Nvidia gtx 580 or AMD 7970

Hey guys i was wondering what card should i choose
now im planning on getting one for my birthday
So id like to know what are the advantages of each and what brand is best
Custom cooler etc etc
Price will be around £300-450

I know EVGA is king for Nvidia ive never actualy used an amd card before so i wasnt sure as to what the king of them was :)
I also heard Saphire is a large brand for amd or is it best to stick with XFX

Ok ill take you're word :) +1 rep btw Realy hard to find any xFx on uk sites :/

silverstormz said:

Ok ill take you're word :) +1 rep btw Realy hard to find any xFx on uk sites :/

I wouldn't worry about it. Sapphire is also a highly reputable brand.

If you buy a base 7970, it may be a reference card anyway - essentially identical hardware from all vendors. (I don't know who actually makes them.) Warranty support would be the important consideration.

i got a xfx amd card and it works great although the fan is a tad loud when under load but other then that works great just there cards a little loud imo.

DustSailor said:

I agree, the 580 wasn't anything spectacular. I'd go with ATI on that one. Although the 680/690 just came out for Nvidia

The 680 might be worthy of consideration, although the price on the 580 makes it attractive. (The 680 is slightly superior, but maybe not £100 superior.)

The 690 is new, of limited availability, and a bit expensive. ($1000US list price. It may not be available at list price for a while.)