Crossfire Checklist.

[jesus2nd]

Now then,

I recently upgraded to a 2560x1440 monitor (on of those that we're not allowed to talk about on here) and I fancy upping the spec on my pc a bit whilst I'm there.

My current specs are:

• Intel Core i5-3570K 3.40GHz (clocked to 4.0 GHz under pressure)
• Gigabyte Z77-D3H Intel Z77
• Gigabyte 7950
• XFX Pro 550W Core Edition
• 8gb Ram

And I'm thinking of going crossfire with another 7950 and I have a few questions regarding this.

Obviously, the first thing I'll be after will be another 7950, is it going to be easier if I go for another Gigabyte one? I've been happy with my current one, wasn't too sure if having another brand in there might mess things up.

Powersupply...I'm aware this is going to need up'ing, what wattage should I be looking at?

Just planning it all out at the minute to work out how much it's going to put me back...that upgrade bug has got me though

Sam

 

[LtMatt]

Now then,

I recently upgraded to a 2560x1440 monitor (on of those that we're not allowed to talk about on here) and I fancy upping the spec on my pc a bit whilst I'm there.

My current specs are:

• Intel Core i5-3570K 3.40GHz (clocked to 4.0 GHz under pressure)
• Gigabyte Z77-D3H Intel Z77
• Gigabyte 7950
• XFX Pro 550W Core Edition
• 8gb Ram

And I'm thinking of going crossfire with another 7950 and I have a few questions regarding this.

Obviously, the first thing I'll be after will be another 7950, is it going to be easier if I go for another Gigabyte one? I've been happy with my current one, wasn't too sure if having another brand in there might mess things up.

Powersupply...I'm aware this is going to need up'ing, what wattage should I be looking at?

Just planning it all out at the minute to work out how much it's going to put me back...that upgrade bug has got me though

Sam

Two identical cards will look better together, however you need to remember that adding a second card will increase case temps. If you have two cards dumping all their heat into the case you will need to make sure you have some side fans to exhaust the heat. If you get a blower type cooler like the HIS Ice-Q then this won't be such an issue as most of the heat will be blown out the rear.

650W minimum, 750W or higher recommended.

 

[jesus2nd]

Two identical cards will look better together, however you need to remember that adding a second card will increase case temps. If you have two cards dumping all their heat into the case you will need to make sure you have some side fans to exhaust the heat. If you get a blower type cooler like the HIS Ice-Q then this won't be such an issue as most of the heat will be blown out the rear.

650W minimum, 750W or higher recommended.

Cheers bud, the increase in temperature didn't really cross my mind, I am a bit of a neat freak so I'd rather have two of the identical cards but knowing that I'm OK to mix them up allows me a bit more flexability with my budget.

Any suggestions on side fans? My case is MASSIVE so space isn't really an issue.

 

[LtMatt]

Cheers bud, the increase in temperature didn't really cross my mind, I am a bit of a neat freak so I'd rather have two of the identical cards but knowing that I'm OK to mix them up allows me a bit more flexability with my budget.

Any suggestions on side fans? My case is MASSIVE so space isn't really an issue.

Four 120mm fans or one 200mm fan. Go for something quiet but that has a high CFM rating. I use 4x120 Bitfenix Spectre Pro fans for my crossfire setup.

 

[jesus2nd]

Thanks man.

 

[LtMatt]

Thanks man.

Nay bother.