Crossfire or R520 single card?

[JPB]

I've posted this before in a thread that wasnt meant for it. But ill be damned if I can find it now. Would buying a CrossFire Mobo and Master Card to go with my X800 Pro be a better way to go than a single R520 card? Which do you all think would be faster? I know the R520 is supposed to have the whole shader 3 thing....But that really doesnt concern me. If I went with the R520, I was gonna purchase the X18 Pro. What would you all do?

 

[ayabe]

It's hard to say without having more FINAL information on the cards or Crossfire but if I were you, I would be going with a single R520.

 

[JPB]

Well, in all honesty....I'm kinda expecting the R520 to be equal to or lesser than the 7800 series. I thought about dropping the cash and running to 7800 GT's in SLI. Since SLI has been out ALOT longer. I know there would be minimal if any problems with it. CrossFire could have bugs and the such. Hmmmm...decisions...decisions.....

Could also be cheaper for CrossFire and a MasterCard than just a R520.....

 

[biostud]

7800GTX + watercooling for me. Should be shipped tomorrow

 

[ayabe]

Originally posted by: x80064
Well, in all honesty....I'm kinda expecting the R520 to be equal to or lesser than the 7800 series. I thought about dropping the cash and running to 7800 GT's in SLI. Since SLI has been out ALOT longer. I know there would be minimal if any problems with it. CrossFire could have bugs and the such. Hmmmm...decisions...decisions.....

Could also be cheaper for CrossFire and a MasterCard than just a R520.....

It really all depends on the final hardware, a single 520 could end up being a better performer than the 20-30% FPS increase to be had from Crossfire, plus it will have SM 3.0 support, though it's not important to you now, it may be in the future. Plus once the kinks get worked out of Crossfire, you can get a master card later for you R520 series.

It's a tough call either way.

 

[JPB]

Originally posted by: ayabe

Originally posted by: x80064
Well, in all honesty....I'm kinda expecting the R520 to be equal to or lesser than the 7800 series. I thought about dropping the cash and running to 7800 GT's in SLI. Since SLI has been out ALOT longer. I know there would be minimal if any problems with it. CrossFire could have bugs and the such. Hmmmm...decisions...decisions.....

Could also be cheaper for CrossFire and a MasterCard than just a R520.....

It really all depends on the final hardware, a single 520 could end up being a better performer than the 20-30% FPS increase to be had from Crossfire, plus it will have SM 3.0 support, though it's not important to you now, it may be in the future. Plus once the kinks get worked out of Crossfire, you can get a master card later for you R520 series.

It's a tough call either way.

R520 in CrossFire is a good idea...never really crossed my mind. However which ever I do...I dont want to upgrade again for around 18 months

 

[Gamingphreek]

Well you need an ATI board to do crossfire so you would need to add that in the cost. Additionally, AFAIK (which isnt much on this topic) the X800Pro isn't going to get a master card. It is the X850 the XL and the R520 parts. I haven't heard anything about the lower cards getting crossfire.

-Kevin

 

[JPB]

Originally posted by: Gamingphreek
Well you need an ATI board to do crossfire so you would need to add that in the cost. Additionally, AFAIK (which isnt much on this topic) the X800Pro isn't going to get a master card. It is the X850 the XL and the R520 parts. I haven't heard anything about the lower cards getting crossfire.

-Kevin

Well, isnt there either X800 Master Cards or the X850 Master Cards that are able to run with current X800? Like a X800 XT Master Card with 16 pipes can be run in CrossFire with a X800 Pro with 12 pipes...But the XT would disable the other 4 pipes so they both run with 12. I know it's something like that...maybe the techies can shed some light on it.

 

[nitromullet]

The X800 Mastercard has the same specs as the single X800 XL IIRC. Why they didn't call it an XL, I'm not sure.

Edit Either of the master cards would have to reduce it's own specs to match up with your Pro. Personally, I would shoot for the newer gen over dual cards. The only reason I would double up on a last gen card would be if I was trying to save money. You've already indicated that you have the budget for a new generation card, so I would go with that. That applies for either ATI or NV.

 

[Wreckage]

Why not just drop a GTX into your current MB? That way you don't have to get 2 new cards and a MB. Not to mention that you can get one now.

I have not heard anything good about the ATI Motherboards and the mastercards will cost more than a standard card. It may be another month or more before either are available.

But of the 2 choices a single R520 sounds better

 

[AmdInside]

You are missing the option "Purchase a Geforce 7800GTX" which is what I did

 

[johnnqq]

ati "claimed" that the master cards are only a few bucks more... we can only hope.

 

[Munky]

There's no reason to use 2 old cards when a new single card will perform just as good or better. SLI/Crossfire only makes sense if you want the ultimate high-res gaming rig and buy 2 new cards right away. For example, you buy 2 r520's or 2 7800's. As an upgrade path, what's so "future-proof" about having 2 products that are already last-gen parts? Even if you had a SLI mobo and a single 6800gt, I'd still rather sell the 6800 and buy the 7800 than bying another 6800 for SLI. And considering that for crossfire you'll need a new mobo, running dual old cards makes even less sense.

 

[Duvie]

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=2477&p=9

I guess this shows the crossfire platform is pretty comparable to SLI...I uess if you are going to play hi res 4xAA 16xAF or something with newest games even the 850XT can do ver well.....

I think you should wait to hear more about the 1800XT first and whether Nvidias claim of 2 non equal cards can work in SLI and what would be the implications to performance....

 

[Turtle 1]

Keep your present card its a good one. Wait for R600 it will be here sooner than you think. Crossfire right now is NOT a smart buy in this generation. Limited res.
Go for the R600 just a little patients that will pay off big if you look at the big picture. I am not saying that R520 R580 won't be nice cards its just that they are DX9.L cards . Wait for the WGF2.0= DX10. Now if you feel you have to upgrade now. Keep what you have and get the crossfire solution for that card. BUT REMEMBER THIS ! When and if you up grade to Vista the X800 cards are NOT compatiable.

 

[Gamingphreek]

Originally posted by: Turtle 1
Keep your present card its a good one. Wait for R600 it will be here sooner than you think. Crossfire right now is NOT a smart buy in this generation. Limited res.
Go for the R600 just a little patients that will pay off big if you look at the big picture. I am not saying that R520 R580 won't be nice cards its just that they are DX9.L cards . Wait for the WGF2.0= DX10. Now if you feel you have to upgrade now. Keep what you have and get the crossfire solution for that card. BUT REMEMBER THIS ! When and if you up grade to Vista the X800 cards are NOT compatiable.

Ok, so why wouldn't he go with a comparable Nvidia product. He wouldn't have to upgrade his motherboard, and it is available right now. It would be stupid to wait for R600 G80 if you are looking to upgrade right now. THese cards just came out, it is going to be at least another 9 months until we can think about new cards.

 

[Turtle 1]

He wasn't asking about a comparable nvidia card. And if he did I would say keep the 6800's skip the G70 DX9L just as I said for the R520 R580 line

 

[ddogg]

Originally posted by: Turtle 1
Keep your present card its a good one. Wait for R600 it will be here sooner than you think. Crossfire right now is NOT a smart buy in this generation. Limited res.
Go for the R600 just a little patients that will pay off big if you look at the big picture. I am not saying that R520 R580 won't be nice cards its just that they are DX9.L cards . Wait for the WGF2.0= DX10. Now if you feel you have to upgrade now. Keep what you have and get the crossfire solution for that card. BUT REMEMBER THIS ! When and if you up grade to Vista the X800 cards are NOT compatiable.

dude...Vista is not going to be only compatible with R600 and G80 cards, that would simply be crazy on Microsoft's part!!!

 

[Turtle 1]

Nvidia PR has stated that with the release of the R580 the G80 is sitting ready waiting to be released. So your 9 month theory goes right out the window.



http://www.techspot.com/news/18126-nvidia-g80-uses-unified-shader-approach.html

 

[Turtle 1]

Originally posted by: ddogg

Originally posted by: Turtle 1
Keep your present card its a good one. Wait for R600 it will be here sooner than you think. Crossfire right now is NOT a smart buy in this generation. Limited res.
Go for the R600 just a little patients that will pay off big if you look at the big picture. I am not saying that R520 R580 won't be nice cards its just that they are DX9.L cards . Wait for the WGF2.0= DX10. Now if you feel you have to upgrade now. Keep what you have and get the crossfire solution for that card. BUT REMEMBER THIS ! When and if you up grade to Vista the X800 cards are NOT compatiable.

dude...Vista is not going to be only compatible with R600 and G80 cards, that would simply be crazy on Microsoft's part!!!

Your correct the R520 R580 and G70 will work with Vista they are DX9L cards but will not work at 100%

 

[JPB]

So you all think the X800 Pro I have now will run games OK until R600?

 

[Turtle 1]

It really should handle everthing until than . This would be your smartist move. I really don't think you will have to wait that long . Besides you already have a nice card.

 

[Gamingphreek]

Originally posted by: Turtle 1
He wasn't asking about a comparable nvidia card. And if he did I would say keep the 6800's skip the G70 DX9L just as I said for the R520 R580 line

What is this DX9L crap you are spitting out. There is the latest DX, which is DX9.0C. After that you turn to either DX10 or WGF1.0 which hasn't been released yet.

Additionally, any card that fully supports DX9 will run windows Vista in all of its glory. I dont know where you are hearing that you need DX10/WGF1.0 to run it like that. DX8(.1) cards will be able to run it with limited enhancements. Anything lower than that (ie: Without Pixel Shaders) will only be able to run the slimmed down, no themed version (which is what a lot will probably end up doing anyway).

As for that Article, they have just released the G70. ATI hasn't even released its contender yet. You are looking at 9months more until the cards will be released. He said the design is ready and waiting. Shoot i can design (not really) a graphics card, but that does not mean that it has been taped out, debugged etc... The design might be sound but the graphics processor itself is no where near ready for consumers.

So you all think the X800 Pro I have now will run games OK until R600?

Depends. You shouldn't have too much of a problem in the near future running at 10x7 with almost max on everything however, you lack SM3 and 32bit FP buffers. In addition to that, a year down the road (or around 9 months) games wont be running so well. Take FEAR for instance (BF2 is another example). The games only get more strenuous as you go. I would wait for R520 release and then decide between that and a 7800GT(X). I myself wait about 2 cycles before i consider upgrading. So technically you should be OK with that X800Pro but seeing that you bought that and still aren't running older hardware, you probably upgrade more often than I.

The X800 will last, but certain detail settings will not be available. Additionally, you can probably kiss gaming at 16x12 or higher goodbye soon with that card.

Upgrading now is a good path if you plan on upgrading next generation as well. However, if you plan on skipping a generation toughing it out might be the best idea as rumors are flying about Unified Shaders, 90nm processes, GDDR4, WGF2.0 support. While they are rumors, there is a high probability that they will occur.

Take your pick, which means more, non stop excellent performance ($$ upgrade now and next gen) or periods of lower performance and IQ to save money and save for a next gen component (less $$ save for the next year)

-Kevin

 

[Munky]

Originally posted by: Turtle 1
Nvidia PR has stated that with the release of the R580 the G80 is sitting ready waiting to be released. So your 9 month theory goes right out the window.



http://www.techspot.com/news/18126-nvidia-g80-uses-unified-shader-approach.html

If by waiting you mean a early design sample running in a lab, then I might believe it. But it tomorrow Ati did a surprise-release of a PC version of the r500, Nvidia would have nothing to respond with for another 6 months at least, the g80 is nowhere ready to be released.

 

[Pete]

X800 Crossfire maxes out at 60Hz at 1600x1200. If you like that res and are on a CRT, I'd basically forget it. Plus, R520 will give you "HDR" and SM3 and all that jazz, while probably drawing less power. While it's possible Crossfired X800Ps will be faster than a single X1800XT in some situations, normally those situations would be at high res--and if you're using a CRT, Crossfire is pretty limited in those circumstances.

I kind of doubt nV has SM4 hardware ready to go, just as I doubt R580 is SM4. G80 may well be SM4, but I doubt that's what nV has waiting for R580. nV isn't going to jump two generations in a year, especially when they're comfortably on top.