Got my GTS 250 today

[Keysplayr]

Originally posted by: MarcVenice
Well, 50w difference in idle is actually pretty significant, knowing your pc idles most of the time.

Those benchmarks don't exactly match up to anandtech's review btw, where the hd4870 512mb looks 20% faster most of time. Well, good thing is, I will be doing my own benchmarks soon, with a gts250 (not sure if it's 1gb), a 9800gtx+, a hd4870, a GTX260, and of course the HD4890, and the GTX275, if it actually comes out (been awfully quiet when it comes to the GTX275). And I will be getting powerdraw numbers as well, with a voltcraft. So I can see with my own eyes

Yeah, some were from AT and others from TR. Flicking back and forth. TR only did 25x16 on some, so I couldn't use those.

So you've gone from game reviewer to hardware reviewer? Kewl.

 

[Qbah]

Obviously your biggest purchase driver was low idle power consumption with a higher performance than your previous 8800GT - then your choice was spot on. The HD48xx series isn't very popular for low idle power draw. Most of the comments here are regarding performance per buck, something that was a secondary issue for you. Not to mention we're talking about 150$ here, not thousands of $$$. You got what you wanted, a higher performance card with a lower power profile. And you're happy about the purchase.

As a side notem that 500W of yours would most likely handle a GTX260 without any problems.

 

[josh6079]

Would have went with a GTX 260 if I would have been in your position.

But, I can understand. Gotta call it quits at some point when discussing higher prices. I opted for a 9800 GTX+ for a little over $100 weeks ago.

Sure, could have saved up a few more weeks and purchased a GTX 260+, but I figured I'd quit waiting and get 90% of the enjoyment for 50% of the price.

 

[daveybrat]

Look at my post on Hot Deals, an MSI GTS 250 OC card for $99 after rebate. Quite a bit of power now days for cheap!

 

[StarBlast]

Anyone notice the prices on these GTS 250's going up at Newegg. I had interest in getting one, but 2 days ago the XFX was $129.99 and now it is $144.99. The EVGA was $129.99 for the 512MB and went to $134.99 and now is $139.99. I think with EVGA, they added a free game and didn't have this before so they raised the cost. Initially, the XFX came with the free game at $129.99 and now they have increased. That MSI for $99 after MIR mentioned doesn't look like a very impressive design (does not appear to exhaust heat out the back) and I would be a bit embarrassed by it even if it was tucked away inside my computer where no one could see it. I was only interested in the 512's since I do not have the monitor to support the higher resolutions. However, I have noticed the EVGA 1GB's going up also due to the free game offer. I guess if someone really wants the game it is still a good deal, but if not then I would look elsewhere.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Jeff7181

Originally posted by: MarcVenice
Really, no matter how you put it, it was a horrible buy. I haven't seen powerdraw numbers btw, but i doubt there will be a really big differencen between the GTS250 and the HD4870.

The difference in power usage is quite significant. At idle, the 4870 uses about 30% more power and about 15% more power under load. I said it before and I'll say it again... my machine is NOT primarily a gaming machine, so power usage was a big factor in my decision as my video card will be idle around 90% of the time the PC is on.

:thumbsup: I don't think people gave you enough credit as it seems you got what you are looking for.

As for it being the "same" as your old card, it obviously is better due to more stream processors, higher clocks, faster RAM and rear exhaust cooler.

One other thing of note is that the GPU will clock down when in 2D mode, so this card should idle at lower power draw than your 8800 GT.

 

[soccerballtux]

Originally posted by: MarcVenice
Lol keys, a 9800gtx = 8800gts 512mb !!! The 9800gtx+ is just a speedbump of the 9800gtx. The GTS250 = 9800gtx+. We can only pray the 1gb is going to make a difference at 1920*1200, otherwise he just wasted a whole lotta money. Games won't suddenly become playable with a gts250, if they weren't playable with a 8800gt (that could have been overclocked).

He wasted a lot of money. That GTS250 is basically an 8800GTX, which is about 10% faster than an 8800GT. OP did exactly what Nvidia was hoping for.

 

[Ichigo]

Nvidia know what they're doing. Marketing team should all get bonuses.

 

[HOOfan 1]

Originally posted by: Zap

Originally posted by: Jeff7181

Originally posted by: MarcVenice
Really, no matter how you put it, it was a horrible buy. I haven't seen powerdraw numbers btw, but i doubt there will be a really big differencen between the GTS250 and the HD4870.

The difference in power usage is quite significant. At idle, the 4870 uses about 30% more power and about 15% more power under load. I said it before and I'll say it again... my machine is NOT primarily a gaming machine, so power usage was a big factor in my decision as my video card will be idle around 90% of the time the PC is on.

:thumbsup: I don't think people gave you enough credit as it seems you got what you are looking for.

As for it being the "same" as your old card, it obviously is better due to more stream processors, higher clocks, faster RAM and rear exhaust cooler.

One other thing of note is that the GPU will clock down when in 2D mode, so this card should idle at lower power draw than your 8800 GT.

A lot of people are acting as if the OP reached into their own pockets for money to buy the card....