4870 vs. 4870 Xoc

[Copper94]

Is it worth it to buy the oc'ed version for +30$?

I dont see why I should go w/ it because I could probably just flash the bios to match it >.>


-Copper

[magictorch]

If your comfortable doing the flash then yes it seems a waste.

There was an asus top flash link posted last week or so by canadarox I think.

[1Tanker]

Originally Posted by magictorch

If your comfortable doing the flash then yes it seems a waste.

There was an asus top flash link posted last week or so by canadarox I think.

I haven't looked at "said" cards... but if the pre-O/Ced version comes with a nice aftermarket-type HS/F...then that could make the $30 worth it right there.

[Oversized Rooster]

Originally Posted by 1Tanker

I haven't looked at "said" cards... but if the pre-O/Ced version comes with a nice aftermarket-type HS/F...then that could make the $30 worth it right there.

An Accelero could do an even better job for that $30.

[CanadaRox]

I've posted both the ASUS TOP and Diamond XOC BIOS for the 4870. If you feel safe flashing your card to one of these BIOS, it is a complete waste as they are 100% reference cards.

Here is a link to the thread, which includes both BIOS's and instructions on how to flash your GPU with ATIFLASH: Asus 4870 Top Bios

[Jmac]

One thing to keep in mind, especially if you're on a tight budget and/or inexperienced, is that the pre-OCed versions are warrantied at those speeds whereas the reference models you flash and overclock yourself will not be (nor will the aftermarket cooler be covered).

[JD]

Originally Posted by CanadaRox

I've posted both the ASUS TOP and Diamond XOC BIOS for the 4870. If you feel safe flashing your card to one of these BIOS, it is a complete waste as they are 100% reference cards.

Here is a link to the thread, which includes both BIOS's and instructions on how to flash your GPU with ATIFLASH: Asus 4870 Top Bios

Flashing is super easy. You can use WinFlash as well which flashes right in Windows. I've flashed my HD4850 a few times already without any issues that required another video card to re-flash it.

[Mibs]

Originally Posted by Jmac

One thing to keep in mind, especially if you're on a tight budget and/or inexperienced, is that the pre-OCed versions are warrantied at those speeds whereas the reference models you flash and overclock yourself will not be (nor will the aftermarket cooler be covered).

This is pretty much the most important point. If you're constantly going through hardware and don't care about losing a warranty or even bricking a card then there's really no reason to buy a pre-oc'd card just for gaming. OC'ing a modern graphics card is not difficult by any means, especially with flasing. If this is your one graphics card that you need to keep for an extended period of time and you really want that extra speed then it's probably worth your while to just buy the pre-oc'd card.