Crossfire Newbie - R9 280 to crossfire with Sapphire 7950 OC

mikeym · 11 Jun 2014 at 20:23

Hello All

I think I've nearly come to a decision and am reasonably decided that I will give crossfire a go for the first time!

My spec is in my signature and I'm looking to get a R9 280 (don't think there's much point spending extra to get a R9 280X). :cool:

Considering the extra heat, it looks like it would be a wise decision to get one that exhausts heat out of the case but all the R9 280s available on OCUK don't seem to do that, or am I interpreting the coolers incorrectly?! :confused:

I would like to check reviews but they seem to be few and far between... :eek:

I think I need to dump some of my superfluous HDDs to free up power connection to the PSU. Is there anything else I need to think about before taking the plunge? :confused:

Thanks in advance!

LtMatt · 11 Jun 2014 at 20:25

You look good to go. You can crossfire a 7950 with a 280X. Just make sure you have a decent space between the cards and good case airflow. OcuK don't sell any exhaust 280X's.

mikeym · 11 Jun 2014 at 20:55

LtMatt said:
You look good to go. You can crossfire a 7950 with a 280X. Just make sure you have a decent space between the cards and good case airflow. OcuK don't sell any exhaust 280X's.

Thanks. Any exhaust 280s? Theres no point spending extra on a 280X is there?

Here's a pic of the MB - should be fine shouldn't it?

LtMatt · 11 Jun 2014 at 20:58

mikeym said:
Thanks. Any exhaust 280s? Theres no point spending extra on a 280X is there?

Here's a pic of the MB - should be fine shouldn't it?

The only exhaust (280X/280/7970/7950) card you'll find Brotein Shake is a HIS 7950 Ice-Q Boost. (or non boost)

All the other cards will dump heat in the case. Good luck finding a HIS 7950. Auction site might be your best bet.

mikeym · 11 Jun 2014 at 21:42

Brotein Shake?! :eek:

LtMatt · 11 Jun 2014 at 21:44

mikeym said:
Brotein Shake?!

It was a toss up between that, Brosef Stalin and Broseidon.

mikeym · 11 Jun 2014 at 21:49

I get you now Hulk Brogan!

LtMatt · 11 Jun 2014 at 21:53

mikeym said:
I get you now Hulk Brogan!

Thank you Bromosapien. :cool:

mikeym · 11 Jun 2014 at 22:23

After searching through some related threads I see mention of potential bios flashing. Is this something I would need to look into? My 7950 is non-boost version and will be going with R9 280. If I use any OC'ing software, it will be MSI Afterburner...

Thanks again!

mikeym · 12 Jun 2014 at 14:16

mikeym said:
After searching through some related threads I see mention of potential bios flashing. Is this something I would need to look into? My 7950 is non-boost version and will be going with R9 280. If I use any OC'ing software, it will be MSI Afterburner...

Thanks again!

Bump.

Worst case I guess is seeing if it works and if not researching how to flash bios...

LtMatt · 12 Jun 2014 at 14:45

mikeym said:
After searching through some related threads I see mention of potential bios flashing. Is this something I would need to look into? My 7950 is non-boost version and will be going with R9 280. If I use any OC'ing software, it will be MSI Afterburner...

Thanks again!

If you have the non boost version i think you'll be ok. If not i can always alter a bios for you.

mikeym · 13 Jun 2014 at 19:21

LtMatt said:
If you have the non boost version i think you'll be ok. If not i can always alter a bios for you.

Thanks for that - will let you know how I get on

LtMatt · 13 Jun 2014 at 19:21

mikeym said:
Thanks for that - will let you know how I get on

I'm here if you need me. (no homo)

P4Clock · 13 Jun 2014 at 19:45

LtMatt said:
I'm here if you need me. (no homo)

post jack, SORRY.

having problems over clocking my 280X DUAL-X OC. is my problem because there poor clockers or is the boost making problems. if its boost is there a bios that will remove the boost?

LtMatt · 13 Jun 2014 at 19:56

P4Clock said:
post jack, SORRY.

having problems over clocking my 280X DUAL-X OC. is my problem because there poor clockers or is the boost making problems. if its boost is there a bios that will remove the boost?

Are you increasing voltage? I doubt the bios has anything to do with it.

P4Clock · 13 Jun 2014 at 20:09

LtMatt said:
Are you increasing voltage? I doubt the bios has anything to do with it.

unable to change it in catalyst centre? i put power limit to 20%.
what is best program to change voltage

mikeym · 14 Jun 2014 at 07:22

MSI Afterburner?

P4Clock · 14 Jun 2014 at 22:26

mikeym said:
MSI Afterburner?

When i use that program my pc BSOD no matter what the OC

P4Clock · 17 Jun 2014 at 18:41

LtMatt said:
Are you increasing voltage? I doubt the bios has anything to do with it.

I cant adjust the volts. bios switch in 1 or 2(legacy and UEFI), using after burner and CCC the voltages are locked.

mikeym · 18 Jun 2014 at 19:31

Mmmmm, some tempting deals now at OCUK for a R9 280. Was thinking I was going to have to go elsewhere for the best deal.

Are the other brands worth the premium over a VTX3D @ £150?