2x 480s vs 1070

[Pitou]

So im doing upgrades to my computer over time, im starting with a graphics card. currently i have a 7950 and im looking to upgrade in about 2 weeks. Im between 2 480s or just 1 1070. currently im running an AMD based build with a fx 8350 but im wanting to move to an i5 and ddr4 ram later. what do yall think?

[Hunter259]

1070

[aeroencychris]

I'm having this debate myself and honestly it's not easy. While in terms of raw benchmarks two 480's beat a 1070, the inevitable stability issues (and heat from two GPUs) makes it a bit of a headache to deal with. I'm considering doing the 480 route mostly because it gives me upgrading headroom, as I'm starting with one and adding another when I need it. If you're planning on buying everything now I would absolutely get the 1070, though.

[Jack Kaye Pc Gamer]

 

[CostcoSamples]

A single GPU is usually better because of occasional problems with multi GPU.  That said, there are probably instances where the dual 480 setup will be quite a bit faster.

[GDRRiley]

Do you want to have the issue of crossfire for some games or just a single GPU that performs similar. 

[spartaman64]

1070

[Pitou]

ive never done crossfire or sli so i dont really know the issues with it, im just looking for the best performace for 1080p at 120hz

[aeroencychris]

2 minutes ago, thaginger said:

ive never done crossfire or sli so i dont really know the issues with it, im just looking for the best performace for 1080p at 120hz

A single 480 would honestly do fine with that, it's comparable (or better) than a 970, which from my experience can easily do 1080p@144hz.

[iiNNeX]

1070

 

Crossfire and SLI support is terrible for most games. I know I've had both.

[MightyMic]

Crossfire (and SLI) depend almost entirely on the game. Some games (Like BF3) see a huge improvement like 90% while others see basically no change (Tomb Raider I think?). Most games see marginal improvements. Because of this, I'd definitely go with a single card solution.

[typographie]

Two RX 480's in Crossfire may have the potential to be faster, but anytime a game has poor (or no) Crossfire scaling you're going to be way, way worse off. A single GTX 1070 is probably going to end up being as fast or faster in a lot of games.

[MightyMic]

This is where I got my numbers. https://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AMD/RX_480_Crossfire/

[ShadyHost]

I had 2 670s in SLI a while back. Dual cards is cool and fun to show your friend but at the end of the day the single card is much better in the long run. 

[Pitou]

well im leaning more towards the single card, i dont really play tipple a title games like tomb raider or gta V. Mostly just multiplayer games like guild wars, arma, dayz, battlefield, etc

[CostcoSamples]

10 minutes ago, thaginger said:

well im leaning more towards the single card, i dont really play tipple a title games like tomb raider or gta V. Mostly just multiplayer games like guild wars, arma, dayz, battlefield, etc

In that case, a single 480 will be a really good choice.  You'll save a ton of money and still have high frame rates at 1080p.

[Pitou]

3 minutes ago, CostcoSamples said:

In that case, a single 480 will be a really good choice.  You'll save a ton of money and still have high frame rates at 1080p.

too bad they are all sold out and you can only get them on ebay for like $350, i hate scalpers so much

[CostcoSamples]

If you decide to go with a 480, be sure to wait for one with a good after market cooler.  Reference cards are shit.

[Pitou]

1 minute ago, CostcoSamples said:

If you decide to go with a 480, be sure to wait for one with a good after market cooler.  Reference cards are shit.

would you recommend pre-ordering one to avoid scalpers?

[CostcoSamples]

1 minute ago, thaginger said:

would you recommend pre-ordering one to avoid scalpers?

It's usually better to wait for reviews so you know what to expect.  Once you see a review for the card you want, go ahead and pre-order / backorder if prices are OK.  Otherwise, just wait a few weeks prices will stabilize.

 

There have been some early rumors that the after market 480 cards are achieving solid factory overclocks.  we'll have to wait and see.

[Pitou]

1 minute ago, CostcoSamples said:

It's usually better to wait for reviews so you know what to expect.  Once you see a review for the card you want, go ahead and pre-order / backorder if prices are OK.  Otherwise, just wait a few weeks prices will stabilize.

 

There have been some early rumors that the after market 480 cards are achieving solid factory overclocks.  we'll have to wait and see.

awesome thanks im probably ganna go with that

[typographie]

If they're having issues keeping cards in stock, any new pre-orders will probably be backed up as well. RX 480's (in general, anyway) have been reviewed so I don't really have any problems with that, but I think you're going to have to wait for availability either way.

[CostcoSamples]

3 minutes ago, typographie said:

If they're having issues keeping cards in stock, any new pre-orders will probably be backed up as well. RX 480's (in general, anyway) have been reviewed so I don't really have any problems with that, but I think you're going to have to wait for availability either way.

I haven't seen any reviews for after market 480s, have you?  At this point it is only reference cards.

[typographie]

1 minute ago, CostcoSamples said:

I haven't seen any reviews for after market 480s, have you?  At this point it is only reference cards.

No, and that's what I meant by RX 480's "in general." If you (or the OP) think it's necessary to wait for reviews of specific SKUs to appear, I'm certainly not going to be complain. In my opinion I think we're at the point where we have a fairly good idea of what's coming.

[CostcoSamples]

2 minutes ago, typographie said:

No, and that's what I meant by RX 480's "in general." If you (or the OP) think it's necessary to wait for reviews of specific SKUs to appear, I'm certainly not going to be complain. In my opinion I think we're at the point where we have a fairly good idea of what's coming.

Yeah, we are.  I only mean that we might see some solid factory OC cards and it's worth waiting for one of those.  And honestly there usually isn't a huge difference between the brands so if there is one with a good price from a reputable company, it's probably OK to pre-order.