Best Crossfire x2 on a budget

[RazorsEdge]

So I just bought a Gigabyte 790gx mobo and I have a XFX 9600gt currently. My new mobo supports 8x 8x pci-e 2.0 crossfire and I have been looking at the 48xx series for my next upgrade. I am always on a budget so I would like to use the 9600 as long as possible ( thinking of getting vga cooler and o.c. even more ) but with the prices of these cards and the reviews I am leaning heavy toward ATI. My questions are------ Which is the best X-fire 2 card setup for price/performance, and FUTURE-PROOFING? 4850, 4870, 512mb, 1gb, ? I was leaning towards a 4850 512 x2 setup because I could get both cards for 260 to 300 dollars and looking at the benches that's a heck of a deal. I am used to a Nvidia single gpu solution so I want to do this build right. I still have to upgrade my PSU for the build so I don't mind waiting but I want to obviously get as much use out of the new platform as I can. Thanks for the help.... later.

 

[ShadowFold]

Grab a 4850X2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...rder=BESTMATCH&Description=HD+4850+X2&x=0&y=0
Then later on get a single 4850 for three way CrossfireX
I can tell you right now, since I have a 4850X2, that this card is THE best bang for the buck. Beats a GTX 285 and comes close to the 4870X2 OC'd.

Depending on your res, grab the 2gb if you have 1680x1050 or higher.

 

[Bokteelo]

I'm almost sure the 47xx series will have similar performance to a 4850. Wait and see!

 

[MKmods]

So I just bought a Gigabyte 790gx mobo and I have a XFX 9600gt currently. My new mobo supports 8x 8x pci-e 2.0 crossfire and I have been looking at the 48xx series for my next upgrade. I am always on a budget so I would like to use the 9600 as long as possible ( thinking of getting vga cooler and o.c. even more ) but with the prices of these cards and the reviews I am leaning heavy toward ATI. My questions are------ Which is the best X-fire 2 card setup for price/performance, and FUTURE-PROOFING? 4850, 4870, 512mb, 1gb, ? I was leaning towards a 4850 512 x2 setup because I could get both cards for 260 to 300 dollars and looking at the benches that's a heck of a deal. I am used to a Nvidia single gpu solution so I want to do this build right. I still have to upgrade my PSU for the build so I don't mind waiting but I want to obviously get as much use out of the new platform as I can. Thanks for the help.... later.

thats easy... on a budget a pair of $75 4830s....
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102822

 

[RazorsEdge]

Well I guess I was really wondering how long my 9600gt will hold up since I don't have the 250 plus money for a Psu (Corsair is all I will buy) right now. ...... Will the 4830's outperform the 9600 gt?

 

[MKmods]

2 of them vs 1 9600gt? heck yes

I have used them both and both in pairs are excellent (4830 or 9600GT) With ur monitor just 1 would be fine though. I also have run both the 4830 and 9600GTs (in Crossfire, SLI on a good 400 watt PS so you wont need a monster PS)

 

[ShadowFold]

A single 4830 will outperform a 9600GT so two definitely will.

 

[RazorsEdge]

But is it worth it or should I spend it in 2 4850'2 for the future?
THX>

 

[ShadowFold]

Well you already have a decent card.. Might as well make it last! What games are you having troubles running?

 

[MKmods]

personally if you are using a 17" monitor I wouldnt bother...

 

[RazorsEdge]

Bioshock, for one.and I would like to play crysis warhead. Oh yeah, I my monitor is the next upgrade----prob a 20-24in lcd in my budget. Havn't decided before of after gpu upgrade.........suggestions?

 

[blkhogan]

With a 17" I would stay with what you have or, if you must get something new get the 4830.

edit: get the 4830 now, when you upgrade your monitor get another 4830 for CF

 

[Scrizz]

bang 4 buck definitely 4830s

 

[ShadowFold]

Bioshock, for one.and I would like to play crysis warhead. Oh yeah, I my monitor is the next upgrade----prob a 20-24in lcd in my budget. Havn't decided before of after gpu upgrade.........suggestions?

Get a 1920x1080 screen
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009157
I got the same one, it's amazing! That + a 4850X2 would be your best bet honestly.

 

[RazorsEdge]

I can wait. I don't mind getting technology that's a little "old" for waaaaaaay cheaper and the 4850 512 are getting GREAT reviews for crossfire x2. I just wanted to talk to some "real" ppl for some advice.

 

[blkhogan]

I can wait. I don't mind getting technology that's a little "old" for waaaaaaay cheaper and the 4850 512 are getting GREAT reviews for crossfire x2. I just wanted to talk to some "real" ppl for some advice.

4850 cf is great. If you can wait a few just save up for a new monitor and a couple 4850's.

 

[RazorsEdge]

Thanks for all the really quick advice! I think I will upgrade my mon first then see what is out then for what price. Heck I might get 1gb memory or 4850x2 for super cheap then.

 

[ShadowFold]

I can bet you that when the HD 5000's come out mine will be up for sale if you're willing to wait that long

 

[blkhogan]

I can bet you that when the HD 5000's come out mine will be up for sale if you're willing to wait that long

There will be alot of 4000 series cards up for grabs.

 

[RazorsEdge]

I plan on this build lasting for a while so my next build will be Nvidia 3D Glasses and a 120hz monitor............That's my dream, and yes I can and will wait that long now that I know where a good forum is!

 

[blkhogan]

A whole lot of great stuff comes up for sale here @ TPU.

 

[RazorsEdge]

I can't wait for my new board!......tommorrow! I'm on a sempron right now!

 

[blkhogan]

Im on a Dell Dimension 2400 that I am working on right now. Slower then 2 slugg's f%$king.

 

[RazorsEdge]

I stayed up all night last night learning Crossfire and I feel good about the x2 Crossfire scaling. I don't have a lot of money to spend frivolously but I NEED my game fix!

 

[Drizzt5]

I was in the same boat as you, except I had a defective 8800gt.
Save your money with the 9600gt.... look for good deals on a 24" + monitor.
After your 9600gt gets really sluggish, then look for new card/cards.

If you want crossfire right now, then 4830cf for $75 each. Or even better, go and look for a used 4870 512 or 1gb (around the $125 range would be best, believe me some people sell them that low here). Then you can grab another one down the line if you want.


Another option would be to find an SLI mobo and get another 9600gt for cheap. They scale amazing in SLI.