-X & I really want to stay with Sapphire for an ATI card. Simply because I have a few of them and they've all been fantastic.



What Im looking at:

5850 2GB Toxic ($369)
Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE Toxic 100282-2GTXSR Radeon HD 5850 (Cypress Pro) 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

5850 1GB Toxic ($309)
Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE TOXIC 100282TXSR Radeon HD 5850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
Theres also a Vapor-X version of this same card. Only difference is its not factory OC'd and a bit cheaper at $294)

5870 1GB Vapor-X ($394)
Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE Vapor-X 100281VX-2SR Radeon HD 5870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity

So, Im curious if anyone knows if the 2GB memory will help any at all over the 1GB at 1920x1080? I do like using AA and AF.
ive seen both reports, yes it helps and no it doesnt untill higher res above 1080P.


Would the 5870 be worth the extra cost over the 5850?
Im wondering if the Toxic 5850s may perform nearly as well as the 5870.



Looking for some thoughts and opinions.

 

[Rik55]

I was thinking, maybe you should wait until friday before you decide. HD6 series about to be released.

 

[Wishmaster]

I was thinking, maybe you should wait until friday before you decide. HD6 series about to be released.

Really?

I'll look into that, thank you.

For some reason I was thinking it was going to be middle of next year.

 

[bobkn]

I was thinking, maybe you should wait until friday before you decide. HD6 series about to be released.

Really?

I'll look into that, thank you.

For some reason I was thinking it was going to be middle of next year.

It may be well to keep your expectations low. The first 6000 series parts may not be higher performance products than the 5850 or 5870. It won't be clear until the nondisclosure agreements lift, and real benchmarks are published.

 

[sygnus21]

I've kind of debated on whether to get a 5000 (5850 or 5870) series card or not but have decided to wait.... unless I find a really really good price.

I figure the longer I wait the closer it gets till the new cards are released. Plus the 4890 is serving me well at this point in time.

2011 will be here soon so....

 

[Kipper]

The Sapphire 5870 you mention is a great card. I have one of these and an ASUS 5870 I run in Crossfire on my test bench while reviewing Power Supplies.

As to which of your possibilities are better, that could depend on which games you are playing.

In this system I am running a couple of ASUS nvidia 465s in SLI and they are pretty darn sweet too.

 

[F1FAN]

the ones comeing out soon are the Barts and Barts pro, a 5770 replace. And late Nov, the Cayman are coming out. A 5870 replace. Atleast that's the latest.

 

[thefabe]

I don't know if this will help with your decsion but here is a review on the 5 series cards
Sapphire Radeon HD 5870 Vapor-X 1GB Review
Fabe

Just saw this post as well http://www.sevenforums.com/graphic-cards/118885-amd-radeon-hd-6000-series-gpus-official-thread.html