GPU Upgrade Conundrum

Forum Homebuilt Systems : General Homebuilt - GPU Upgrade Conundrum

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I'm a background reader, but I could definitely use some help!

Current Rig

CPU is sporting OCZ Vendetta 2 Triple Heatpipe.

All packed into a Antec Three Hundred Mini Tower Gaming Case.

ATI is what I'm familiar with, but NIVIDIA is fine aswell ;)

What I've been thinking is acquiring a second 4870 and run the two via crossfire. This presents its own issue as my current motherboard only has a single PCI Express 2.0 x16 (I was not thinking ahead :??:), not to mention the fact that my beloved X-FI Titanium FATAL1TY would likely be in the way.

So my real issue is choosing between a new GPU to replace my current 4870 allowing me to keep my motherboard, or purchasing another 4870 as well as a new motherboard. Either choice would present itself with a component wasting away in a box until needed.

To summarize, my quesiton is what would be the more logical choice in the sense of price and power. A second 4870 and new motherboard, or a level of GPU all together?

Note: I am a Canadian resident so please no links to american sites :D
Preferred Sites: Direct Canada, New Egg or NCIX

Much appreciated,

-Instance

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I would get a new mobo and and a 2nd 4870, unless you really need Dx11

you would get better FPS on most games with the xfired 4870s then a single HD 5850 in most games - crysis whare a single HD 5850 vs xfired 4870s will be on par with each other.

Just make sure you PSU is up to par for 2 GPUs and i would also think about OCing that E8400

Savings Total Price



XFX HD-487A-ZWFC Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
Item #: N82E16814150436
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy
-$5.00 Instant $160.49
$155.49 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6814150436



GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813128358
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$169.99 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6813128358
Subtotal: $325.48

Some GPU game test http://www.anandtech.com/video/sho [...] i=3650&p=1


Message edited by niklas_13 on 11-09-2009 at 02:22:41 AM
------------------------------ P55-UD4P / i5 750 @ 3.6 180X20 / GSkill 1600 @ 1420 7-7-7-22 / WD Black 640 / HD 5850 / Corsair 750 / Win 7
Reply to niklas_13

Excellent!

This is indeed what I was personally leaning towards.

My e8400 is currently sitting at a comfortable 3.6, which I've read shouldn't have any obvious bottlenecking with dual 4870s. I still have much room (temp wise) to OC further.

I very much appreciate your help Niklas, especially the links.

Cheers,

-Instance

Reply to Instance

I have to disagree. If you must upgrade your graphics card right now, go for one of the new offerings from ATI. You're not going to see a great increase in performance though unless you drop around $380.

You're working with a dead CPU socket, so upgrading your motherboard would be a waste of money unless you're going for a full system upgrade.

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