Dilemma. Wait for 3850X2 or...

[batmang]

get a second 3870 to pair with my existing 3870. I was planning to get the MSI 3870 for $179 at the Egg but now I'm interested in the 3850X2. Is it really a down clocked 3870X2? If so, that is awesome potential at a great price. Speaking of price, how much will the 3850X2 512MB and 1GB versions cost? Would I be better off waiting, or satisfy my 3870 CrossFire craving now? HALP!

 

[Extelleron]

It would probably be easier just to pick up a second 3870 than worrying about selling your card and getting the HD 3850 X2.

I don't know yet whether 3850 X2 will come with 512MB or 1GB of memory, probably both will be available. A 512MB 3850 X2 would definitely be worse than CF 3870's, and even a 1GB 3850 X2 would be slower if you didn't overclock it.

I'd just go with a second card if you want a Crossfire setup.

 

[batmang]

Originally posted by: Extelleron
It would probably be easier just to pick up a second 3870 than worrying about selling your card and getting the HD 3850 X2.

I don't know yet whether 3850 X2 will come with 512MB or 1GB of memory, probably both will be available. A 512MB 3850 X2 would definitely be worse than CF 3870's, and even a 1GB 3850 X2 would be slower if you didn't overclock it.

I'd just go with a second card if you want a Crossfire setup.

I was planning on paring my 3870 with the 3850X2 if they are coming out soon. I've been delaying the purchase of the second 3870 to see if something special was going to be released from ATi. But, I will probly just go with the second 3870. BTW, are their any recent 3870 CrossFire reviews besides the one at TechSpot? I wouldn't mind seeing some 3870 CrossFire reviews with the catalyst 8.3 drivers compared to comparible SLi setups with the latest NVidia drivers.

 

[v8envy]

Do you really need the graphics upgrade now? I mean, you just built that rig a month ago!

Rumors of the new R700 are getting pretty thick, it could be with us shortly (by June, with some luck). That may make the 3870x2 a bit cheaper. That plus your current 3870 should be the way to fly.

Fight that upgrade itch! You can do it! Give ATI time to match NV's pricing for comparable products and that second 3870 shouldn't be $180 by the time you can't stand it any more.

 

[batmang]

Originally posted by: v8envy
Do you really need the graphics upgrade now? I mean, you just built that rig a month ago!

Rumors of the new R700 are getting pretty thick, it could be with us shortly (by June, with some luck). That may make the 3870x2 a bit cheaper. That plus your current 3870 should be the way to fly.

Fight that upgrade itch! You can do it! Give ATI time to match NV's pricing for comparable products and that second 3870 shouldn't be $180 by the time you can't stand it any more.

It's been 2 1/2 months! And the itch is becoming unbearable!
I initially was going to go with two 3870's but decided to see how the machine worked out.
Well, its working out great, and from the first week I still wanted the second 3870 mainly because of CoD4 and Crysis. Well, 2 1/2 months later I feel the same way, I want that second card! I know waiting is always a good alternative. The RV700 series cards will definitely be worth waiting for but I only want to spend a max of $250-$275 on another video card. How much with the 4850 and 4870 cost BTW?

 

[Extelleron]

Originally posted by: batmang

Originally posted by: Extelleron
It would probably be easier just to pick up a second 3870 than worrying about selling your card and getting the HD 3850 X2.

I don't know yet whether 3850 X2 will come with 512MB or 1GB of memory, probably both will be available. A 512MB 3850 X2 would definitely be worse than CF 3870's, and even a 1GB 3850 X2 would be slower if you didn't overclock it.

I'd just go with a second card if you want a Crossfire setup.

I was planning on paring my 3870 with the 3850X2 if they are coming out soon. I've been delaying the purchase of the second 3870 to see if something special was going to be released from ATi. But, I will probly just go with the second 3870. BTW, are their any recent 3870 CrossFire reviews besides the one at TechSpot? I wouldn't mind seeing some 3870 CrossFire reviews with the catalyst 8.3 drivers compared to comparible SLi setups with the latest NVidia drivers.

I wouldn't recommend a Tri-Crossfire setup. Scaling is just not that great beyond 2 cards in Crossfire X. Games where the power is really needed, like Crysis, don't see any benefit at all. And with the cost of a Tri-Crossfire setup, you could buy a 9800GX2 and get better performance most of the time.

As v8envy said, it may be a good idea to consider waiting to upgrade. Not sure what resolution you play at, buy a single 3870 is good enough for just about anything but Crysis, and 3870 CF isn't enough anyway. R700 isn't too far away and it may be a better idea to wait.

 

[batmang]

Well, I couldn't take it. I ordered the second 3870. Went with MSI's. $159 after rebate. CrossFire, my new love.

 

[sgrinavi]

I have a pair on my quad system... 17145 3d06marks...

 

[batmang]

Word.