I recently upgraded my 5850 crossfire setup to a single 5970, there's almost no real world improvements as 5970 has lower clockrates. 5850 crossfire OC should be almost as good as a 6990 stock as long as you aren't hitting the 1GB memory bottleneck.
The ongoing price for a used 5850 should be...
Sorry, somehow I was NOT able to edit the title, but thanks to whoever fixed it!
5850 + 5870 is not the best Crossfire setup, Getting 2x 5850 might be a better option.
However, I have tried to "Tri-Fire" this 5870 with my 5970... It rocks the benchmarks but way too overkill.
I'm sticking with...
updated in new FS thread:
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1647559
http://www.oszone.net/user_img/090925124618/xfx_5870_box_card_normal.jpg
Stock picture above.
I have 1x XFX 5850 for $139
1x XFX 5870 for $189obo
Both in perfect working condition, comes with original Box +...
ONE Sapphire 5850 as pictured below, ATI reference design.
Plays all current games at max fps as long as you have a good CPU.
$125(low price) shipping is $5 in the US.
Comes with PCIe power cable + crossfire adapter + VGA adapter
Thanks for looking :)
large pic...