Should I buy the ATI 5850 or 2x 4850s in Crossfire mode?

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lsquare

Senior member
Jan 30, 2009
747
1
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I'm looking to get a new videocard in the next couple of days. I basically need a videocard to power a display with a resolution of 1920x1200. The 5850 seems like an obvious choice at this point in time, but it's currently over $300. A quick search on Google shows that I can get 2x1GB 4850s for about $260 before tax.

I don't really care all that much for DX11. Eyefinity may come in handy when I get my 3rd LCD. I don't want to buy something for the sake of futureproofing my system since I pretty much upgrade my computer on an annual basis. I'm creating this thread because I'm trying to figure out which option gives me the best bang for the buck. I'm trying to make a rational decision here.

So what should I do?
 
S

Seero

Golden Member
Nov 4, 2009
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lsquare said:
I'm looking to get a new videocard in the next couple of days. I basically need a videocard to power a display with a resolution of 1920x1200. The 5850 seems like an obvious choice at this point in time, but it's currently over $300. A quick search on Google shows that I can get 2x1GB 4850s for about $260 before tax.

I don't really care all that much for DX11. Eyefinity may come in handy when I get my 3rd LCD. I don't want to buy something for the sake of futureproofing my system since I pretty much upgrade my computer on an annual basis. I'm creating this thread because I'm trying to figure out which option gives me the best bang for the buck. I'm trying to make a rational decision here.

So what should I do?
Click to expand...
5850. 2x card = 2xpower consumption + 2x fan noise + problem from crossfire.
 
V

v8envy

Platinum Member
Sep 7, 2002
2,720
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Power usage, heat, noise are other considerations. The supply of 58x0 is improving, so if you can hang out a bit longer you may be able to find some closer to their original MSRP ($259).

Resale on the 5850 should be higher than 2x4850s a year from now as well. Not to mention multi-GPU issues and performance in games not properly profiled for crossfire.
 
B

bunnyfubbles

Lifer
Sep 3, 2001
12,248
3
0
4800s don't have great idle power consumption as-is, having two vs. one 5850 is what makes this a lock for me.

Pros of 5850 vs. CF 4850:
1. better performance overall
2. better IQ (better AF, SSAA)
3. no multi GPU woes
4. less power consumption
5. less heat/noise
6. while DX11 might not matter to you now, it will be an option. (AVP is right around the corner ;))
7. Eyefinity

Cons:
greater upfront cost
 
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