Optimal Video Card & CPU Mix

[BudgetMax]

Hi. I'm planning to upgrade my video card to CrossFire and would like to ask for some advice as to what pair of ATI cards would maximize my system. I've come across several sites that say using a pair of 4870 X2 cards is overkill, making the CPUs the bottleneck.

I've got an E8400, MSI X48C Platinum motherboard, 2x1GB DDR3 RAM modules, and an XFX 7600GT (the GPU clock is 580MHz based on GPU-Z). I use this PC for both gaming and rendering videos regularly.

I'm planning to upgrade to a Q9650 and to 8GB of RAM when prices go down, hopefully by the end of the year. I'd love a QX9770, but that's just too much money.

I would like to get a pair of video cards that would match the new system, without the CPU being the bottleneck.

Finally, I'm not too happy with the CrossFire drivers so I'd like to cover all my bases by making sure that if I disable CrossFire for a game, the single running ATI card will be better than my current XFX 7600GT.

I checked out the Graphics Card Hierarchy Chart at Tom's Hardware but did not find the XFX 7600GT listed. Since this thing is overclocked, I don't know where this fits in.

Any help would be appreciated.

[DMB2000uk]

Your current card in ATI terms is probably about the same performance as an ATI X1900 card. Lower if anything.

So even a single 4800 series card will be worlds above what you are currently used to.

Judging on the rest of the PC you want to build, two 4870 1GB cards should be good for you.

What resolution will you be gaming at?

Dan

[smack323]

I think one 4870x2 would suit you just fine, even if you do plan on gaming at high resolution.

[geokilla]

You might not want to plan so far ahead. For one, those Q9650 might be phased out, or become more expensive since Core i5 is just around the corner.

If you get a new GPU now, get a 9800GTX+ or ATI 4850. If you got the money, consider the GTX260 or ATI 4870. What resolution you game on should also decide which GPU you get.

[XstollieX]

That 4850 x2 is looking pretty sexy for the price. Seems to be giving the pricier cards a hell of a run for the money

[vicaphit]

http://forums.legitreviews.com/about20128.html

Amazon has the 4750x2 for $249.99 after MIR.

[BudgetMax]

Thanks very much for all your replies!

RESOLUTION:

As for resolution, I'd like to run it at 1600x1200 as that's the maximum my CRT monitor can do now. Not sure if the new LCDs can do more than that. But if they do, I would certainly like that option.

Currently, I'm running Far Cry 2 on 1024x768 with most of the settings on "High." Once in a while I notice that certain parts are choppy, but it's still bearable.



CPU:

Ouch! Had I known that Intel would be coming out with the Core i5 soon, I would've delayed purchasing this system.

Unfortunately, I'm now committed to this setup for the next 2 years or so.

The reason I plan to get the Q9650 is that I read somewhere that it has will be discontinued early this year so Intel can focus on the i7. Being the case, I'd like to get the best, reasonably priced system, for the "old" technology from Intel.

This should help keep my system relevant for the next few years.

Incidentally, I plan to overclock the Q9650 to as high as it can go.



VIDEO CARD:

Well for the video card, I'll make that the last priority for now. I'm making the CPU my first priority as that'll be discontinued already.

Price is definitely a concern, as the 4870 seems to be more expensive than a CPU here. But like I said, as a last priority in the time scale, I expect prices to be a bit more reasonable.

Since I'll make the video the last priority, one of my friends suggested that I wait for DirectX 11 cards instead.




In the end, I need to save up for it all. It'll be better if I have a target budget so I can make adjustments.

Thanks again everyone for your help again!