Crossfire

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WeApOn

New Member
I know it means that you are using two graphics cards, but how exactly is this done?

From what I've heard, Crossfire will combine the rendering power of both GFX cards. Does that mean an application needs to specifically support Crossfire? It would seem to me that Crossfire could be used for connecting additional monitors, but I don't see how they can be used together for more processing power. I would only assume that each card would render what is on the monitor that is connected to it, unless something is configured within the motherboard to use each card for one monitor, but I don't understand how that would be done.
 
WeApOn said:
I know it means that you are using two graphics cards, but how exactly is this done?

From what I've heard, Crossfire will combine the rendering power of both GFX cards. Does that mean an application needs to specifically support Crossfire? It would seem to me that Crossfire could be used for connecting additional monitors, but I don't see how they can be used together for more processing power. I would only assume that each card would render what is on the monitor that is connected to it, unless something is configured within the motherboard to use each card for one monitor, but I don't understand how that would be done.
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There are 2 types of crosfire, one where they work together, one where they are independant.

If they are independant you don't gain performance, but you can have more monitors. They are unlinked, that is how you are understanding it now I think

If they are working together it is similar to a multi-core processor, only it is like one powerful processor, rather than 2 multitasking. It doesn't actually make the system twice as powerful though even though there are 2 cards providing the same performance

To do it you need a motherboard that supports crossfire, 2 cards of the same chip (for example 2 x HD4850's, 2 x 5970's) and a crossfire bridge (if they are working together). You put the cards in their own PCIe slot, put the bridge between them and then set it up on your system for if you want them working in crossfire or as 2 seperate cards.

Programs will utilise it if they are programmed to. More and more games and programs are coming out with the support, but it still isn't too "widespread"
 
Thank you very much for the info. What exactly is a crossfire bridge? Is that a piece of hardware? Do I need that if I want each card to perform separately?

The motherboard I purchased downgrades the second PCIe slot to 4x, so I don't think it would be a good idea to use them together, but I can't see 4x affecting much if I use it separately.

Lastly, if they are in use independently, do the programs utilizing the cards know which one to use based on which monitor I am choosing the application to be rendered on?

Thanks again!
 
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