Crossfire a 7950 or buy a single R9 280X?

[alexsubri]

I plan on upgrading my rig vigorously this time around come 2014. The question I am scratching my own head is, should I Crossfire my 7950 because the prices will probably drop then (very slightly, if not the same). Or do you think I should get the R9 28X, the results were pretty decent compared to a GTX 770.


So, whats your thoughts guys?

 

[EarthDog]

I think you should have started this thread in a year when you are actually upgrading. Who the hell knows what will be out then... or did I misunderstand?

 

[alexsubri]

I plan on upgrading in February, which is only like 19 weeks away. I like to plan things ahead so this way when I want to upgrade, I don't have to wait till the last minute. But anyways, I hear the RX 290s will feautre "Mantle" which is a low-level graphics API for GCN and Frostbyte Engine optimizes itself better for this than it does with other cards. But then again, mantle will be part of a software which begs the question, will it run on the 7xxx cards...

 

[brandonwh64]

a 280x is a 7970 and 7970 is a GCN card so it will be able to do mantle. I would just aim for 290X

 

[alexsubri]

a 280x is a 7970 and 7970 is a GCN card so it will be able to do mantle. I would just aim for 290X

But, in terms of prices, I could get a good used 7950 for about $230, which is $70 cheaper for one card (which is newer), or crossfire the 7950 with the new R9 280x...life is full of tough decisions...smh

 

[EarthDog]

I plan on upgrading in February, which is only like 19 weeks away. I like to plan things ahead so this way when I want to upgrade, I don't have to wait till the last minute. But anyways, I hear the RX 290s will feautre "Mantle" which is a low-level graphics API for GCN and Frostbyte Engine optimizes itself better for this than it does with other cards. But then again, mantle will be part of a software which begs the question, will it run on the 7xxx cards...

http://images.anandtech.com/doci/7400/FBMantle_575px.jpg

Fine in february.

That is when Nvidia will supposedly have their cards out. The landscape will change Sooooooooooooooooooooooooo much form now until then this thread is premature at best, man as far as what cards will be out and at what price. Seriously... I would start this up a week or two before you are ready to buy as that will give you the best picture of the landscape when you are ready to make your purchase. Otherwise, you will rehash the issue then with new pricing and new cards in the picture over four months from now.

 

[alexsubri]

Hopefully Nvidia will drop their 780s < $400 by then

 

[20mmrain]

I would say unless you plan on buying two R9 280x's then just go with the second HD7950.

The R9 280x is little more powerful than a HD7970 Ghz edition.

Two HD7950's in Xfire will beat a single R9 280x

But like I said if there is a possibility of you getting two R9 280X's then its a no brainier go with them

The only thing that would trump both of these suggestions is if you can Xfire the 280x with the HD7950. I know a HD7970 can Xfire with a 280x but not sure about the 7950.

Good News it appears you can Xfire a HD7950 and R9 280x

 

[DarkOCean]

Wait for the 290 non x should be in the $400ish range.

 

[alexsubri]

Wait for the 290 non x should be in the $400ish range.

I concur my good sir

I was also reading about the 290s , if the price is ~ $400, I would go with the R9 290s