CrossFireX

[Bubblehead]

My new mobo (M3A32-MVP DeLuxe has four (4) PCI Express x 16 slots which supports ATI CrossFireX Express x 16 video cards up to a quad mode configuration. What can you guys tell me about this feature? Presently I have an EVGA GeForce 7950 GT video card however, I'm interested in this concept. I suppose I will need ATI vdeo cards. Which ones? Is it worth the cost? Can I start with two cards and increase to four? Anyone got any experience on the subject?

[Mermaid Man]

Crossfire is only worth it at higher resolutions, and with high levels of AA and AF applied. Talking 1920x1200 or higher. Also required fast CPU. It's very expensive and unless really really into games a bit ott. A 8800GTX or 3870x2 should be more than enough for most people (the 3870x2 is a videocard with two GPU's, internally acting as crossfire)

I have a Crossfire motherboard, bought a 1900XT a while ago but by the time interested in  a second card it's more worthwhile just to selll the single card for a faster single card (in my case 8800GT)

[Bubblehead]

I've decided to get an Diamond ATI Radeon 3870, hopefully better performance than the GeForce 7950GT I have. At a later date I may opt to add a second card but for now I think this will suffice.

[richardd43]

I have the M3A32 with 2 3870s installed. Without crossfire activated it will out perform the 7950. In crossfire they perform as good as a 3870X2 (or darn close anyway)

But, don't buy 2 of the 3870s and expect to go to 4. The 3870 is a dual slot board and 4 of them will not fit. You would be much better buying 1 3870X2 and later buying a second board if you want.

Cost wise there is not much difference in price between 2 3870s and 1 3870X2.

Unless AMD comes out with a faster chip, we are pretty much stuck useing a 6400.

I had a pair of 7950X2s running in SLI in another board and they absolutely do not compare to the 3870s.