Looking for some suggestions on CF

S

simpo

New Member
I just got done my first successful build, I am already looking at ways to improve preformance. I am currently running the HD5870 card by itself. I was wondering what you guys would think is a good card to CF with the HD5870?

I have everything I would need to do CF, I built the computer with the intention of doing it rather soon after the build was complete. However, is doing CF as easy as inserting the second GPU in a PCI slot and letting her rip?

Rather new to the CF idea, could use some advice and suggestions of my 2nd GPU.

Thanks in advance!
 
I know that when I was buying my second card I called ASUS and asked them about this. At the tiem I had a Diamond 5870. They told me to buy the same maker card even though it was a reference card since I would want the same bios. I hear you can change the bios in a card. I returned my Diamond for 2 ASUS.

If a manufacturer is willing to loose a sale over this I would listen.
 
you can crossfire any card with the same first two digits, which means you are limited to either a 5850 or a 5870 (note there is a motherboard out there that has the ability to run nvidia and ati at the same time without any "assembly" required). i would either go with another 5870 or sell yours and get the new 6 displayport eyefinity hd 5970. the reason i recommend this is because if you ever wanted to do a 4+ eyefinity setup, you wouldn't not be able to do it with the crossfired hd 5870s (as far as i know there won't ever be drivers that support it but don't quote me there). either setup should give you a great rig. it is basically as easy as putting in the card and "letting 'er rip." i am pretty sure you have to enable crossfire in ccc but again, don't quote me there. the only other physical thing you need to do inside the case is put the bridge on.

for brands, i would go with xfx primarily because i have the hd 5770 xfx card and think it is great. with a minor voltage overclock i get 1000 on the core and 1400 on the memory with no artifacts. plus you have a double lifetime warranty which is a plus if you ever want to sell it.
 
I heard there is some sort of split in power right? Is there a card that works as the primary? If so, I should swap my current card for whichever one I buy next and make my current card the secondary GPU? I thought I read you won't get 100% out of both cards at the same time I think I was told.. could be wrong though.

Probably doesn't make any sense..
 
joh06937 said:
huh, i stand corrected. you can't do it with other numbers (mixing) though right?

edit: oh, isn't the hd 5970 just 2 hd 5870s?
Click to expand...

Yes the 5970 is two 5870 which are set up with lower clocks to run. What are do you mean by your first question? Those are the only cards i've mentioned above that can be CF with 5870. The only card i'm not sure is the 5830. But i think you should be able to CF with this one too but not 100% sure.
 
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