Linking two graphics cards?

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william13917

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Jan 7, 2017
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So I do not know much about computers but I have managed to build my own thanks to a friend. It runs great but I'm always looking to improve. Here are my specs:
Operating System:
Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit

CPU:
Intel Core i7 6700K @ 4.00GHz

RAM:
16.0GB Single-Channel Unknown @ 1066MHz (14-14-14-35)

Motherboard:
Gigabyte Technology Co. Ltd. Z170XP-SLI-CF (U3E1)

Graphics:
4096MB ATI AMD Radeon R9 380 Series (Sapphire/PCPartner)

Storage:
223GB TOSHIBA-TR150 (SSD)

931GB Western Digital WDC WD10EZEX-22MFCA0 (SATA)

Optical Drives:
HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GH24NSC0

Audio:
AMD High Definition Audio Device

So, I'm looking to get another one of the graphics cards listed above (AMD radeon r9), and I was wondering if and when I got it, I could somehow link it with my existing one and have them work together. I've heard about like SLI and stuff like that but I don't know much and was wondering how it applied to me. If I can't use SLI is there anything I can use? Or can I just plug it in and it works? Any information would be helpful. Thanks.
 
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EpIckFa1LJoN
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EpIckFa1LJoN

EpIckFa1LJoN

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AMD does not use SLI, as SLI is Nvidia Technology, and in the case of SLI you need two of the exact same card. Fortunately in AMD's Crossfire case, it will work with two of any card, granted they are both AMD and in the same series, though it is always best to go with the same card. (Therefore you can only use cards in the 300 series with your current card)

Your board allows for CF crossfire use as suggested in the model number, so when you are ready to get another card you will be able to.

However, we will need to know what power supply you have as well since it will need much more power to run a second card.

So as soon as we know what PSU you have we will be able to answer if your system is CF-ready.
 
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EpIckFa1LJoN

EpIckFa1LJoN

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850W is fine, but again you need to be specific with brand and series. Some PSU's are cheap and will not supply full power or even blow up your system in certain cases.
 
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william13917

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Jan 7, 2017
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I also would like to know because I have been doing some research, is my current graphics card compatible through CF with this one "XFX Radeon RX 480 8GB XXX"?

 
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william13917

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It's EVGA. That's all I know.
 
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william13917

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I also would like to know because I have been doing some research, is my current graphics card compatible through CF with this one "XFX Radeon RX 480 8GB XXX"?
 
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EpIckFa1LJoN

EpIckFa1LJoN

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No you would not be able to since it is not in the same series 300 vs 400. But the 480 is a very solid card on its own and will offer about 50% more performance by itself. However with Ryzen coming out soon it might be best to wait for what they are bringing to the table.

In my own personal opinion single card GPU config. trumps multi-gpu configs, less hassle less headache, albeit less power in cases where SLI/CF excels.

In the case of your PSU, I would say unless its a Supernova I would be wary of it. Even the supernova's have a few issues here and there, nothing widespread, but always be wary of budget PSUs. That's the one component you NEVER want to skimp on because of the possibility of it going out and taking your whole system with it.
 
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william13917

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Jan 7, 2017
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Ok thank you so much for the help. The only reason I wanted a multi-gpu config is because I wanted to upgrade for kinda cheap but didn't want to just throw away my old GPU because it seemed like a waste. And Nvidia is just too damn expensive. Even if I turn around and sell it. In your opinion what card could I get with my current card that would be compatible and offer the best performance together? Also Ryzen is a CPU isn't it?

 
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EpIckFa1LJoN

EpIckFa1LJoN

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You're totally right I meant VEGA. But to answer the other question, for your current GPU another 380, a 380X, a 390, or 390X would work. And don't take this as fact, but I believe the Fury, Fury X, and Nano are also in the same series, you would have to confirm that yourself though.

But right now the best card you can get in the same series is the RX 480, which is priced about $200, the 1060 3GB is also placed right in that margin, just a bit cheaper I believe and in many cases outperforms the 480. But yes in general Nvidia is pricey but they have a firm grasp on the high-end GPU tier. A 1070 is about the same price as two 480s but well outperforms CF 480s in a vast majority of cases, especially where CF support is not existent.

But I don't blame you for choosing AMD they make great stuff too and for a reasonable price, im just a high-end tier kinda guy lol.

But I would still wait for VEGA it will probably blow the 480 and 380 away, still for a great price, and it's just around the corner last I checked it was not official, but its close!

Anyways best of luck!
 
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