4870 512 MB or 4870 1 GB

**CossFire** · 28-08-2008

I am going to buy a assembled desktop with all the new and latest rig. All i am confused is about choosing a video card. I have decided to have an almighty HD 4870. But in that still confused about going for 512 mb or for 1 gb. Although after much thinking, i have already opted for 512 mb that will be future crossfire with a 4870x2 when I can afford it. I know 1 gb 4870 will have marginal gains as i am running at 1680 x 1050. But will the performance be limited by 4870 512 mb when i xfire?

**Team Leader** · 28-08-2008

As a better buy for money, I would suggest you to go for a single 4850 for now. Later you can have 4870 X 2 or just another 4850 maybe. Coz as far as I have known, 4850 X 2 can allow to play almost any of the current games, except crysis that is maxed out in tripple. Thats too half as crysis works with 1 card for me.

**David23** · 28-08-2008

It will mostly depend on what you game and at what resolutions. If you are gaming at larger display say about 22" or larger, then the 1 GB 4870 will be worth buying. Otherwise 4870 512 MB is still better.

**Archibald** · 28-08-2008

Originally Posted by team leader

As a better buy for money, I would suggest you to go for a single 4850 for now. Later you can have 4870 X 2 or just another 4850 maybe. Coz as far as I have known, 4850 X 2 can allow to play almost any of the current games, except crysis that is maxed out in tripple. Thats too half as crysis works with 1 card for me.

I agree with that. Either wait for the X2 to come out its is hard though, coz you will not require to crossfire that with anything. Or else go for 2 X 4850. Still 1 of the best option.

**Birdie** · 28-08-2008

If you intend to add another 4870 for some Xfire, make sure that you buy at least a 750 Watt Quality PSU.

**Marthaz** · 28-08-2008

Rather than X48 motherboard + HD 4870 X 2 512MB cards, a P45 motherboard + HD 4870X2 would be faster enough at that resolution. It should be very similar to X48 + two HD 4870 1GB. Since you are playing at high resolution, that additional Ram also matters.

**CossFire** · 28-08-2008

I think i should wait for that prices to fall. I have been constantly checking the prices for 4870 and have observed that prices were dropped considerably in past few months. And i can wait for some time now coz i would be getting a 8800 GS from my friend temporarily. Though it is not as powerful, i guess i would be able to play most of the games with that at 1680x1050.

**David23** · 28-08-2008

Its better if you wait for some time. Meanwhile the 1GB card will arrive which will further drop the 512MB prices. But still a 1GB card would be advantageous as it would run better at higher resolutions and will give more consistent performance.

**CossFire** · 28-08-2008

For all those who are thinking about 4870, 512 MB and are probably in the same situation as i am wondering whether to go for 512MB or 1GB, i would suggest to wait for some time for the 4870 1GB to arrive. Would be more value for money indeed.

Thank you all for the conversation.