4870 512MB - Best Card

[Modestyle]

I am going out of my mind - too many cards to choose

I am new to building computers, but here are the cards I was thinking of. Price has played a factor in these choices, but I do not want to get a card which is going to die!

ASUS EAH4870 DK TOP/HTDI/512MD5
Newegg.ca - ASUS EAH4870 DK TOP/HTDI/512MD5 Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

I have read some bad stuff about Asus and their current cards however, but soo cheap!

XFX HD-487A-YDDC Radeon HD 4870 XXX 512MB
Newegg.ca - XFX HD-487A-YDDC Radeon HD 4870 XXX 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Low Profile Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

People seem to really like the XFX brand, card is on sale, so fits in my budget.

HIS Hightech H487F512P Radeon HD 4870 512MB
Newegg.ca - HIS Hightech H487F512P Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

AND

HIS Hightech H487FN512P Radeon HD 4870 512MB
Newegg.ca - HIS Hightech H487FN512P Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards


I originally was going to go with Sapphire, but was talked out of it by everyone. But I feel the same reasons why I was told to stay away from Sapphire is true for ASUS (the cards I had looked at first)

Any suggestions on top of these would be welcome.

What does everyone think?

Thanks,

[snoosebum]

Whichever you choose, dont forget theres a free combo down at the bottom left under "Comobos and Essentials" - Its Stalker Clear Sky. I dont know anything about the game but hey its free.
I've only RMA'd an ASUS MB, cant speak for video cards. It was slow, had to be shipped to the SE states, I paid one way. Ended up purchasing a new board anyways - I think service is overrated myself but I've never had some the experiences others have had with sapphire before.
I'm not sure ASUS bins thier gpu's - Do you really want the TOP version - I notice they have a regular DK version for about 200 after rebate.

Newegg.ca - ASUS EAH4870 DK/HTDI/512MD5 Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

[geokilla]

What's your system specs? Check out NCIX as well, and don't forget to price match. Also what resolution are you gaming at?

[Andy]

Everyone will say XFX is the way to go, and I would agree with them. If they were available when I got mine, I sure would have one. However you can't go wrong with HIS, Visiontek, etc. Just stay away from Sapphire, and Powercolor. Also, when it comes to ASUS, be aware that they bundle their own drivers, instead of just using ATI's CCC. Be weary of the Asus drivers, they suck a lot.

[snoosebum]

An hour after I post that last message the price drops $30 bucks on them. I think its a no brainer now... 204 before a 30 dollar rebate.

[snoosebum]

Hold on, looks like they are all dropping in price. Looks like your indecision paid off, although your back to trying to decide which one.

[Eldonko]

Go with the ASUS man, 815 core instead of 750 and its $223!

[Silvgearx]

Anyone of those are good cards. I would pay the extra $20 and get the asus TOP

[sswilson]

Something worth mentioning is that the bundled ASUS software will actually work for setting a custom fan profile. I know ATI has included some fan functionality in CCC for their newer cards, but I'm not sure if they allow a preset custom fan setup.

[Modestyle]

Thanks,

So no one thinks the problems people are saying about the Asus should be of concern?

I am not that technical when it comes to computer building, so sorry If I am confused at times.

This is what I am looking at for my system:

CPU:
Intel Q9400

MOTHERBOARD
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P

VIDEO CARD:
Not sure yet

RAM
mushkin 4GB 996587 DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400
Just picked-up!

HARD DRIVE
WD Caviar Black 640GB

DVD ROM
LG GH22NS30

POWER SUPPLY
Not sure Yet

CASE
COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP

MONITOR: (HAVE)
Samsung T220
MAX: 1680 x 1050 (WSXGA+)
22" Wide


And your right, they all dropped! Awesome!
I would also probably not overclock, since I would probably mess it up!