4870x2 crossfire vs 285 sli?

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Nexion<ChesteR>

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With prices being so extremely close between the 2, trying to find benchmarks to show if this is worth it. I've been unable to find anything (maybe i fail at google), do any of you have links or input? 1gb vs 2gb 285 is negligible, so looking at the 1gb card for cost reasons.

SAPPHIRE 100251SR Radeon HD 4870 X2 2GB 512-bit DDR5 = $369 after rebate

EVGA 01G-P3-1180-AR GeForce GTX 285 1GB 512-bit DDR3 = $319 after rebate

Looking at running a 920 i7 setup on 16x10 res, also looking to get a 19x10 res TV in the near future.
 
Honestly I would buy a cheap card right now and wait. G300 and ati r870 is just around the corner for the winter release of windows 7. Although if you can afford it and have a mobo that supports sli gtx285 2x is a better choice (and sli works better then crossfire at times).
 
4870x2 will only outshine on resolutions higher then what you listed, so the 285 is the better choice. I agree with unrealsword though.

If you need to have the best of the best then .. 2x GTX 295 in SLI > 2x 4870x2 in Crossfire > 2x GTX 285 in SLI. This is only true though for very high resolutions. At the resolutions you listed there will be practically no difference.
 
generally speaking, fewer gpus will return fewer headaches. if you have to bite now, two 285's.
 
^This^ Coming from experience, you're just throwing your money away on 2x 4870 X2 or 2x GTX 285 if you're playing at anything under 2560x1600. Upgrade your monitor first -- even at 1920x1080 you'll be fine with a single 4870 x2 or GTX 285.

If the price difference is negligable, definitely go for the 4870 X2 over the GTX 285.
 
I'm confused: in the topic he says hd4870x2 and gtx285 sli implying two gtx285 cards. But is he saying signle gtx285 vs hd4870x2? If that then hd4870x2 wins hands down. Also if you get the hd4870x2 buy the accelero cooler right away for quietness and overclocking.
 
risqu3 said:
a single 4870/gtx260 is enough for that res.
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i completely agree with this statement.. there at 16x10 or even 19x12 a gtx 260 216 core or 4870/4890 is all you need.. only reason to go with the gtx 285 or 4870x2 would be if you were sporting a 30" display at 25x16.. its not worth wasting money on something that would never even get full usage.. and even if some how a game came out that pushed one of those cards to its limit.. you just end up spending another 150-200 dollars buying another card.. problem solved.. instead of shelling out cash you dont need to shell out..
 
Spending money on a 24" with 19x12 or 19x10 isn't worth it, it's added 2 inches with increased res (would prefer a larger increase in res, just an increase in res). I currently have a 22" Asus monitor i picked up a few months ago for $160, upgrading to the 24 would be about $60 more. Then I wouldn't know what to do with the current monitor; 2 different resolution displays would bug the hell out of me. I would only foresee upgrading if i could get a larger res on a smaller screen, or to buy a large LCD TV.

Also, CPU is going to be a 920 i7, mobo a eVGA X58 3XSLI. I'd like to be able to play everything available on max settings. I will want to overclock.
 
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See the HardOCP review of GTX 295 QuadSLI vs 4870X2 CrossfireX (that's two GTX 295 in SLI versus two 4870X2 in Crossfire).

The conclusion was that in only ONE game (Crysis Warhead) did adding another GTX 295 show any significant increase. Some games (including GTA IV) even disable a second GTX 295 or 4870X2 because they perform worse with both cards on. Yes, this is at 2560x1600 with extremely high settings. GTX 285 in SLI would be the better choice.

But at 1920x1200, GTX 285 in SLI is way overkill, to say nothing of 1680x1050. A single GTX 275 or ATi 4890 is fine for 1920x1200 gaming.
 
Nexion<ChesteR> said:
Spending money on a 24" with 19x12 or 19x10 isn't worth it, it's added 2 inches with increased res (would prefer a larger increase in res, just an increase in res). I currently have a 22" Asus monitor i picked up a few months ago for $160, upgrading to the 24 would be about $60 more. Then I wouldn't know what to do with the current monitor; 2 different resolution displays would bug the hell out of me. I would only foresee upgrading if i could get a larger res on a smaller screen, or to buy a large LCD TV.

Also, CPU is going to be a 920 i7, mobo a eVGA X58 3XSLI. I'd like to be able to play everything available on max settings. I will want to overclock.
Click to expand...

i use 3 24's and a 19 4:3.. only took me about 2 weeks to get use to it.. id go nuts if i didnt have my 4 monitors.. or if i decided to take my 19 out because it was to small..

i just use the 19" for unimportant stuff like mIRC and winamp or encoding app's..
 
Going to a 24in isn't just adding 2in over your current. The resolution increase, is pretty impressive seen with AA turned up.

A large screen LCD TV would be at a lower res and ask less from your system. Just be sure to get one with 1080p.
 
evilsofa said:
See the HardOCP review of GTX 295 QuadSLI vs 4870X2 CrossfireX (that's two GTX 295 in SLI versus two 4870X2 in Crossfire).

The conclusion was that in only ONE game (Crysis Warhead) did adding another GTX 295 show any significant increase. Some games (including GTA IV) even disable a second GTX 295 or 4870X2 because they perform worse with both cards on. Yes, this is at 2560x1600 with extremely high settings. GTX 285 in SLI would be the better choice.

But at 1920x1200, GTX 285 in SLI is way overkill, to say nothing of 1680x1050. A single GTX 275 or ATi 4890 is fine for 1920x1200 gaming.
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So as far as upgradability in the future is also concerned I'm down to the following 3 options. The extra dollars toward a better card to upgrade in the future is worth it to me at this point. After reading all the advice, looking at A, B, or C (single card) solutions.

A. 1gb eVGA 285
B. 2gb eVGA 285
C. 2gb Sapphire 4870x2

Which is best? I'm leaning toward the SLI setup, as I've always gone with ATI and would like a change, i also love eVGA's customer support and motherboard overclocking options. Though I would be fine with an Asus P6T/ATI card setup.
 
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Nexion<ChesteR> said:
So as far as upgradability in the future is also concerned I'm down to the following 3 options. The extra dollars toward a better card to upgrade in the future is worth it to me at this point. After reading all the advice, looking at A, B, or C (single card) solutions.

A. 1gb eVGA 285
B. 2gb eVGA 285
C. 2gb Sapphire 4870x2

Which is best? I'm leaning toward the SLI setup, as I've always gone with ATI and would like a change, i also love eVGA's customer support and motherboard overclocking options. Though I would be fine with an Asus P6T/ATI card setup. Let's have a vote!
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the 2gb GTX285 is not worth it. really with the price performance point right now I would have a 4890 in that list. and the GTX275 for that matter. outside of that it really is going to come down to what you play and your priorities. the 4870X2 will generally be faster and allow higher AA (CFAA just kicks ass) There will always be more consistent performance from a single gpu though.

the GTX285 really isn't worth the premium it cost (it is not 100 dollars better then the GTX275) and the 4870X2 doesn't make much sense if you have a crossfire board either as you can pick a pair of 4870 1gb for around 260 right now.

I would revise the list and go

a} pair of 4890
b} pair of GTX275
c} pair of 4870 1gb
 
Save yourself a ton of money for your next upgrade, and get yourself a single eVGA GTX 275 for $230. If it just isn't enough, get another one.
 
Nexion<ChesteR> said:
Spending money on a 24" with 19x12 or 19x10 isn't worth it,
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Neither is spending the amount of money you're willing to spend on video cards when you can spend about 1/3 (or less) to get the same performance at the resolutions you're going to be running. I just don't get how people do zero reserach prior to buying high dollar items.
 
RamonGTP said:
Neither is spending the amount of money you're willing to spend on video cards when you can spend about 1/3 (or less) to get the same performance at the resolutions you're going to be running. I just don't get how people do zero reserach prior to buying high dollar items.
Click to expand...

I would consider this research.
 
evilsofa said:
But at 1920x1200, GTX 285 in SLI is way overkill, to say nothing of 1680x1050. A single GTX 275 or ATi 4890 is fine for 1920x1200 gaming.
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Why is that??I had a single 280 and although it was powerful,I couldnt run all my games maxed out ie 16xAA,60fps..I love my setup now as it all but guarantees the gameplay and settings I want.
 
I'd start with a GTX 285. Add more as needed.

285's SLI approximately equivalent to (1) 4870x2. As stated SLI > x2 as far as minimum fps and avg fps.
 
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Mega666 said:
I'd start with a GTX 285. Add more as needed.

285's SLI approximately equivalent to (1) 4870x2. As stated SLI > x2 as far as minimum fps and avg fps.
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if this is true, why not just get a 4870x2 for $40 more than ONE 285? I'm confused. Or for that matter, why not run 2 4870x2's in crossfirex over SLI
 
Scaling after two gpus drops off to where most of the time no benefit is seen.
Two X2s would pull quite a bit of power and throw out alot of heat for no gain in most of todays games.
 
Kowan said:
Scaling after two gpus drops off to where most of the time no benefit is seen.
Two X2s would pull quite a bit of power and throw out alot of heat for no gain in most of todays games.
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Where as triple SLI will scale well on an i7.
 
Yes, but my point is diminishing returns. The best scaling is at two gpus. You'll see a drop off of how much a third or fourth is adding.
While idle, multi-gpu setups aren't cheap either.

If heat and power useage is no concern, then go for the gusto.

I run 24/7 F@H. One box has two 280s and the one in my sig is running two 280s and a 285. You don't want to know what my power bill is. ;)
 
Mega666 said:
I'd start with a GTX 285. Add more as needed.
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If you want a pure price to performance, max fps - yes the 4870x2 is a better deal. You should be more concerned with the minimum fps, x2 issues, driver preference, ect. I think the 285(s) are more flexable, scalable, stable and reliable. I also don't care for the AMD video drivers. As far as straight max fps - (1) 4870x2 ~ (2) 285's. There is more to it than that. I can vouch for SLI and triple 280 stability and performance in COD4, WAW, TF2, every game I use. Maybe someone has tried the 4870x2?

Check it. Maybe you will only need one 285 or 4870x2. I needed two 280's.
http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTU0OSw3LCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==
 
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Kowan said:
Yes, but my point is diminishing returns. The best scaling is at two gpus. You'll see a drop off of how much a third or fourth is adding.
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Yes I think we are all understand, the only scenario to have three cards or more is for physics and/or a 30" screen. Just because sli doesn't scale exactly by a factor of two did that stop you? That's also diminishing returns but you felt it was worth it. It's all relative.
 
Exactly. My point is the threads started by those who wrongly assume CF/SLI=200/300/400% over a single gpu.

I researched and knew the pros and cons of a multi-gpu setup. Many do not and are upset when used for low res, or no AA and don't see enough benefit and start a crusade against multi-gpu setups. I'm not saying it's all roses, but there are benefits that can't be achieved running a single.

A fast single gpu is plenty for most users. Some prefer the options a multi setup allows a single gpu can't deliver.

It's always up to the user, but fore warned is fore armed.
 
Kowan said:
Yes, but my point is diminishing returns. The best scaling is at two gpus. You'll see a drop off of how much a third or fourth is adding.
While idle, multi-gpu setups aren't cheap either.

If heat and power useage is no concern, then go for the gusto.

I run 24/7 F@H. One box has two 280s and the one in my sig is running two 280s and a 285. You don't want to know what my power bill is. ;)
Click to expand...

Didn't know you could run 280 and 285's in SLI together. Heat and power are really no concern, I'm going with a good case with plenty of airflow, and I only run my computer when I'm using it.

Mega666 said:
If you want a pure price to performance, max fps - yes the 4870x2 is a better deal. You should be more concerned with the minimum fps, x2 issues, driver preference, ect. I think the 285(s) are more flexable, scalable, stable and reliable. I also don't care for the AMD video drivers. As far as straight max fps - (1) 4870x2 ~ (2) 285's. There is more to it than that. I can vouch for SLI and triple 280 stability and performance in COD4, WAW, TF2, every game I use. Maybe someone has tried the 4870x2?

Check it. Maybe you will only need one 285 or 4870x2. I needed two 280's.
http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTU0OSw3LCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==
Click to expand...

4870X2 does appear to be the best deal right now, but then the question is when are the next gen cards coming out? I'd love to stick with the eVGA 3x SLI board for overclocking/warranty reasons, switching to an ATI card i'd be switching to the Asus P6T Deluxe V2 which still performs well and supports crossfire and SLI. You can kinda see the battle I'm having here.

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/video/display/evga-geforce-gtx285ssc_11.html#sect1
Reading this, even the 285 seems to lose to the 4850x2 in min FPS in most games at my desired resolutions.
 
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Here's the deal:

If money is not a problem: Go buy 2x gtx285's which will allow you to play any/most games FULLY maxed at 1680x1050

If you are looking into a future build that you can upgrade to the 5870 or the gtx380, then grab a 4870/gtx260 and you will be able to max out games on your resolution without AA
 
Nexion<ChesteR> said:
Didn't know you could run 280 and 285's in SLI together. Heat and power are really no concern, I'm going with a good case with plenty of airflow, and I only run my computer when I'm using it.



4870X2 does appear to be the best deal right now, but then the question is when are the next gen cards coming out? I'd love to stick with the eVGA 3x SLI board for overclocking/warranty reasons, switching to an ATI card i'd be switching to the Asus P6T Deluxe V2 which still performs well and supports crossfire and SLI. You can kinda see the battle I'm having here.

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/video/display/evga-geforce-gtx285ssc_11.html#sect1
Reading this, even the 285 seems to lose to the 4850x2 in min FPS in most games at my desired resolutions.
Click to expand...


Why would you need to change mainboards????
The EVGA X58 boards support Crossfire: Direct Link to This FAQ

http://www.evga.com/support/faq/?f=58297
 
risqu3 said:
Here's the deal:

If money is not a problem: Go buy 2x gtx285's which will allow you to play any/most games FULLY maxed at 1680x1050

If you are looking into a future build that you can upgrade to the 5870 or the gtx380, then grab a 4870/gtx260 and you will be able to max out games on your resolution without AA
Click to expand...

Thanks! I think I've decided to build now with a 280 or 285, or wait for the next gen cards (scheduled for late summer/fall from what i can find) with dx11. This way if I'm not ready to drop $400+ for a new card i'll still be satisfied and can wait for the prices to drop. Or have the option to buy another 280/285 for a good price at that time.

Thanks for the help everyone.
 
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At 16x10 a 4870 or better can max out just about any game sans Crysis AND use AA, maybe not 16xAA, but a lesser form won't be a problem.
 
Nexion<ChesteR> said:
Didn't know you could run 280 and 285's in SLI together.
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My 280s have the bridge installed but SLI disabled in Nvidia CP for F@H. The 285 is used for PhysX the rare times I do game.
You can't run a 280 and 285 in SLI.

My Corsair HX1000 wasn't stable folding in my other box trying to run two 280s and the 285, so I had to pull my X-Fi and run the three cards off the SilverStone DA 1200 in my main box.
 
Kowan said:
My 280s have the bridge installed but SLI disabled in Nvidia CP for F@H. The 285 is used for PhysX the rare times I do game.
You can't run a 280 and 285 in SLI.

My Corsair HX1000 wasn't stable folding in my other box trying to run two 280s and the 285, so I had to pull my X-Fi and run the three cards off the SilverStone DA 1200 in my main box.
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Would you recommend the silverstone psu over the corsair? lots of people are running the hx1000 and seem to love it. I'll be getting the Raven case and it's about $20 cheaper to get the Silverstone PSU, the corsair reviews have just been very good.
 
The Corsair HX1000 is a great PSU, but just couldn't handle two 280s and a 285 F@H 24/7.

It should be plenty for running SLI'd 285s. The SilverStone DA1200 is huge and I had to mod my old Antec 182SE to get it to fit. The HX1000 just slid right in.

Both my cases have intake and side mounted fans along with exhaust fans to help keep the added heat of a multi-gpu setup under control. You might have to add a fan or two depending how the Raven's cooling is setup.
 
Nexion<ChesteR> said:
Would you recommend the silverstone psu over the corsair? lots of people are running the hx1000 and seem to love it. I'll be getting the Raven case and it's about $20 cheaper to get the Silverstone PSU, the corsair reviews have just been very good.
Click to expand...

I've run an 8800GTS+4870X2 in windows 7 on my Corsair HX1000 and it was fine. He may have a bad corsair unit.

As for an answer to the thread, I'm gonna go with the 4870x2, I used to play at 1680x1050 on my old monitor, and it ran everything perfectly, but on the other hand, there's a GTX280 rig in my basement that runs at 1920x1200, and it also runs very well, it's just hard for me to recommend nvidia after having issues with the latest driver release and white flashing at random spots on during game, and ATi's drivers have been nothing but perfect for me since 8.9
 
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