Is the 5850 worth twice the price of a 4870 1GB?

[Brodel]

I run a 24" and play games at 1920x1200 but I can't tell if the 5850 is really worth almost twice the price of the 4870. I don't currently play hugely demanding games, but my 7800GT is definitely not cutting it right now and it's time for an upgrade. what do you think?

Also, a lot depends on whether or not my Maze4 waterblock will fit too as I don't want to have to fork out for a new one on top of that. I know it works for the 4870 so I'm guessing it will work for the 5850 but just need some confirmation first.

[Chickenfeed]

The maze is strictly a GPU block correct? ( not fullcover ) Assuming DD offer a mount adapter ( I'm taking a guess that the 5800s have different mount spacing )

As far as it being worth it, I'd ask yourself a few questions.

The first being are you using a somewhat current platform / cpu. ( I ask as S939 was the enthusiast socket when the 7800gt was in its prime )

Secondly do you have the space for it ( free adjacent slot, adequate depth in chassis ect )

Now from a value standpoint, for the money spent the 4870 would be the better deal however the 5850 is much more suited for 1920x1200 in current and upcoming titles. You would be spending more however the card will last you that much longer. Now this may not matter to you or not but if early Battleforge numbers are of any indication, DX11 titles may run considerably better than DX10 - 10.1. Again this would assume you plan to migrate to Windows 7 as well as have your eyes set on any upcoming DX11 releases.

Either way a 4870 or 5850 will spank your 7800 like there is no tomorrow. I remember upgrading mine to a x1900xt and that difference alone blew me away.

[Brodel]

Thanks for such a good relpy :)

Yea, the Maze is a strictly GPU block, I have seen people using it on the 4870, you just need to make sure you have cooling on the memory with a fan blowing towards it, which isn't a problem for me. I have space for it and currently have a i7 920 so the rest of my system is good enough not to bottleneck the card. My graphics card was the only thing I didn't upgrade when I bought my i7 system because I knew the DX11's were around the corner and I could pick between a new card or cheaper older one.

I also have Windows 7 on pre-order so will have the ability to use DX11. The only game I have my eyes on with DX11 is Mafia II and I wouldn't say that I game that often, but as you will know the 7800 just doesn't cut it at 1920x1200 for even the most modest games.

I can afford a 5850, but I am just wondering if buying a 4870 and then buying again in a year or so when the 4870 starts to struggle is better than just getting a 5850 now. As I said, I also want to be sure that my Maze4 will work, as buying a 5850 and a new block is more than I am willing to spend really.

[Chickenfeed]

I apologize, In my doziness I said assuming you are migrating to Windows 7 and totally spaced the fact that Vista gets DX11 support on release day. Still you have it on order so doesn't' really matter either way :0

Assuming your in a no hurry to order, if you wait a short while I am sure someone will be able to comment on the mounting hole spacing ( if they haven't already I haven't been in the WC forum here or elsewhere for some time )

Other than that unless you are eagerly awaiting Mafia, as you said you don't game the cost of a 4870 might serve you better. I'd still consider the 5850 personally but it depends again on what your willing to spend. Based on the fact you had a 7800GT as long as you have, I'd hazard a guess that whatever card you get you don't plan on upgrading it anytime soon so with that I"d still be leaning towards the 5850 in your situation. Hopefully some one can shed some light on the block mounting for you.

[Piotrsama]

Also keep in mind that the 5850 has much better power saving techniques than the old generation. (much lower power consumption on idle).

[brandinb]

I say go for it. Having a massivly powerful graphics card is really fun and makes games extra enjoyable even if you dont really "need" all the power so to me its worth it. Also I would like to add that Vista will be getting dx11 so dont get win7 just for that.

[RaZz!]

the 7800gt definately lacks the power in anything higher than 1280x1024, especially if you want to play with AA and AF. i had the very same experience when i switched my 7800gt with a 4850. this gave me a significant performance increase in higher resolutions with AA and AF cranked up. however, seeing that you have an i7 i would definately go for the 5850. your system will be a beast for gaming for sure (keeping the potential performance increase by dx11 in mind). it should be worth the price :)
i'd even go for the 5870 ;)

[Brodel]

Thanks again for the replies everyone.

I guess I am going to have to wait and see if my Maze4 will fit a 5850. The 5870 is more than I'm willing to spend on a graphics card, if the 5850 does work with my maze4 then I might make the jump, however if it doesn't then I think a 4870 1GB may have to do.

[zalbard]

One supports Dx11, the other one doesn't, plus you can double 4870 performance easily. So 5850 all the way IMO.