ATI Radeon HD 4870 vs 2600

[bmorris]

I found an ATI Radeon HD 2600 for $60 on craigslist.
I was wondering how the 2600 compares to 4870?
I edit videos with FCP and use After Effects and Cinema 4D.
I prob wont play too many games.

Also, does the 2600 work with Snow Leopard?

Thanks.

 

[Hellhammer]

Looking at benchmarks and 4870 seems to be at least four times better than 2600...

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2151673,00.asp
http://www.guru3d.com/news/ati-radeon-hd-4870-vs-geforce-9800-gx2-benchmark-results/

 

[Eidorian]

I'd hope it's the Mac version or at least flashed to be so.

 

[jetjaguar]

i would go with a 4870

 

[bmorris]

Looking at benchmarks and 4870 seems to be at least four times better than 2600...

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,2151673,00.asp
http://www.guru3d.com/news/ati-radeon-hd-4870-vs-geforce-9800-gx2-benchmark-results/

Geeeeez...
So $170 for the ATI 4870 is worth the difference for the $60 ATI 2600.

 

[Hellhammer]

Geeeeez...
So $170 for the ATI 4870 is worth the difference for the $60 ATI 2600.

Hell yeah! I've heard many bad things about 2600. People calling it slow and overheating etc. Definitely get 4870 if you can

 

[computergek80]

But for future reference, it will work in Snow Leopard, just without OpenCL.

 

[Frobozz]

Get the 4870

I have a 4870x2 in my gaming PC, and it's still the fastest single card money can buy.

A 4870 is a vast, vast improvement in both efficiency, heat dissipation, and performance over a 2600. So, from a quality perspective, I'd say this wins hands down.

The next question I'd ask myself is this: how much is my time worth? Because if you're working hourly doing FCP or other billable projects, you'll sincerely be able to get the done faster with a 4870. The difference in price won't really matter much in the long run ...