2 x 4870 or 4870x2?

[Eye seven]

As the title really. What would be better. Two 4870s or a 4870x2? Would there be any huge advantages to doing it one way or the other? Or disadvantages?

 

[Alexdaredevilz]

i would also like to know, as 2x 4870 is slighty cheaper

 

[Angst]

with 4870 x2 it takes up less room and less cables

 

[mjones1]

Basicly what phill0i said plus it should take up less power

 

[sorn21]

Pros HD4870X2
Leave room for upgrades,
Less power
Quicker (marginaly)

Cons HD4870X2
Expensive
Doesn't fill the case
Or look as good
Hot!

Pros Dual 4870
Cheaper,
Can be used singly in future builds
Looks better
Better stock coolers

Cons Dual 4870
Takes up more room
and more power

 

[Ben M]

[

Cons HD4870X2
Expensive
Doesn't fill the case
Or look as good
Hot!

I think having two 4870s sandwiched together will be just as/ hotter than an X2.

Also with getting two 4870s (assuming you're using a c2d) you have to get an X48/X38 mobo for 16x 16x crossfire, and P45s clock the cpu better.

 

[CaptainRAVE]

I think having two 4870s sandwiched together will be just as/ hotter than an X2.QUOTE]

Totally agree and probably noisier. Also, the 4870X2 will outperform them 9 times out of 10. Plus the 4870x2 leaves room to add another ...although by7 that time I personally will be moving onto the next gen.

 

[sorn21]

you have to get an X48/X38 mobo for 16x 16x crossfire, and P45s clock the cpu better.

thats true
haven't really noticed any noise increase myself but that could be due to the monumental ammount of fans already present!

 

[Eye seven]

So can both options run 3 monitors ok? Can each solution give you the option to configure what monitor displays what? Is fan noise on single 4870s really that noticable in otherwise quiet systems?

 

[blade786]

I have been thinking about this same issue for a while now, and I am leaning towards the 2 4870's rather than just one 4870X2.

I am looking at the 1GB Toxic 4870 edition, and since they run cool and very quiet compared to a loud and hot stock 4870X2, I think Crossfire will do me better.

 

[Kennysevenfold]

with 4870 x2 it takes up less room and less cables

with the option to upgrade later on

 

[Alexdaredevilz]

just another thought, the cost would be nearly the same if were to buy 2 water blocks for the 2x 4870

 

[Schnippzle]

Pros HD4870X2
Leave room for upgrades,
Less power
Quicker (marginaly)

Cons HD4870X2
Expensive
Doesn't fill the case
Or look as good
Hot!

Pros Dual 4870
Cheaper,
Can be used singly in future builds
Looks better
Better stock coolers

Cons Dual 4870
Takes up more room
and more power

You can also have 4 monitors with 2 x 4870 if you choose to not run them in crossfire

 

[Eye seven]

You can also have 4 monitors with 2 x 4870 if you choose to not run them in crossfire

Now that to me is appealing - well 3 monitors anyway. Cheers for that info.