Radeon vs GTX?

[Eqwinoxe]

So, this will happen. I have two GPU's that I have in mind to buy. Yes, by the title, it is a Radeon vs GTX. I need YOUR opinion. What would you guys buy based on the specs, price, reviews, ECT. I really hope you have a good debate, because it;s almost time for me to buy my GPU's. Have fun with this. Don't get to mad at others choices!

 

Radeon:

http://www.amazon.com/R7850-2xMiniDisplayPort-TWIN-FROZR-2GD5/dp/B007MLSGHE/ref=sr_1_14?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1370305713&sr=1-14&keywords=radeon+hd+7870

 

 

GTX:

http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-SUPERCLOCKED-Graphics-02G-P4-2662-KR/dp/B00966IREK/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1370305833&sr=1-1&keywords=geforce+gtx+660

 

[fzdw11]

Ha! I can post on forums, I think! At least it appears I can, so we'll see. Stupid work computer not showing the site properly...

 

Anyway!

 

Of those two I would choose the MSI HD7850. However, if you can swing it, I'd grab this card: http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Radeon-PCI-Express-Graphics-11199-20-20G/dp/B00AWKYB1M/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1369842373&sr=1-1&keywords=radeon+hd+7870XT

 

Reasoning is, the 7870XT editions use a slighly cut down Tahiti GPU which is what is used in the 79xx series cards, and that Sapphire one in particular is on par with a HD7950 for a bit less. Here's a review of it: http://www.techradar.com/us/reviews/pc-mac/pc-components/graphics-cards/sapphire-radeon-hd-7870-xt-1130535/review

 

With the MSI that you picked, or the Sapphire that I linked to, you do get the Never Settle bundle, which comes with Bioshock Infinite and the new Tomb Raider, both of which I really enjoyed. Haven't played FC3: Blood Dragon yet, though it is something I'm going to check out eventually.

 

When I was searching last month, I decided to go with a Gigabyte HD7970, but that was just me, and I could justify the cost, and I haven't regretted it in the least.

 

What are some of the other specs of your PC, because that could play a factor as well.

[Eqwinoxe]

Well, yes. This will work, but 

 

Ha! I can post on forums, I think! At least it appears I can, so we'll see. Stupid work computer not showing the site properly...

Anyway!

Of those two I would choose the MSI HD7850. However, if you can swing it, I'd grab this card: http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Radeon-PCI-Express-Graphics-11199-20-20G/dp/B00AWKYB1M/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1369842373&sr=1-1&keywords=radeon+hd+7870XT

Reasoning is, the 7870XT editions use a slighly cut down Tahiti GPU which is what is used in the 79xx series cards, and that Sapphire one in particular is on par with a HD7950 for a bit less. Here's a review of it: http://www.techradar.com/us/reviews/pc-mac/pc-components/graphics-cards/sapphire-radeon-hd-7870-xt-1130535/review

With the MSI that you picked, or the Sapphire that I linked to, you do get the Never Settle bundle, which comes with Bioshock Infinite and the new Tomb Raider, both of which I really enjoyed. Haven't played FC3: Blood Dragon yet, though it is something I'm going to check out eventually.

When I was searching last month, I decided to go with a Gigabyte HD7970, but that was just me, and I could justify the cost, and I haven't regretted it in the least.

What are some of the other specs of your PC, because that could play a factor as well.

Well, yes. This will work, but it's a bit pricey for me. I might take consideration, but to me, the 660 SC does handle AA better! Also, if I was to go for that, I have to not by my RAM until after that.

[Twinreaper]

Just remember, Nvidia chipsets run hotter than the ATI ones.  Most ATI's run a bit more decibles though.  It's a trade off sometimes depending on the overall build of your PC.  EX: Your motherboard may be better suited or built for Crossfire X or Hybrid SLI.

[fzdw11]

 

Just remember, Nvidia chipsets run hotter than the ATI ones. Most ATI's run a bit more decibles though. It's a trade off sometimes depending on the overall build of your PC. EX: Your motherboard may be better suited or built for Crossfire X or Hybrid SLI.

 

Right out of the box, yes I can fully agree that ATI's run louder than their nVidia counterparts, that would probably be the only downside to my recent purchase, but it is not enough for me to really complain about.

 

Now, back to Equinoxe.

 

Like Twin said, depending on your overall build, you may be better off going with a one over the other. Also, what are you planning on doing with this PC? Gaming? Editing? A combination of both?

 

P.S. Twin, it's good to see your name back here.

[Eqwinoxe]

Right out of the box, yes I can fully agree that ATI's run louder than their nVidia counterparts, that would probably be the only downside to my recent purchase, but it is not enough for me to really complain about.

 

Now, back to Equinoxe.

 

Like Twin said, depending on your overall build, you may be better off going with a one over the other. Also, what are you planning on doing with this PC? Gaming? Editing? A combination of both?

 

P.S. Twin, it's good to see your name back here.

I'm gaming and will get into editing. They are the same, buit in diffrent family's. GTX and ATI for example.

[fzdw11]

I wouldn't call them the same. They are similar, for sure, but not the same. In benchmarks, the 660 wins when comparing the reference cards, for sure. I'm not so sure that will be the case when you compare these two specific cards, though. Tom's Hardware compares the GTX 660 to the HD7870, and they say the 7850 is on par with a GTX 650 Ti Boost. *shrug* Just some food for thought.

 

GSD showed me this site when I was looking at two different cards, definitely worth a look. http://www.hwcompare.com/13303/geforce-gtx-660-vs-radeon-hd-7850/

 

Again, that site compares the reference cards, the two you have selected have been adjusted by their respective manufacturers, so the numbers will be different.

 

Here's the real question, with the GTX 660 you get Metro: Last Light. With the HD 7850 you get Bioshock: Infinite, Tomb Raider, and Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon. Did any of those games interest you in the least? If so, go with whichever one gives you what you want.

[Eqwinoxe]

I wouldn't call them the same. They are similar, for sure, but not the same. In benchmarks, the 660 wins when comparing the reference cards, for sure. I'm not so sure that will be the case when you compare these two specific cards, though. Tom's Hardware compares the GTX 660 to the HD7870, and they say the 7850 is on par with a GTX 650 Ti Boost. *shrug* Just some food for thought. GSD showed me this site when I was looking at two different cards, definitely worth a look. http://www.hwcompare.com/13303/geforce-gtx-660-vs-radeon-hd-7850/ Again, that site compares the reference cards, the two you have selected have been adjusted by their respective manufacturers, so the numbers will be different. Here's the real question, with the GTX 660 you get Metro: Last Light. With the HD 7850 you get Bioshock: Infinite, Tomb Raider, and Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon. Did any of those games interest you in the least? If so, go with whichever one gives you what you want.

Well, I like the games the provide, but on reviews for the 7870, they said it was throwng blue screens and frame loss. Alos, they said the switched to the 660, and all problems were resolved. Does this mean anything? I know that it moslty means a failing GPU, but i believe the 60 will be my best option.

[Twinreaper]

One aspect of gaming rigs that most people overlook is the "Crossfire" and "SLI" features.  I have a two medium to sometimes discounted priced,  GTX 550 TI's.  The advances in bandwidth and utilization of 16x or even 8x SLI or Crossfire connected cards has really advanced a lot.  Running these two puppies, I can outrun most newer cards on good days in certain areas. 

 

Just remember, just because it's a generation or chipset revision above another card, doesn't mean that it is worth the money.  I see people all the time waste money on kick-ass PSU's that exceed 800watts, but only run 1 card with it.  What good is a high voltage PSU, if your not gonna utilize it?  For that matter, if the GTX 660 is anywhere from $250 or beyond.....don't bother.  Grab a few series below it, and SLI or Crossfire them.  The performance will be much better thanh the standalone card.

[Eqwinoxe]

One aspect of gaming rigs that most people overlook is the "Crossfire" and "SLI" features.  I have a two medium to sometimes discounted priced,  GTX 550 TI's.  The advances in bandwidth and utilization of 16x or even 8x SLI or Crossfire connected cards has really advanced a lot.  Running these two puppies, I can outrun most newer cards on good days in certain areas. 

 

Just remember, just because it's a generation or chipset revision above another card, doesn't mean that it is worth the money.  I see people all the time waste money on kick-*** PSU's that exceed 800watts, but only run 1 card with it.  What good is a high voltage PSU, if your not gonna utilize it?  For that matter, if the GTX 660 is anywhere from $250 or beyond.....don't bother.  Grab a few series below it, and SLI or Crossfire them.  The performance will be much better thanh the standalone card.

I see where your going with this, but I found the card that will do better for me. I really like your explantion why, but this one is better for me.

http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-SIGNATURE2-Graphics-02G-P4-2663-KR/dp/B00966IOT8/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1370023561&sr=8-9&keywords=gtx+660+superclocked+2gb

[Eqwinoxe]

I see where your going with this, but I found the card that will do better for me. I really like your explantion why, but this one is better for me.

http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-SIGNATURE2-Graphics-02G-P4-2663-KR/dp/B00966IOT8/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1370023561&sr=8-9&keywords=gtx+660+superclocked+2gb

Also, I only have one slot, so that's out of context.