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TIP REQUEST: which video card?

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 7:29 pm
by Pibuz
Hi all!
I read some very colorful reviews about nVidia GTX480, but to be honest the price still slow me down.
I have now the possibility to get a GTX 460 1024Mb. What do you guys think about it? Do you have some kind tips to a total noob about video cards?
My main worries are about efficiency and power consumption..

Thank you to all who will answer!

Re: TIP REQUEST: which video card?

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 7:50 pm
by lycium
Filippo,

my suggestion for best performance is a GTX 470 matched with an i7, however I'm sure you can get a very competitive AMD 6-core and a GTX 460 for maybe half the price :)

I've been very happy with the GTX 470 so far, however it's &#$^% freezing in NZ so I haven't experienced its reputed thermal issues yet.

Re: TIP REQUEST: which video card?

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 8:38 pm
by Pibuz
Hi Tom!
..i7 is out of my business plan, I fear, at the moment. Mostly because changing processor AND video card almost sounds like changing pc, and I cannot afford the whole operation :lol:
I'm pushing my girlfriend to buy an i7 though, and since we're going to move in together soon this could turn out to be a tiny powerful renderfarm. 8)

BTW: you suggest a GTX 470 instead of a 480?
I mean, I was intentioned to buy a 480, but I saw a special offer for 460. So If I don't take the 460 offer, I'd settle for 480. You mean 470 is even bettere than 480?

Re: TIP REQUEST: which video card?

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 9:08 pm
by mily
Hi Pibuz!

460 is quite new and supposed to be affordable.

Check http://hothardware.com/Reviews/NVIDIA-G ... GA/?page=1

m.

Re: TIP REQUEST: which video card?

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 12:28 pm
by lycium
Pibuz,

yes I think the overall cost/heat/performance picture of the 470 is to be preferred over the 480. However, I agree that the 460 is a really good deal, and I expect that it will run well with Indigo :)

Re: TIP REQUEST: which video card?

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2010 3:55 am
by Pibuz
ok: I've been suggested by a friend to choose the F480.

BUT if Lycium says that 470 is actually better than 480 I'll settle for that one!

Tom: your definitive opinion?

Re: TIP REQUEST: which video card?

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2010 12:18 pm
by lycium
The 480 is definitely a good bit faster, but it uses way too much power, the board is way too long, produces way too much heat, costs way too much money... a GTX 470 is very fast already :)

It depends what your goals are; if you want the best performance no matter what, get a 480, otherwise I suggest the 470 as a better deal overall.

Re: TIP REQUEST: which video card?

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2010 1:15 pm
by Zom-B
word!

Re: TIP REQUEST: which video card?

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2010 6:52 pm
by ieatfish
I just purchased a 480 (coming from an ATI 5870). It is a wonderful card and is lightning fast (best single GPU card out there). As people have mentioned, they run hot, take lots of power, and can be a little noisy. The 470 is a little better in these aspects but is still a tad too much. Nvidia has had some time to tweak the 460 and it looks to be a very solid card. I'd go for the 460 before the 470 but that is just me. So 480 for top of the line, best you can get. 460 for very good budget mainstream card.

Re: TIP REQUEST: which video card?

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2010 7:32 pm
by Pibuz
Thank you all guys.
So the deal at the moment is: will a 480 fit into my case? :lol:
The answer tomorro morning. Thank you for the tips pals.

Re: TIP REQUEST: which video card?

Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2010 9:30 am
by ieatfish
:D It sure is a fast card, you won't be disappointed.

Re: TIP REQUEST: which video card?

Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2010 12:00 am
by Pibuz
Ok guys. Just purchased.
Happy Pibuz you have.

Now I can't wait to test it!!!!! There will be any improvements?
What can I expect to get? Thank you all for having suggested and supported me!

Re: TIP REQUEST: which video card?

Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2010 7:30 pm
by lycium
Great news Pibuz!

It's impossible to predict performance because it depends on so many factors, most notably the CPU speed. You should also upgrade to a 64bit operating system to make good use of your powerful hardware :)

Re: TIP REQUEST: which video card?

Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2010 8:47 pm
by Pibuz
I have linux64 bits, SOOOOOO I'm really really waiting for a Linux 64bits built 8)

Re: TIP REQUEST: which video card?

Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2010 10:28 pm
by Josh
Pibuz wrote:I have linux64 bits, SOOOOOO I'm really really waiting for a Linux 64bits built 8)
Same here :wink: This is going to be awesome!