Maximum PC

I need a new DX 11 video card and came across a good deal in the local Craigslist for an MSI N470 GTX that is still new in the box, never opened, for $220. We are at an impasse since I offered $200 and the guy wont budge. My biggest fear is because I wasn't the original buyer if something goes wrong I dont want to be left with a chunk of unserviceable metal. My other option is the little more expensive HD 6870 from Newegg at about $249. I know that is $50 more but I'll be buying from a reputable seller, not to mention, this is s second generation DX 11. I think both cards are good but as always, i'm left think which one is the best deal. Can you guys ponder this dilemma for me ? Maybe I haven't examined all my options here. Thanks in advance.

The asus gtx 470 is $215 after rebate on newegg right now. It is $260 with $15 instant savings and $30 rebate.

I have a 6870 and like it lot. The xfx has a rebate too putting it at like $240 right now i believe.

I forgot to list the rest of my system. It consist of a dual core E8400, Seasonic M12 600 watts, 4 gigs of Crucial 1066 memory on a DFI DK X48 board. My current video card is an MSI HD 4870.

What games are you playing? I just went from a 512MB 4870 to 6870 and think it was worth it.

I play shooters. My latest purchase was Stalker:COP and Metro 2033. You can add all Half Life, FEAR, Bioshock, etc.

That PSU should be fine with the 6870.

Should be good for all with the 6870 except metro 2033. Thats the only one I cant run higher settings on.

The 68xx series should be more power efficient than the older radeons. I just went from a 4850 to a 6850, and found the upgrade to be very worthwhile. So much in fact, I've purchased a new monitor since my previous 22" 1680x1050 just isn't stretching its legs.

As for gtx470 vs 6870, I'm guessing benchmark wise these 2 just trades blows, with no clear winner. If that's the case, time to look at features and such. Does your motherboard support SLI or crossfire? That may sway your decision, so that you can have a cheap upgrade path down the line. Do you run a multi-monitor setup? Eyefinity is the more mature multi-display tech I think. Is folding performance really important to you? If so, then definitely get the nvidia.

My mb supports crossfire and I dont fold at home. I started to feel the 6870 is a better deal based on the efficiency. Also, it is a second generation DX11 and I feel there should be some improvement(s) over the first generation. On the other half I would like to have PhysiX. I guess I can always add a PhysiX card.

Glad to help, and yea I was considering getting a 9500gt on the cheap for physx. But atm, no physx games I really want to play, I've already finished the physx games in my collection, and don't really feel like replaying them.

I just started playing Metro 2033. I'm pretty impressed with the graphics so far and I only have an HD 4870. I wonder how much more improvement I'll see with one the cards mentioned at the beginning.

well a 6870 compared to your 4870... there really wouldn't be that much of an image quality improvement unless it allows you to run a higher resolution, or if allows you to turn AA/AF up higher. The only other graphics quality improvement you'd get is going from dx10 to dx11. The only dx11 games I have are BFBC2 and alien vs predator, both of which show only minor improvement going from dx10 to dx11.

This is an update. After days of looking around I found an XFX HD5850 for $214 with an MIR of $40. It should be $174 when I get my money back. A buddy of mine has the 5850 and I think it looks real good. When the 6890 comes out i'll probably move the 5850 to my second system. Thanks to all.

DX11 in metro 2033 vs 10x is pretty impressive actually. It should allow him to run one higher setting too in detail.