GTX280SLi vs. 4870x2

[Munson]

Has anyone got any first hand experience gaming with these two different setups? I'm looking at dumping my 1680x1050 panel for a 1920x1200, and replacing my 8800GTS G92 SLI pair at the same time. Reviews, fanboy opinions, and benchies, mainly get on my breasts TBH.

Currently using a 780i mobo, but might switch to Intel X58 when i7 has matured (read prices sensible), so although GTX280SLI makes sense now, when I switch to a Crossfire mobo I'd be able to add another 4870x2. Mind you, in 6 months there'll be a new killer card anyway.

Cost has no impact, just performance and a half sensible upgrade structure. Opinions please from the power PC geeks.



The machine spec now;

Asus P5NT Deluxe 780i
QX9650 @ 3.8Ghz (420x9)
4GB Geil Black Dragon @ 840 (sync)
8800GTS G92 SLI

So, my choices are;

780i + 1x 4870x2, add another when I go X58
780i + 2x GTX280, dump both when I go X58

 

[Munson]

Just realised that the last line makes the penultimate line look like the better option by a mile. I was kinda trying to nail it down logically by inadvertantly closing the post with the answer to my own dilema

Still, performance for the next 6 months (inc. FarCry2) is all that matters, so I reckon 280SLI is the best choice? Yeah I know neither option will properly own Crysis, but TBH f**k that game anyway.

 

[David]

i'd get the 4870 and crossfire them when you can...immense card

 

[wozzaa]

Well you have to think if you want out and out performance you can go triple 280GTX.

Seen a rig with that setup running crysis in front of me. Maximum details 1920x1200 AA and AF etc. 60fps solid pretty much. The 280GTX is also dropping in price right now so even better. And the physics are improving quite a bit as well with it having built in PhysX.

 

[Omid]

4870 for so many reasons:

I recently bought a 4850 and love it.

Why the 4870:

Future upgradability
Crossfire support gives great range of Intel Chipset mobos, not just NVidia Chipsets
Runs quieter
Smaller Dye size (last time I checked)
You get 7.1 Audio via HDMI onto your TV where as you dont with the NVidia
Likely to drop more in price
ATI has great technology for watching Videos and blows games away just as well as the Nvidia

Only thing the Nvidia has is better in game PhysX (must games dont support this), Lower amounts of PSU Energy needed, slightly cooler, but louder.

The limited mobos and no sound via HDMI is a big downside to me.