460 or 6850 or?
 

If it was between these cards, any thoughts?

If a 460, I have to buy it used. I'm not sure the 6850 is available used very often and if so, at what price?

460 - $100

6850 - $120 (probably rebate required)

I'm just wondering how you'd compare these cards especially if you've tried both.

Anything I need to know about drivers (quality), video quality and tessellation differences?

I use Windows 7 and Linux. I'm not sure there's games that would make me get one over the other. But, maybe certain intangibles such as driver quality or power/temps and video quality (definitely) could tip the scales.

If it matters, I'm leaning towards a 460 for two reasons:
1) more available used - except not readily available but if found, it's about $100
2) Linux - Nvidia is often said to be easier to use but I'm researching, currently, the use of the 460 which may or may not be problematic - I know it's supported, though.

However, there are ATI fans who tell me to go for 6850 for more versatility - somewhat low temps and two driver choices in Linux.

I can't decide yet but the 460 might be cheaper and more inviting for the sole reason as it's more likely to get a higher video quality/choice in Linux.

Any comments?

the 6850 its a better card all around. and plus its only one six pin pcie connector so it uses less power and so less heat generally

You are right about maximum power consumption (according to techpowerup).

card power consumption - maximum
HD 6850 1GB - 129W
GTX 460 1GB - 155W

But for Blu-ray:
GTX 460 1GB - 27W
HD 6850 1GB - 40W

Why is it so much higher for blu-ray?

Idle and avg. power difference is neglible.
10W difference for peak power with GTX 460 a bit more.

HWC shows temps as pretty close, though.

6850 - 36 : 63
460 1GB - 34 : 66
idle : load

Total System Power Consumption:
6850 - 170 : 268
460 1gb - 184 - 288

Possible conclusion?: 460 1gb cards have good heat sinks but power efficiency not as good? Opposite for the 6850?

I hate my 6850, stutters like crazy. The 6850 does run hotter than the 460. Performance wise there not much different.
But if you want a really good card, I would go for a gtx 560 or gtx 560 ti. The TI version obviously cost more but it's better.
GTX 560
GTX 560 TI
If you don't believe me here's the review for it.
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum...review-25.html

^^i think you just got a bad one :blarg: ,but any ways a 6850 will beat a 460 and if and i say if you get one with a good cooler than they rock so dont do the original xfx cards try for the duel fan or go with an asus or saphire

I'd say go for the 460.. they OC like crazy and run nice and cool.

I normally say performance per $, which would tell me to answer 6850 at this point. That said I have and love my 460 768mb and have had 0 problems with it. There seem to be more problems with glitches/ driver issues on the 6850/6870 than other cards (obviously not everyone has these issues and I have no first hand experience to back this up). So my answer is....your call.

drivers for nvidia > amd (especially in linux)

Also i find that many (I can't honestly say all) amd cards stutter (from 5770 to current).. maybe once every min or so they have a 0.5 sec frame which is REALLY annoying. Don't know what causes it but had it on my old amd based rig and same thing on an i7 950.. since I went back to green again I've had no such issues (GTX560ti, excellent card)

460 1GB for all the reasons above :)

Ok, I think the used 460 1GB on here is sold.

So, my next options is a 460 1gb on rfd but the brand is MSI. Is that worth pursuing (providing it's not sold)? I'm not sure about that site, though. Anyway, I think they were asking $100-$110 but I don't want to go over $100 w/ shipping on a used card.

There's a Zotac 560 on newegg with a coupon to get it to $130 which is over my budget but at least it's new. I guess I could raise the funds if the coupon doesn't expire beforehand... Also, I am not sure about the Zotac brand.

I figure EVGA and Asus are the brands to get unless the others are cheaper. Right?

Blah.... hate being short $40! :angry2: