Mix and match Nvidias and AMDs?

[GodAtum]

I'm in a bit if a dilemma here. I have a nvidia 560ti atm. I would like to get the amd 7950 which is around £230 but I could get the nvidua 680 for £360 and pair it with the 560 I already have? Or can i mix and match? I have Windows 7 64bit.

 

[Martini1991]

You can't mix and match the 560Ti with the GTX680, you could set the 560Ti as a dedicated PhysX card, but that's it.
Can't mix and match the 7970 and 560Ti either, although you can do the PhysX thing unofficially as far as I'm aware.

If you had a Lucid Hydra however (That I haven't heard much about anymore) they'll mix and match.

 

[Kaapstad]

Go for the HD 7950 and run it on its own. Its near enough the same speed as a GTX 680 and a lot cheaper.

 

[Marine-RX179]

What's your CPU btw?

 

[GodAtum]

Its an i7 920. I'm hoping to run eyeinfinity/surround whatever its called! on 3 27" screens. Its a shame I wont be able to make use of the 560

 

[tribz]

You'll be able to mix and match to drive separate screens but not to SLI/CF, Surround or Eyefinity.

 

[arc@css]

Buy the 7950, and either sell the 560ti or keep it as a back up card.

 

[GodAtum]

Can i run 3 eyeinfinity screen with the 7950 and a fourth and 5th screen with the 560?

 

[arc@css]

Can i run 3 eyeinfinity screen with the 7950 and a fourth and 5th screen with the 560?

I don't think so.

 

[Bacon?]

Unlikely, since you would end up having the GPU's trying to worth together when they cant, plus driver issues.

 

[GodAtum]

So I would need to buy 2 7950s, one to fit eyeinfinity and the other for a separate screen?

 

[tribz]

You can use either a single 7950 for eyefinity for 2 in crossfire for extra performance. To add that 4th or 5th screen, you will need to use a separate card again. As its only driving a screen, I'd recommend getting a low powered card for that purpose.

So your choice would be 1 x 7950 + another card or 2 x 7950 + another card.

 

[GodAtum]

You can use either a single 7950 for eyefinity for 2 in crossfire for extra performance. To add that 4th or 5th screen, you will need to use a separate card again. As its only driving a screen, I'd recommend getting a low powered card for that purpose.

So your choice would be 1 x 7950 + another card or 2 x 7950 + another card.

Thanks. Would the other card you mention have to be an AMD?

 

[tribz]

It can be either really, I use an NVidia card for my second screen alongside my 7970.

 

[GodAtum]

Ah thats good news as some members were not sure it could be done.

 

[tribz]

I only went for it over AMD as it was the cheapest card I could get with a passive heatsink. Its been installed for about a year now with no problems, latest NVidia and AMD drivers installed with no conflicts.

If thats the path you'd take, I'd recommend getting Eyefinity / Crossfire stable and working before adding another card so if there are problems it'll be easier to identify the cause.