Apple 5870 vs. XFX 6870

[darkcoupon]

I'm going to be upgrading the video card on my Mac Pro 4,1 pretty soon and I was planning on just buying an XFX 6870 ($150 on newegg w/ rebate) and reflashing it. But I recently had the opportunity to grab a brand new Apple 5870 locally for $350 from an authorized Apple reseller who will honor any service or replacements if it's DOA. (used 5870's on Ebay are going for $330-$380)

So, my question is do you think the performance/stability of the 5870 is worth the extra $200 over a flashed 6870? 90% of the use of my MP is heavy Photoshop and InDesign work, I don't game or edit videos very much at all so that's where all of the graphics power goes. I'm fairly certain I don't NEED the 5870, but if the reflashed 6870 is going to cause me headaches with reliability I might prefer it.

 

[MacVidCards]

You might want to have a look at Barefeats.com, he recently ran various GPU tests and I think in some he included a 6870.

Once flashed a 6870 can only show boot screen on lower DVI port. On the plus side it can run 4 displays, while 5870 is limited to 3.

 

[violst]

Im in a similar situation as you. I want to upgrade my dated 8800 gt with the XFX 6870. But I have been procrastinating because if I can fine a cheap enough apple branded 5870 I might get that instead. Im not interested in flashing the 6870 card. and I believe the 5870 is still faster then the 6870.

$350 for a 5870 is a very good price.

 

[ActionableMango]

If you can afford it, go for the 5870. It's supported, no hassles, and faster than the 6870.

Also, the "total cost of ownership" might work out in the end because the resale value of that card in your Mac or sold separately will be higher. The 6870 will become nearly worthless.

 

[gpzjock]

Have you considered buying a GTX 570 instead? Under Mountain Lion it may be a better bang per buck option.

 

[darkcoupon]

You might want to have a look at Barefeats.com, he recently ran various GPU tests and I think in some he included a 6870.

Once flashed a 6870 can only show boot screen on lower DVI port. On the plus side it can run 4 displays, while 5870 is limited to 3.

That's cool, I'm still running an old 30" Cinema Display so I only really have use for the one DVI port at the moment.

Thanks for the link to Bare Feats, though. From those benchmarks it looks like the 5870 is probably best for Photoshop out of all of the cards tested, so that's definitely something to think about.