Better Value to CrossFire a HD7850 with another HD7850 or HD7870?

[TheStuck]

I have a 2GB HD7850 now and was thinking of buying another GPU since the prices are low right now.

Is it worth the extra money to get a HD7870 or should I just stick with a HD7850?

 

[KingFatty]

Just stick with the 7850. You can get really close to the 7870 performance if you overclock. There is another discussion here where it's mixed crossfire where the tester already had a 7870 and added a 7850 that he overclocked, you might want to check that out, and then compare to those people who have dual 7850s crossfired and overclocked.

 

[TheStuck]

Thx.

I didnt see the post but read an article where they had them mismatched.

Only reason I was thinking 7870 was for when crossfire isnt support but I guess most games support it so it isnt a big deal.

 

[wand3r3r]

I assume you read this article?

http://www.techbuyersguru.com/Frankenfire.php

I'd definitely go 7870 if you find a good deal. Overclock your 7850 and you'll get 7870 crossfire performance for a decent price with the latest price drops. If there's a major price difference then I'd go 7850, but otherwise find a 7870 deal.

I was just browsing The Tech buyers guru's hot deals and there's a couple 7850's for $130/135 (maybe AR) and a 7870 for $160. The 7850's were blower style, and the 7870 was a sapphire custom cooler. The 7870 is a solid card, but would require good ventilation. What kind of case you you have (and how many fans etc)?

When I think a little more, there are 7950's starting at $180 AR and $200 for custom cooler ones. Hmm...

 

[KingFatty]

No go on the 7870, it's price is too close to a 7950. It's just at a bad place.

On one hand, you can save money and get the 7850 and then overclock the 7850 to get almost the same performance.
On the other hand, you can spend just a tiny bit more money, and get the 7950 that is a different architecture and just a better value.

So to me the 7870 sits at a poor value proposition. The 7850 overclocked is a much better value (performance for price), and same with the 7950. I just can't see myself getting a 7870 due to not being as good of value as either of its value neighbors?

 

[Face2Face]

I have a 2GB HD7850 now and was thinking of buying another GPU since the prices are low right now.

Is it worth the extra money to get a HD7870 or should I just stick with a HD7850?

I would sell the 7850 and grab a 7950 @ $200. I made the move, and it was well worth it.

7850 with Avg OC = +/-7870 with below avg OC
7950 with Avg OC = +/- 7970GE and GTX 770

 

[spat55]

I would get another HD 7850, mine are clocked at 1120mhz core and 1300mhz memory, can go higher but needs more voltage, heat is fine too. People told me to sell it but the Sapphire is my first card so has sentimental value plus all the hassle of selling put me off.

My crossfire setup can Ultra Crysis @ 1440p mainly at 60FPS with some drops to 40FPS. It can do Ultra Battlefield 3 @1440p Ultra constantly at 60FPS on 64 player maps, more than what HD 7970' can do and for cheaper.

 

[raghu78]

I would sell the 7850 and grab a 7950 @ $200. I made the move, and it was well worth it.

7850 with Avg OC = +/-7870 with below avg OC
7950 with Avg OC = +/- 7970GE and GTX 770

yeah thats the best option. a HD 7850 can be sold for USD 110 - 120. throw in another 100 bucks and get a HD 7950. 45 - 50% faster at avg OC. a single GPU provides the most consistent performance. smoother gameplay and better frametime consistency. CF cannot ever match single GPU in those aspects.

http://www.hardocp.com/article/2013/07/02/msi_n760_tf_2gd5oc_gtx_760_overclocking_review/5

http://www.hardocp.com/article/2013..._directcu_ii_video_card_review/4#.UjPabH_3x8E

Farcry 3 1920 x 1080 Ultra 2x MSAA

HD 7950(1150 mhz) - 54.6
HD 7850(1100 Mhz) - 35.8

http://www.hardocp.com/article/2013/07/02/msi_n760_tf_2gd5oc_gtx_760_overclocking_review/5

http://www.hardocp.com/article/2013..._directcu_ii_video_card_review/9#.UjPbIX_3x8E

Tombraider 1920 x 1080 Highest settings FXAA Tress FX

HD 7950(1150 mhz) - 68.4
HD 7850(1100 Mhz) - 41.4

the sapphire dual x is a very good deal. unlocked voltage and good cooler.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814202026

 

[lehtv]

Sell the 7850 and upgrade to 7950 or 7970.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/549?vs=645