Can you xfire a single gpu card with a dual gpu card?

[chedderslam1]

I am trying to decide on a graphics card for my new build. I have narrowed it down to the sapphire 4870 toxic edition, evga 285gtx, and a 4870x2. I'm already spending more than I planned on this build, but I want to be sure that I get enough card for my system. The monitor is a dell 24" ultrasharp, so I need a decent card.

I was reading the card reviews on newegg, and one person mentioned xfiring a 4850 with a 4850x2. Can you do that and get the performance from all three processors? I would guess the system just sees it as a three way xfire? If I can do this, I will probably just go with the 4870 for now, and wait until the 4870x2 drops in price and use that to upgrade, using the two cards together.

I am leaning towards ati right now because the motherboard I am going with supports xfire only. I am considering the 285gtx as a single card solution with the plan of selling it rather than using it when I upgrade down the line.

Which option makes the most sense?

 

[coozie7]

The 4850X2 and 4850 will CF as will other combinations, see here:

http://game.amd.com/us-en/content/images/crossfirex/CF_combo_chart.jpg

But you really will have to make your mind up about the card/MB combination you want to use
The GTX285 is a far faster card than the 4870 but it`s up to you to decide if it`s $120 faster, I`d drop the cash on one (if I had it) and be happy knowing it`ll keep my rig sweet for quite some time.
The least expensive option is a 1Gb 4870 now and CF a second down the line as I suspect prices are only going to fall as time goes by.
A review of the GTX285 with lots of comparasons:

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Leadtek/GeForce_GTX_285/

 

[chedderslam1]

Thanks for the link. The 285 is definately a nice card, but it looks like I will get enough performance for now with the 4870. I mean, the 4870 gets 74 fps in call of duty 4 for my monitors native resolution, which is fine. I like the idea of buying ATI since it is the underdog and it supports competition which is good for the industry.

I'm still debating it, though. I will have to add up all the other items I am buying for my build and see what it adds up to.

Thanks.

 

[Annisman]

Here is a link to some testing I have done, 4870X2 vs. 4870X2+ 48701GB, you can decide whether it is right for you or not. http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/260564-33-4870x2-4870-fire-benchmarks

And here is an article by anandtech examening different 3-way gpu setups, the 4870 is actually a very good X3 option, and when price is compared, it beats out GTX2** series Tri-SLI setups in price/performace category, of course not in raw power. http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3518

For those of you who are lazy : "On the AMD front, 3-way 4870 1GB pairing a 4870 X2 and single 4870 1GB is the way to go if you want 3-way." They go on to say that 3 way SLI is "just too expenisve"

 

[chedderslam1]

Here is a link to some testing I have done, 4870X2 vs. 4870X2+ 48701GB, you can decide whether it is right for you or not. http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/260564-33-4870x2-4870-fire-benchmarks"

Awesome link. Thanks so much. I definitely feel better about my choice now.

 

[Annisman]

Nice, I'm glad you like, are you going to go X3 ?

 

[chedderslam1]

Nice, I'm glad you like, are you going to go X3 ?

Yes, when I buy my new system I will be getting a single 4870 for now. Once the price drops I will get the 4870x2.

Unfortunately I got an unexpected bill today so I will have to wait a little bit.