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2 x 5770 or 1 x 5850?

PapaLazaru

PapaLazaru

PapaLazaru

Soldato
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I already have one HIS 5770, but am mulling over getting some new bits. If I do, I will likely replace everything and flog my current setup (listed in my sig).

I like the look of the 5850 for the price, but am wondering if I just got another 5770 and cross-fired them what out of the two options would give me the best graphics?

Also, have there been any reported problems cross-firing 5770's? I am not very technical with computers, so ease and simplicity is another issue.

Cheers. :)
 
In games that see a benefit from crossfire (most these days) then the crossfire 5770's will be faster than the 5850.

Not run into any problems myself.
 
I would say x2 5770 would be better because of double the cores etc... But I heard that you dont get exactly double the power when you do a SLI/Crossfire setup a bit more like 60% more power. Also there are some cons with Crossfire, Heat and energy consumption.

So if your worried about energy and heat consumption I would go for a single Sapphire Toxic 5850 or if you have the extra cash I would go for a Sapphire Vapor X 5870 :)
 
From having read around, cross-firing can be hit and miss at times but I've not done it myself so I can't comment from experience.

Also, from having read these forums, it seems a pair of 5770's will outperform a 5850, nearly to performance of a 5870, but I would imagine that's dependent on a lot of factors including stuff like the motherboard used and the speed of the PCI-E slots the cards are in...don't quote me, but it's something to think about.
 
Cheers for the heads up. Basically my thoughts are getting an oc'd bundle like this - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=BU-008-OB. This should be ok to crossfire?

Just another note, I assume that if one is going to crossfire, ideally you should use another card from the same manufacturer?

I suppose my other worry is selling my current rig but with no graphics card which might be problem to a buyer.
 
with the new 40nm tech the idea of sli/cf is much more attractive due to lower power requirements/heat/noise compared to before. I was never much of a big fan of the idea but having seen the power requirements of something like 5770 in crossfire it seems like a good idea if you need that boost in the future if running at a higher resolution. Seeing as I have an nforce mobo though I would prefer to see what nvidia can bring, ideally a card like 5770 with a bit more performance power priced just a little higher. I still prefer one card solutions really though - wish I had got a single slot P43/45.

try search for some comparisons/tests.
 
Yes that motherboard will be fine for crossifring.

You could always sell the parts seperately...
 
Single card solutions are always better, however the 5770 in crossfire is very good and can work out as a great upgrade for your money.
 
Having owned 2x5770's, then selling them due to numerous minor issues in a lot of games and buying a single 5870 I would say go for the single card all day long.
 
Crossfire is more fun to play with, but if a single card offers similar performance for the same price it will be the best option.
 
555BUK said:
Crossfire is more fun to play with, but if a single card offers similar performance for the same price it will be the best option.
Click to expand...

Thats the problem though, the 5850\5870 are going back up in price so that Ati can slot in the ridiculous 5830 (still think no one will by it ) and that makes 5770CF the cheaper and better option and bang for buck in my opinion.:)
 
I'm tempted to do the same as the OP, but wonder if there is a way to disable one of the cards without having to take it out completely.

I only want to use the Xfire when gaming, so if just browsing the web or leaving my machine on for downloads I want to turn one of them off to save on power.

Is that possible?
 
I seem to remember ati are going to add something to the catalysts that turns the secondary card off when not in use, not sure when its going to be added though.
 
JeffyB said:
I seem to remember ati are going to add something to the catalysts that turns the secondary card off when not in use, not sure when its going to be added though.
Click to expand...

It's been in the drivers since 10.1's i think, my first card is at 157 core and 300 memory, second card is at 000 core and 000 memory, :)
 
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