Need new Video Card-ATI or NVIDIA? P.S. ATI=Crash

[Morbo666]

I'm looking to get a new video card now that some specs for 14 are out(I know don't speculate). I currently have two defective 4870's that crash in 3D application/games in reference to a file atikmpag.sys or something, I heard 4870's can be a pain. I've actually had 3 different 4870's from 3 different companies do the same crash, NVIDIA works fine. I want to know if a 5770 would also likely crash my PC since I heard they are almost the equivalent of a 4870. Juggling video cards = and I don't want to buy and RMA another card.


Some specs:
E8500
Sapphire 512MB 4870/Asus DK 1GB 4870
Vista 64-bit Home Premium
4 GB RAM
850 PSU
And also pretty good air cooling

[Jurgen]

What's the clock on your E8500? How much are you looking to spend? Are you basing your purchase solely on FF14 or do you plan to play other games as well?

[Morbo666]

I believe E8500's are 3.16GHz C2D. I'm looking to spend $150-200. My first 4870 was a stab in the eye for $275. I won't be doing any intense gaming or design stuff. 5770's are $150-175 ish. GTX 260's are just a few dollars more and won't crash me. 4870's crash me, ATI problem or just 4870 problem? Maybe I'll just get a cheap ATI 4xxx series like a 4650 or something and see if that crashes.

[Nyanta]

not gonna lie I went from an nvidia 8800gts to an ATI 5770, as for problems, ATI seems to have a bit more of them usually in the form of drivers, for example catalyst 10.6 seems to have messed up crossfire quite a bit.

but as far as the 5770 goes for its price range it is an excellent performer, uses little power, keeps cool and is a DX 11 capable card

[Jurgen]

5770 sounds like it would be good for what you intend to do, or you could hold out for another two months and see if the 5850 comes down in price. Nvidia is also releasing a card in the $200ish range pretty soon also (GTX 460 I think).

[Darus Grey]

ATI is much better value, I'd always go them first.

Just buy from a place with a good return policy, then if you have trouble you simply can't resolve can always return and go Nvidia.

[Morbo666]

I don't think people understood the question or maybe I could've been a little more clear. I've had 3 different 4870's and RMA'd each probably at least twice and also tested out a cheap 9500GT which I returned, there's a lot of sending and receiving going on and it's a little harder to receive them in an apartment. Big question is if it's just a 4870 problem or an ATI in general problem. I've used driver sweeper, tested numerous drivers, and actually did a clean OS install for the hell of it. The only ATI cards I've ever had were Sapphire, HIS, and Asus 4870's and they all do the same type of crash. The cheap 9500GT I tested didn't crash so it looks like I'll just have to get a cheap 4xxx or 5xxx series ATI card and see if it crashes, and if it does I guess my PC doesn't like ATI. Didn't mean to sound rude at the beginning thanks for the input!

[Purrrfect]

All that crashing looks a lot like something is happening on your end. Maybe there is something about your particular configuration. I have never had an issue out of my 4870, and it has been with me from xp to vista to 7, just recently transplanted to a new system also. I know its out of the price range you listed (I'd like to upgrade in that range too, but not many options), but a 5850 might be a good call if you can swing it. I'm trying to talk myself into spending more for one, but I think I'll be waiting until a little closer to release.