Graphics card power consumption

[alexhull24]

Hi all, hope you're well!

I have a question. As some of you may know, I recently won a competition and shall be receiving a Radeon 5770 at some point. This left me with a predicament, as my current card (GTX280) is faster. However, I have the option to sell either of these cards and change the setup now, though I don't want to downgrade if possible. I can tell you the games I'm playing if it helps.

My main concern at this point is power consumption, particularly on idle. My gaming machine is used for everything else, such as browsing and word processing, both of which I do a lot, probably much more than gaming. I'm aware the GTX280 is a bit power hungry, even on idle.

Would a crossfire setup of 5770s consume less power on idle than a single GTX280 to make it worth my while upgrading? The performance would also increase of course. There are some numbers floating around, but they don't all agree on this one. Can anyone shed some light on GPU power consumption?

The other options are - keep the GTX280, keep the 5770 and buy another for crossfire, or sell both and get a 5850/5870 when the prices have calmed down, or even wait and see what nvidia comes up with.

At this point I'm leaning towards keeping the GTX280 as it has a lifetime warranty, though rumours are about that BFG may not last until Fermi.

Decisions, descisions!

I'd appreciate any input, especially on your thoughts about the power consumption.

 

[zak4994]

In my opinion, I would say that you should sell the GTX280 and buy another 5770 to crossfire it.

The power comsumption should go up but there is no denying that you already are consuming a lot of power with that GTX280.

Sacrifice power costs (increase) for better performance. That is the gist of what I'm saying.

Now take that into account.

 

[alexhull24]

In my opinion, I would say that you should sell the GTX280 and buy another 5770 to crossfire it.

The power comsumption should go up but there is no denying that you already are consuming a lot of power with that GTX280.

Sacrifice power costs (increase) for better performance. That is the gist of what I'm saying.

Now take that into account.

Thanks for the input. I take your points onboard totally, I would certainly get better performance, with the advantage of DX11 compatibility.

I've done some more digging and it looks like the GTX280 is actually very good on idle power, around 25W as it lowers the clocks right down. From what I've read, each 5770 will consume around 21W on idle, though I don't have any reliable sources for this yet.

When gaming I imagine the levels might be quite close, the 280 is an absolute monster at full load. Since I spend most of my time not gaming on the PC, the 280 might be better in that respect.

There is also the fact I'm more than happy with the performance of my 280, and planned on keeping it a lot longer before upgrading. I'm currently playing FO3, GTA4, GRID and they're all great. I also recently got a Q6600 which has given me even more performance than before. What games are going to really make my system stress now? It might be better to see how things pan out?

Do you think the ATI prices will come down much in the next few months?

 

[zak4994]

Now from what I've read I assume you care more about power consumption than performance. From that point-of-view I can say that you should stick to a single 5770 or the GTX280.

After Fermi comes out I can only think that the ATI graphics cards' prices will come down to become a bit more competitive.

 

[alexhull24]

I should have perhaps made the point that I was very happy with the GTX280 performance to begin with, but you're right. When I'm at uni there's not a massive amount of time for gaming, and this is also my work PC.

I might have to sell the 5770 on once I've had a play with it and see where we're at after Fermi, if it surfaces any time soon. I should probably get onto the trading section here, I'd like the card to go to someone from this site once I've reviewed it.

 

[zak4994]

Can I has it for freez?

 

[alexhull24]

Can I has it for freez?

Ah, that's a shame, had you spelt it correctly I would have.......not.

 

[zak4994]

Or...

You could just hold on to it as a back-up card. :X (I think I just ruined someone's chance of buying it.)

 

[alexhull24]

No, I don't need a backup really, not one so powerful. If it gets sold, the money is going towards an eepc so I can work at uni between lectures and surf the net at home without turning on my monster gaming rig.

Thanks for your input mate.

 

[Rastalovich]

Not being a big fan of multi gpu setups to this point (although there is alleged improvement for specific games), I'd consider trying the 5770, if it makes u just as happy as u were with the 280, sell the 280.

Benchmarks aside (as they're artificial), if ur happy with the 280 performance in ur gaming, the 5770 may just do as-good a job in the real world.

Pros I see to this is 1stly getting a fair/decent price for the 280 whilst u can; 2ndly trying the Dx11 games as they appear, including the demos that will come out in advance; 3rdly it's a competition prize that I'd not be to quick to sell myself as it's kinda an evil thing to do

B4 jumping into multi gpu, and seeing as ur keen to see Fermi, the 5770 will still be a good card to use in the meantime whilst u can make ur mind up at the time. Splashing on a 2nd 5770 right at this moment isn't something I'd personally consider.

Heck, the 280 would make a way ott physx gpu and folder

 

[alexhull24]

Not being a big fan of multi gpu setups to this point (although there is alleged improvement for specific games), I'd consider trying the 5770, if it makes u just as happy as u were with the 280, sell the 280.

A fair suggestion, it's currently worth in the region of £150 depending on where I sell it I'd imagine.

Benchmarks aside (as they're artificial), if ur happy with the 280 performance in ur gaming, the 5770 may just do as-good a job in the real world.

This is something I plan to find out, you're right.

Pros I see to this is 1stly getting a fair/decent price for the 280 whilst u can; 2ndly trying the Dx11 games as they appear, including the demos that will come out in advance; 3rdly it's a competition prize that I'd not be to quick to sell myself as it's kinda an evil thing to do

I know what you mean, it'll be a real shame if I can't put it to good use, but I'd want to sell it on here to keep it in the community if you like!

B4 jumping into multi gpu, and seeing as ur keen to see Fermi, the 5770 will still be a good card to use in the meantime whilst u can make ur mind up at the time. Splashing on a 2nd 5770 right at this moment isn't something I'd personally consider.

A stopgap. I guess this will depend on its performance. Should I mention I might be getting a 24" monitor before fermi is about too, so it'd need to perform at a higher res potentially.

Heck, the 280 would make a way ott physx gpu and folder

It probably would, but I don't fold!

You have some good points, it comes down to how well it performs against my current card, which will remain to be seen.

 

[Rastalovich]

If I had green-tinted glasses, I'd sound like a crazy person !

lol