Graphics Upgrade

Which ATI 4850 graphics card should I buy?

I'm re-building my computer, and I've decided I want a graphics card based on AMD / ATi Radeon HD 4850 chip. But I don't know which manufacturer / model, whether I need 1Gb RAM of 512Mb is enough. I want a card that is reliable / stable, fast, can cooling is quiet but effective. I want good value, but it doesn't have to be the lowest price if everything else is right. What brands / models do you recommend? Thanks!

Public Comments

1. You can choose from Sapphire, Palit, Gainward, HIS I would rather go for the 1Gb RAM because in high-resolutions that will show as increased performances, the 512MB its a bit short (could be ok if you're planning on 1280x1024 gaming). If I had to choose I will go for HIS or Palit HIS HD 4850 IceQ 4 TurboX GDDR3 PCIe Palit Radeon™ HD 4850 1GB Sonic
2. Hi I would go with the saphhire card. It comes with a really good package bundle. You get all the usual connectors, but the big bonus is that you get a free full copy of 3dmark06!! I would much rather have that than be left with some crap game I dont even like! I would go for the 512mb, as there is no huge performance gain, but I guess it's a matter of personal preferance. Also with the saphhire you can buy new coolers which will be easy to install seens as to how its a single slot card with an open pcb platform. Check out the review on it here. Its a pretty conclusive read up. http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/hardware-canucks-reviews/8299-sapphire-radeon-hd4850-512mb-graphics-card-review.html Hope this helps Cheers
3. I wouldn't worry too much about the brand name, instead take note of the warranty period and if the card uses standard cooling or something a little more "special". Some brands will offer 3 year or more warranty. 512Mb is perfectly fine, 1Gb on a videocard won't make much difference. Though if the 1Gb version doesn't cost much more then go for it.