13 replies to this topic

[Youngblood]

So, I've mentioned this before--this is the game I've been waiting for since 1995. I'm essentially looking to put in the jewel in my little crown of a Micro ATX-mobo gaming rig so I can get to running MWO 100% of the time, on maxed settings.

I run a water-cooled Phenom II X4 980, and a Radeon HD 4890 with stock air cooling. The 4890 is quite the squeeze on my case-- there's only one PCIe slot open now on my mobo (the 4890 covers the middle one up with its bulk, and the only open one is below the GPU), and not much distance between the heatsink on the GPU and the bottom of the case.

I have two monitors hooked up, my main one's 1920x1080 and is my main screen in front of me, and I have a 1280x1024 to my left for other applications on the side.

So having been out of the new GPU loop for a few years, I looked into different ideas. I'm really looking for a true final upgrade, so I would be very happy with an HD7950 that can decently cool itself in a cramped case, its stats really would make me satisfied, especially if I go for the overclock.

However, I seem to get the feeling that there are a lot of AMD cards that are kind of "in transition" regarding price range, as I can see HD7870s with the same price tags as my dream card. Which should I pick up? Also, any opinions on if I'd be able to find a pair of cards that I could Crossfire to get the same kind of performance, yet still fit in my case? Also, is water cooling feasible for a large GPU given how much space I have?

[Elsydeon]

I presume you got one of those Aspire/Apevia (same company, just renamed itself) mATX cube cases.

First, the reviews are showing the nVidia cards are running slightly cooler than AMD.

Second, pick EVGA or XFX, they are the only ones offering lifetime warranties now.

Third, get one that shoots air out of the case, especially on something cramped like yours.

Last, the cards should fit, both companies got smart and decided that being longer is not better.

[Youngblood]

Elsydeon, on 08 August 2012 - 06:01 PM, said:

I presume you got one of those Aspire/Apevia (same company, just renamed itself) mATX cube cases.

Nope. It's a Micro ATX case, not a Mini ATX case--so it's a tower, just not a full tower.

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First, the reviews are showing the nVidia cards are running slightly cooler than AMD.

I've heard about that, but how much can aftermarket cooling even the tables there? I'd rather not have to install an entirely new system of drivers (and then learn their controls).

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Second, pick EVGA or XFX, they are the only ones offering lifetime warranties now.

Yeah, my 4890's an XFX. Problem with it though is that it's a reference model that isn't designed for overclock.

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Third, get one that shoots air out of the case, especially on something cramped like yours.

You got my attention...but which ones are we talking about? How do I tell? Specific links to models would be appreciated.

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Last, the cards should fit, both companies got smart and decided that being longer is not better.

I'm not concerned with the length of my cards so much as their thickness--I know I definitely would not have room to cram in two HD4890s given my VERTICAL space (and PCIe slots), not lateral space.

[Shivus]

Even reference models can overclock well within the bounds of their stock voltage, the aftermarket models are just better about keeping cool when you increase the voltage. Generally the reference model cards are all designed to shoot air out the back. Aftermarket models throw air out all around the card because it can't be fully enclosed, the fan and design is completely different. Also the girth of the card doesn't differ much since two slot cards which most are these days all have to be designed to fill only two slots.

The GTX 660 TI is nearing launch. I'd suggest waiting a bit to see how it will affect the prices of AMD cards before you make a purchase, maybe even consider the 660 TI as an option. Also, EVGA nixed its lifetime warranty. They only have 3 year limited now with the option of purchasing 5 or 10 year extended. Although if your GPU dies after 3-5 years, I'd say it's doing you a favor in forcing you to upgrade at that point.

[Youngblood]

Good point on the waiting part -- the game's still only in closed beta and holiday season does happen to be coming around to shake things up.

Still curious about additional cooling solutions sold separately from cards.

Edited by Youngblood, 08 August 2012 - 07:08 PM.

[Lightdragon]

personally i justp icked up a 7870... and it is chewing up and spitting out any game i can throw at it on ultra settings, its a huge step up from the 5770 i was running

[Tori Migaku]

your card might actualy manage to play it on max at 1080p

[Youngblood]

methebest, on 08 August 2012 - 07:25 PM, said:

your card might actualy manage to play it on max at 1080p

I'd like to say something here, but I'm under NDA. Let's just say I'm not satisfied, and what's the HD7870 with the best value so far?

[Tori Migaku]

i personaly am runing a 7850 and it may or may not be runing great >.>

[Shivus]

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814125418

Currently the cheapest after MIR, but they're all very similar. The factory overclock is fairly meaningless since the 7 series are all fantastic overclockers.

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814161404
This one, while it has an aftermarket cooler, and will leak air around it, is designed to send air out the back of the case more than the others.

[Youngblood]

Both of these look good. To note, my motherboard is also GIGABYTE brand. Any anecdotes regarding whether or not matching brands on mobo and GPU make a difference in terms of stability?

[Shivus]

It doesn't matter one bit.

[VanyelTarrant]

XFX has a series of cards in its DD line they are all dual fanned with 4 heat pipes and clock a little higher than most cards of the same chipset. They are usually very pricey but they come in both nVidea and AMD chipsets.

[Lightdragon]

unfortunately xfx has aweful customer service