Dual 5770 or single 6870?

Question

Looking to purchase a new gaming PC and considering a Crossfire setup.  I have a 5770 card from my current system so I wanted some input on which way to go for my video configuration.   A second 5770 would run about $95 at the configuration site I'm using while a single 6870 would go for about $165.  If I didn't have the existing 5770 I would just go for the single 6870 but since I do,  I'm looking for input from the community.

C-Man · Accepted Answer

*** Update ***
Prices seem to favor the 6870, too.. On Newegg currently, the HIS 6870 costs you $163 up front (including shipping) down to $153 after rebate, while the Sapphire is $150 after rebate.  I don't like the reviews on Powercolor's 6870, seems like they have a quality control issue with that $150 card.

Unless you're getting a used 5770 cheap, I just don't see it being worth the price.

******

I'd go with a single 6870 (or better yet, wait for the next 7xxx series card)

Although dual 5770's perform on par with a Radeon HD 6950 in some games, there are drawbacks.

First off, dual-card configurations (both CF and SLI) are subject to micro-stuttering, which you  completely avoid with a better single card.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-geforce-stutter-crossfire,2995.html

A fair number of people are encountering issues with CF in BF3, and with much higher-end cards than the 5770.
http://www.overclock.net/t/1152730/battlefield-3-crossfire-issues-complete-list-of-known-fixs-here-12-1-a-and-11-12-cap-2-inside

Note what this reviewer at Tom's Hardware had to say about configuring CF for testing:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/battlefield-3-graphics-performance,3063-11.html

WoW is one of those games that really didn't care for Crossfire (although it didn't need to, given the low requirements).  In some benchmark tests, Crossfire combos actually scored lower than single cards of the same design (which seems crazy, but true).  I think later versions of the catalyst software eliminated the performance loss, but didn't cause Crossfire to actually IMPROVE performance.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ATI/Radeon_HD_6850_CrossFire/18.html
http://www.mmo-champion.com/threads/917652-WoW-doesn-t-support-Crossfire-or-SLI

Plus, the single 6870 leaves your second slot free for a future CF upgrade.  And in general, CF scaling is better with later-generation cards than earlier ones. Maybe sell the 5770 to offset the cost somewhat?

Jak · Answer

Wait till AMD releases all 7xxx series (7970 & 7950 are released). Majority will say a single card is always better. Two 5770 crossfire will get you a single 5870 or 6870 performance. Also there is a crossfirex option like 6770 x 5770. The choice is entirely up to you.

figueras · Answer

How plenty are you keen to spend? it extremely is a few $a hundred card, and you're no longer likely to hit upon one which is any further proper at that value. in case you flow as much as in line with threat $a hundred and forty or $a hundred and fifty you need to get a ATI Radeon 6790, that's slightly extra proper, or in basic terms in basic terms below $2 hundred the ATI Radeon 6850 is a lot extra proper. despite if it relies upon on what you are going to be doing. The 5770 that it comes with could have the potential to play all video games and medium settings, and maximum something a pair years previous at optimal settings. That card could meet maximum laptop person and informal gamer's desires.

? · Answer

the xfire will give you a slight bit better performance, maybe not to noticeable...
depends on the game

my xfire ran very well

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Dual 5770 or single 6870?

4 Answers