Does a Crossfire Configuration need a specialized motherboard?

[democracyking]

Will a crossfire configuration need a special motherboard? I understand in order to SLI your nVidia cards you need an SLI capable motherboard. From my understanding the reason is because the two card's images are joined on a special chip on the motherboard then put back out. With the way crossfire works, that chip is on the "Crossfire" card itself. Does this mean that any motherboard with dual PCIe 16x slots will work or will I need a "Crossfire" version of a chipset?


The reason I ask is because I want to upgrade to an X800 XL but do not want to have to buy another motherboard in the future if I decide to crossfire it. If I will need a specific motherboard for crossfire then I will more than likely go with the more expensive 6800GT.

 

[McArra]

Yes it needs the Xpress 200 chipset ( I believe that's how it was called). From what I know there's none available.

 

[Keysplayr]

As it stands right now, you need to purchase a mobo that utilizes the ATI Xpress 200 chipset for crossfire to function. And, you also NEED to purchase a Master Card from ATI for crossfire to work. You cant just go out and buy another X800XL or X800XT and expect Crossfire to work. It has to be ONE master card and ONE regular card.

 

[democracyking]

Bah, that's what I feared. I read the article here on anandtech and the fact that splicing process was done on-card seemed to make me think that perhaps you didn't need specific chipset. Any word on whether or not you would be able to use the Crossfire on an SLI motherboard?

 

[Intelia]

I really stay on top of ATI stuff. Even though its said to need express200 chipset. I think it well work with others . Crossfire system needs 3 things according to ATI
1) Crossfire mother card
2) X800 card
3)Cross fire express chipset.( I believe there is only 1 reason for the chipset board. TO sell chipsets.) It seems to me everthing is on the Crossfire mother card so All that should be needed is 2 PCI-E 16x or 8X slots well soon find out .(maybe a license)