Hd 4870 $250

[Mehen]

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=30825&promoid=1015

Pick one up now - only 88 remaining.

Check the sale page for more great deals (no I do not work for ncix);

http://www.ncix.com/promo/promosale.php?webid=xmasjuly08

9800GTX $155
HD4850 $150
640GB WD $76
1TB Seagate $140
8800GT $100

[Evildead666]

I couldn't really wait, and the 4850's are just soooo cheap...
I bought one with a Thermalright HR-03 and have a 120mm for that.
Will be having my first play with it tomorrow.
(still at post office...)

Just to see what thic core can really do...

edit : i also went for a SE-128 down facing CPU cooler, to make sure the voltage circuits and heatsinks are properly cooled.
I'm not convinced by the Ultra-120 getting any air to the voltage sinks...
And 4x1Gb DDR 1066 Dominator, with fan, to see how far the 9450 will go on aircooling on a 1:1 bus ratio...at 4.4.4.12 if possible.

[Tjalfe]

I am still waiting for the X2, and at the same time, perhaps a game which I want to play which requires this much power
the 3870X2 plays everything beautifully so far

[Evildead666]

I'm only running 1680x1050 so maybe it'd be overkill with an x2, but i will be finding out soon
Happy to be finally going back to ATi...

Also want to bench in folding, the 8800gts-640 overclocked managed to finish each unit in about 2 1/2 hours.
hoping the 4850 will do a lot better...

[Evildead666]

Just popped over to the Guru3D forums and it seems a new version of RivaTuner to support the ATi 48xx series should be launched mid-august.

atm, the only way to OC is to be limited to 700/1100 (4850) or to do a Bios Mod/Flash.
I'd rather avoid the Bios personally, Rivatuners always worked great in the past...

Will just have to concentrate on getting the cooling up to scratch while i'm waiting...

[Mehen]

Expect a refresh of the GTX280 when the 4870X2 is released. It'll probably be like the 9800GTX vs. 9800GTX+. And I'm sure prices will continue to be driven down.

[Evildead666]

Yeah, its looking like a small, 10-12%, increase in clocks, maybe more on shader speed, like 20-25%, and the same thermal output, they were sort of at the limit anyway with a chip that size...

i'm looking to hit 900+ on the 4850, and have some serious fans to put on it...and heat sinks for the voltage etc...

edit : piccie
edit 2 : the HR-03 cooler here is the R600 version, i f**ked up, the GT version should be here on monday or tuesday, when i can mount both coolers.

[Evildead666]

Gonna start with a pair of Papst 4412 FGMLD, 160mA, 12V (currently cooling me in this hot humid weather), and then go on to the tandem of 4112 NNH screamers, 920mA 12V, running at 14V...