Crossfire or no Crossfire

[maxim7716]

Hello,
I am currently building a new computer and was wondering if i should either get two ATI Radeon HD 5770 or an ATI Radeon HD 6950 with an build in graphic card at ATI Radeon HD 4290

 

[buzznut]

I'd say go fpr the HD 6950, 2 GB. Its a very powerful card and runs about $250 after rebates. This will save the hassles/driver issues of a crossfire setup. The average computer user won't see a lot of benefit from a multi-card setup.

Not sure what you're after with the onboard graphics, there's really no need to pay for onboard video when you are certain to be using an add in card. It will not benefit you in any way, unless your goal is to retire it in a couple of years as an HTPC!

So I would look at a 870 chipset motherboard if that is what you're asking about. They run under $100 US and can even handle crossfire at 8X/8X speed.

 

[jyjjy]

Yeah, the HD6950 would be the better choice. Leave crossfire as an upgrade path.

 

[maxim7716]

so if i just want to use it for gaming then should i still use the one card set up? I currently don't have an monitor at the moment so what I want to do is use my 46' TV as an monitor.

 

[jyjjy]

If your TV is 1080p then the HD6950 should do very well at that resolution. If it is 720p then the card is overkill and you should look at something cheaper.

 

[jyjjy]

Not sure what you're after with the onboard graphics, there's really no need to pay for onboard video when you are certain to be using an add in card. It will not benefit you in any way, unless your goal is to retire it in a couple of years as an HTPC!

There really isn't much of a difference(if any) pricewise in terms of AMD boards with/without an IGP. It is useful to have as a backup imo.

 

[maxim7716]

yeah it's 1080p. thanks jw could anyone suggest one good HD 6950 board?

 

[jyjjy]

Well, the reference model HD6950 can usually be flashed into an HD6970 so go for one of those if you are interested in that. Here is an article on the subject;
http://www.techpowerup.com/articles/overclocking/vidcard/159
If not then get one with nice cooling. The MSI Twin Frozr/Hawk cards are very nice as is the Asus DirectCU II.

 

[maxim7716]

k thks