Correct Video Card Config + PSU

Hi,

I've just finished writing up my new computer's specs, and have found that the video card is a sticky spot. I'm limited to a budget, so I can't afford any HD 4870 X2 cards (sadly), and my motherboard is CrossFire, not SLI, so I'm not looking at nVidia (plus ATi is much cheaper anyway). I work with a 1440 x 900 resolution and will not be getting a bigger screen.

I'm looking at buying one or two HD 4890(s) or two HD 4870s or two HD 4850s. I'll be using these cards for:

- DirectX 10.1 gaming
- Game Modding/Hobbyist Development
- Programming

The games I play are:

- Crysis
- Call of Duty 4-6
- Dead Space
- Fallout 3
- Unreal Tournament

I plan on running these games at maximum graphics (i.e. Crysis at Very High).

Once I have this down pat, I'll also need to work out what power supply to use. I assume that two 4890s will need an 850+W PSU, and a single card would require a 650+W PSU, but I might be wrong. As for the other two configurations, I'm completely clueless.

Edit: Would I get my money's worth from CrossFire? A friend told me that very few games use SLI/CrossFire, and those that do are not cross-platform (which would rule out CoD, DS and F3).

Any ideas?

Cheers,

rider_eragon

Save your money. A single HD4870 will kick ass at that resolution.