Looking for a GTX 260M upgrade recommendation

[redandblack1287]

I'm looking for something in the 200-250 price range that will be a solid upgrade from the 260. Right now it looks like the 5870 and GTX 460 are in my price range, but I'm not sure how much more performance they will offer over my current card. I'm only looking at gaming performance, although I would like to stay with nVidia (Splashtop THD, already have drivers, etc.) unless there is a substantial gap in performance to a similarly priced AMD card. Thanks in advance for any recommendations!

[Ninefingers]

Both the 460m and the 5870m will offer a decent performance boost over the 260m (~ +80%)

There isn't too much difference between the cards, the 5870 is a bit faster stock. I'm not sure if either is more overclockable than the other.

[King of Interns]

Skip the 5870. If you go for AMD a great performing but cheap card is now the 6970M.

It shouldn't cost much more than the 5870 now but it a good step up! High end nvidia cards have issues in the M15x so best to steer clear above the 460/560M.

I would say with the release of the 7970M the 6970M can be had for about $275. More than your price range but the increase in performance makes the extra price worth it.

[axelfoley86]

how about between the 560m and the 5870m?

i need to upgrade the 540m....

[King of Interns]

5850M.... apparently a beastly OCer too.

[redandblack1287]

Skip the 5870. If you go for AMD a great performing but cheap card is now the 6970M.

It shouldn't cost much more than the 5870 now but it a good step up! High end nvidia cards have issues in the M15x so best to steer clear above the 460/560M.

I would say with the release of the 7970M the 6970M can be had for about $275. More than your price range but the increase in performance makes the extra price worth it.

I would definitely be willing to go for the 6970 at that price. Know a seller?

If I can't find a good deal on the 6970, were you saying the 5850 is better than the 5870?

[King of Interns]

About the same apparently as it OC's so well. Plus the M15x was specced originally with the 5850 so it works well with it.

I will have a hunt around. I sold a 6970 for $300 a couple of months back. Now the 7970M has been released I supposed the price would have dropped somewhat. If it hasn't already it will very soon...

There is a glut of 6990M's for sale on the forum at the moment. I am pretty sure prices will get pretty low. Even thr 6990M will be hard pushed to sell at $350 now.

[redandblack1287]

About the same apparently as it OC's so well. Plus the M15x was specced originally with the 5850 so it works well with it.

I will have a hunt around. I sold a 6970 for $300 a couple of months back. Now the 7970M has been released I supposed the price would have dropped somewhat. If it hasn't already it will very soon...

There is a glut of 6990M's for sale on the forum at the moment. I am pretty sure prices will get pretty low. Even thr 6990M will be hard pushed to sell at $350 now.

I'm in no rush at the moment, so I'll wait to see if anything turns up. I'll try posting in the market as well to see if anyone is looking to sell there. Thanks so much, and +rep

[King of Interns]

Sure. Perhaps try PM directly to sellers. You might be able to shave a few dollars off that way if they want a quick sale.

Cheers for the rep..!

[mstrmold]

Going from an Nvidia to an AMD, do you have to change out the heatsink, or can you use the same one from say, an Nvidia 260M but with a different X plate?