My first time with two...

[NutterzUK]

Graphics cards, sorry.

Ok, i'm looking for a quick how-to if possible. I'm currently running a Sapphire 4870 1gb, with the correct drivers and catalyst control center.

Tomorrow, I receive my two 6850 cards. I've never used crossfire, and... also a worry I have is drivers.

I hear about a lot of issues, which all sound relatively avoidable, so.. I hear there is a "correct" way to remove the drivers and CCC. I'd like to totally remove absolutely every shred of everything ( will windows start reinstalling straight away? ), then turn my PC off.. set up cross fire, and start again.

Please, if you have any tips... know anything about setting up crossfire or any tips on removing the drivers please let me know.
I really don't want to mess this up and have BSODs and such for no good reason!

Thanks!

 

[kylew]

You'll be best installing the drivers over the top of the existing ones, as in don't un-install the existing ones.

 

[Quixote]

To re-iterate, there is no need to attempt to 'remove every shred of everything' - That approach is far more likely to cause problems than solve them.

General best practice is :
- Uninstall nothing
- Download latest drivers for new card from AMD site
- Shut down
- Put in new card
- Install latest drivers form AMD site
- Reboot whether promted to or not

Very occasionally the GFX drivers can get messed up. Then, and only then, should you consider using driver cleaners / sweepers.

 

[Duff-Man]

To re-iterate, there is no need to attempt to 'remove every shred of everything' - That approach is far more likely to cause problems than solve them.

General best practice is :
- Uninstall nothing
- Download latest drivers for new card from AMD site
- Shut down
- Put in new card
- Install latest drivers form AMD site
- Reboot whether promted to or not

Very occasionally the GFX drivers can get messed up. Then, and only then, should you consider using driver cleaners / sweepers.

^^^ What he said

I doubt you will have any problems with the dual-GPU setup. GPU drivers are very well accustomed to seeing multiple GPUs these days. You might come across various performance / stuttering type issues in games from time to time, but I doubt you will have any problem getting it up and running - especially since you're staying with the same manufacturer (AMD).

 

[Invertigo]

To re-iterate, there is no need to attempt to 'remove every shred of everything' - That approach is far more likely to cause problems than solve them.

General best practice is :
- Uninstall nothing
- Download latest drivers for new card from AMD site
- Shut down
- Put in new card
- Install latest drivers form AMD site
- Reboot whether promted to or not

Very occasionally the GFX drivers can get messed up. Then, and only then, should you consider using driver cleaners / sweepers.

This.

I only installed SLI 470's today. When installing, my pc re-installed the gpu drivers then asked for a restart. Restarted, instantly got a prompt from nvidia CP that my system was SLI ready, clicked yes and I was ready to go!

 

[Klo]

To re-iterate, there is no need to attempt to 'remove every shred of everything' - That approach is far more likely to cause problems than solve them.

General best practice is :
- Uninstall nothing
- Download latest drivers for new card from AMD site
- Shut down
- Put in new card
- Install latest drivers form AMD site
- Reboot whether promted to or not

Very occasionally the GFX drivers can get messed up. Then, and only then, should you consider using driver cleaners / sweepers.

+3 or whatever.

 

[pingu666]

i hardly ever wipe everything aswell, mostly cos im lazy

 

[NutterzUK]

Brilliant, thanks! It was just the odd thing I heard which made me think to ask. Thanks for your advice!
I'll look at the new CCC and drivers now. Cheers!

 

[NutterzUK]

Ok, i've downloaded the latest ( the preview one ) version of CCC. I believe that includes drivers,.. so...
I'll turn it off,
put in the cards
turn it on, wait for it to recognise + finish installing.
Restart.

Excellent . Thanks!

 

[Triggaaar]

So you install the drivers after putting the card in, not before. Thanks

 

[4T5]

Don't worry about the horror storys you've read people only post to moan never to praise.
Pull your old card out.
Sling the new ones in.
Hook the bridges up.
Fire PC up.
Instal drivers.
Go to xfire page & check that the box is ticked.
Enjoy Uber eye candy & play with your Woody.