To Crossfire or not to Crossfire

[Modular]

My system is as follows:

Antec Earthwatts 500W
Biostar GA790GX 128M
Phenom II 920 X4 @ 3.2Ghz
4GB RAM
MSI 4850 512mb version: Currently at 775 core and 2200 memory (with a core voltage bump and an Accellero S1 + 120mm fan)

I'm wondering if it makes sense to go crossfire? I game at 1680x1050 and while I don't notice a terrible amount of decreased performance, I know that there's something to be gained by adding another card. A 4850 can be had for around $80. Is that worth it, or should I just think about upgrading to a faster single card solution?

 

[lavaheadache]

i would do it, maybe try to find a used 4850x2.

 

[nitromullet]

If you can find another 4850 for $80 I'd say it's worth it.

 

[crisium]

Yeah, 2x 4850s will give you close to 5850 performance. Except when 512MB isn't enough, then you'll be way behind. But only in certain games at 1650 is 512MB not enough, usually GTA IV at high draw distances or Far Cry 2 with 8xAA. For $80 that's a good decision.

4850 512MB Crossfire vs 5850 1GB:

http://tinyurl.com/yz6b6jy

Far Cry 2 (1680x1050, 4AA, 8AF, Very High Quality) it's faster. Though you might not see quite as good Crossfire scaling as their Test system which is probably i7, it's a good indication that x-fire is a good idea.

 

[aclim]

no, sell the 4850 and get a 5850. Single card ftw

 

[crisium]

Right... Sell the 4850 for $80 and then you can get the 5850 for $220. Or get almost the same performance for $80. =\

A single 5850 is undoubtedly the better choice if money wasn't an issue, but it is. Let's think about the better deal. $140 difference is significant and should not be taken lightly. That money can go a long way.

 

[Gikaseixas]

def get another 4850 for $80, it's cheap and xfire (or SLI) doesn't suck like the old days.

DX 11 is not a factor yet IMO so go for it

 

[Hey Zeus]

Agreed. Go Xfire

 

[dguy6789]

A second 4850 would be fine, just don't pay too much for one. It will just increase your fps and give you more headroom for when you run increasingly demanding games. The 512MB ram won't be an issue if you remain at 1680x1050.

 

[Modular]

Awesome. Thanks guys! I'm scouring the FS forums for a 4850.

 

[Tempered81]

i would do it, maybe try to find a used 4850x2.

+1, go for the 4850 Tri fire.


CROOOOSSSSFFIIIRREEEEEE

 

[Modular]

+1, go for the 4850 Tri fire.


CROOOOSSSSFFIIIRREEEEEE

Ha, that would be cool, but I don't think my cooling/PSU would be able to handle it.

My father in law is willing to part with his 4850 for $70. I'm pumped.

 

[SZLiao214]

+1, go for the 4850 Tri fire.


CROOOOSSSSFFIIIRREEEEEE

When writte in all caps it amakes me think of that toy i would see on commercials where you shot little metal balls at these spinning things.

If you don't care about the dx11 stuff, or if you think you can sell the 2 4850's later easily, then def go for it

Where are the 4850's going for 80? A friend is looking for a graphics card and that card seemed to hover around the 100-110 area.

 

[happy medium]

Awesome. Thanks guys! I'm scouring the FS forums for a 4850.

With total output of 34 amps on the 12v rail and a ovcerclocked quad core ,I'd be carefull with overclocked crossfired 4850's with core voltage bumps.

I'm really surprized no one brought this up?