First Time AMD Crossfire Setup Questions

Hi

1. Dual card configurations must be done using two identical cards. If this is not the case, then both cards will be running at the performance levels of the weakest card (i.e. your strongest card will basically downgrade)

2. Well a x16 card on a x8 pcie slot THEORETICALLY means that the card won't be able to reach its maximum potential. On the other hand, after research you will find out that the performanc is almost negligible (about 1% from Pci-e 3.0 x16 to Pci-e 3.0 x8)

http://tpucdn.com/reviews/Intel/Ivy_Bridge_PCI-Express_Scaling/images/perfrel_1920.gif

3. Well microstuttering exists whether we like it or not and can be really frustrating IF you give extreme attention to fps. So if you are not to horrified with the fact of not having a constant 30 or 50 fps, then it will not be an issue.

4. Microstuttering cannot be solved at the moment, even though ATI and Nvidia claim to have made huge steps towards eliminating it. Nvidia's G-SYNC is one of the latest technologies but STILL won't manage to fully eliminate the problem. As to a double bridge, I honestly haven't heard of it.

5. Yes you can run multi monitor setups using different outputs from all the graphics cards in the Crossfire X configuration.

6. Well depending on what resolution you are gaming and obviously what games do you play, you should only then consider a dual card configuration. Sometimes it is not as cool as it sounds, and there are even times where a stronger single card will give you extremely high end gaming.

Finally, for gaming monitors check for high contrast ratio screens, (million:1), probably 2ms of response time (though this value won't affect gaming at all), 50-60Hz refresh rate and obviously LED with thin design so you can have a "clearer" screen area. You could also consider the value of screen luminosity which typically lies between 250-300 cd/m2. This indicates how well you can view the monitor in brighter lighting conditions. The higher the value the brighter the screen will be and the easier it will be to see in bright light conditions. Be careful though since as the above values go up, the price goes up as well!

Hope all of the above help!