Crossfire Intel or AMD?

[boonkiat]

Hi tech guys...

This is what I have at the moment:
- Intel Pentium D 930 3.0GHz Processor
- ASUS P5LD2 (Just sold yesterday)
- ASUS 512MB EAX1600PRO/TD
- 1GB DDR2 533MHz Memory

I just sold my ASUS P5LD2 yesterday and I was planning to try out Crossfire. But I got to choose between ASUS P5WD2-E Premium or ASUS A8R32-MVP Deluxe. I am planning to purchase another ASUS 512MB EAX1600PRO/TD for Crossfire. The problem between these to motherboard, ASUS P5WD2-E Premium is running Crossfire at 8x while ASUS A8R32-MVP is running Crossfire at 16x. Now I have an Intel Pentium D 930 3.0GHz Processor 800FSB in my hand.

I would like your fellow comment on:
1. Should I move over to AMD or continue with Intel?
2. Is there a recommendation on AMD processor which cost similar to my budget for Intel currently?
3. Does my existing EAX1600 matter with crossfire 8x or 16x?
4. Which is better?
- Intel Pentium D 930 3.0GHz 800MHz
----- or -----
- AMD Athlon 64 3500+ (2.0GHz / 512KB) Processor 2000 MT/s
----- or -----
- AMD Athlod 64 3700+ (2.2GHz / 1MB) Processor 2000 MT/s


Thanks. I'll be looking forward for your advices.

 

[redraider_gamer]

At this point, you've sold the MB, you might as well get the new conroe (should be available in the next 45 days). I've been an AMD/Nvidia guy for years, but the new X6800 has my blood pumping and the XBX was the only board anyone actually had. The E6600 is pretty competatively priced. ASUS MB's will be out soon (and actually available I hear). Otherwise the Intel D975XBX rocks so far but was very pricey. As fro SLI or Crossfire, unless you have a 23" montitor or something, what's the point. Get the X1800 or X1900 and you will rock until direct x10 arrives.

I'm a BF2 addict and I have everything set as high as it will go and I have to wait for the others to spawn! No lag - no drag. The X1900XTX is fast and I can't imagine any improvement a second would bring. Sure beats my old AMD 3200+ Barton.

My rig:
X6800 Conroe std clock
Intel D975XBXLRK
2 GB Corsair Pro PC6400 4-4-4-12
ATI X1900XTX
74GB 10k Raptor
Soundblaster Audigy 2 SZ
Ultra X-Finity 600W

 

[clue69less]

Hi tech guys...

This is what I have at the moment:
- Intel Pentium D 930 3.0GHz Processor
- ASUS P5LD2 (Just sold yesterday)
- ASUS 512MB EAX1600PRO/TD
- 1GB DDR2 533MHz Memory

I just sold my ASUS P5LD2 yesterday and I was planning to try out Crossfire. But I got to choose between ASUS P5WD2-E Premium or ASUS A8R32-MVP Deluxe. I am planning to purchase another ASUS 512MB EAX1600PRO/TD for Crossfire. The problem between these to motherboard, ASUS P5WD2-E Premium is running Crossfire at 8x while ASUS A8R32-MVP is running Crossfire at 16x. Now I have an Intel Pentium D 930 3.0GHz Processor 800FSB in my hand.

I would like your fellow comment on:
1. Should I move over to AMD or continue with Intel?
2. Is there a recommendation on AMD processor which cost similar to my budget for Intel currently?
3. Does my existing EAX1600 matter with crossfire 8x or 16x?
4. Which is better?
- Intel Pentium D 930 3.0GHz 800MHz
----- or -----
- AMD Athlon 64 3500+ (2.0GHz / 512KB) Processor 2000 MT/s
----- or -----
- AMD Athlod 64 3700+ (2.2GHz / 1MB) Processor 2000 MT/s


Thanks. I'll be looking forward for your advices.

You've opened a total can'o'worms! You could build yourself a S939 or AM2 rig and I'm confident that you'd get great performance. But why not just snag a Conroe within your budget?

 

[clue69less]

The X1900XTX is fast and I can't imagine any improvement a second would bring.

If you run a 1200x1600 or larger monitor, the XFire will make a difference. Maybe it won't seem like much but I can see it in my rig and for sure you can measure it in benchmarks. Look on Toms, Anandtech, etc. and the numbers speak for themselves. But a single XTX is a great option, I agree with that. Easy OCing into the stratosphere and the toe warmer comes along for free (except you have to pay the electricity billz).