HD3870x2 GDDR3 or GDDR4

[Babylon5]

Hi, I've been out of the PC hardware scene for some time and gradually picking things up. I've decided to upgrade my PC and so far have Intel Q9300, ASUS P5Q Pro, 4gb PC2-8500. I wanted to go for the ATI HD3870x2 graphics card. Can anyone advice if the GDDR3 or GDDR4 is better. Overclockers UK are selling the GDDR4 for £140inc and the GDDR3 for £199inc. I would have thought the GDDR4 would cost more. Are both as good for OCing?

Reading on the web, there doesn't seem much difference in performance between them, which makes me a bit more confused!

Appreciate any advice, thanks.

 

[Jeddy]

For the same money you can buy a HD4870 and it will outperform the 3870x2 afaik.

 

[Babylon5]

Thanks Jeddy, i started looking at the 4xxx series, then went over to the 3xxx series and i focused on the 3870x2 due to the overclocking and reviews. But you're right, from this link - http://www.techreport.com/articles.x/14990/9

I can see the 4870 performs better than the 3870x2 and will be better for power consumption and scalable Xfire.

 

[Bungral]

While it doesn't show a comparison against the 3870X2.. This is definitely worth a read if you're considering making the purchase.. It's a great card.

Linky

 

[GavX]

agreed, the 4870 is a great chip, and I have read some reviews it easily beating the 3870X2. Wait another couple of days, the prices are coming down daily pretty much It does need 2 6 PCI-E power plug though, but thehn again the 3870X2 needed that too, or was it one 6 and one 8 pin?

 

[Babylon5]

from all the reading the 3870x2 needs one 6 and one 8 pin