The HD 2900XT Info Thread

[LivingInClip]

That's what I tend to think - but I really want to take advantage of DirecX 10.

-Shrugs-

I hate choices. When I built this system, my original plan was to crossfire the 1950 Pro's. But then I came into some extra money and started looking at the 512 2900....Then I started looking at the 1 GIG 2900...Argh.

I've got a good PSU...A 600 OCZ GameStream.

I know if I get the 512, I'll most likely upgrade my PSU and crossfire that eventually. I'd say within the next three months.

Hate being torn. On one hand I want best bang for buck, on the other hand I just want the current high performance option.

[binormalkilla]

Originally Posted by LivingInClip

Alright - have a question.

I have the chance to do one of three things - which should I do?

1: Crossfire my 1950 Pro

2: Buy the Asus 512 2900xt

3: Buy the 1 gig 2900xt?

My current rig is..

AMD X2 6000
3 gigs of Patriot Extreme
Air Cooling
Windows XP ( goin Vista 64 soon)
MSI Crossfire Motherboard
20 Inch Acer LCD W/S (I typically like to run games at 1680x1050)


(Will update my rig / sig in abit, I registered to ask this question after being an observer of these boards for a long time. A lot of great info!)

Beware of the Crossfire X1950 Pro setup: I didn't see much of a difference in games with that setup......but I also played games that required a forced alternate frame rendering mode, such as Battlefield 2142/2, etc.

IMO I would buy the 2900xt 1Gb. Don't get the Diamond (overpriced). I would wait for the Sapphire to get back into stock at newegg.com.

[LivingInClip]

Thanks.

One last question.

Would a 600 Watt PSU be enough for...

2 Optical Drives
X2 6000
Three HD's
A few case fans (two 250MM, one 120MM and 2 80MM)
And the 2900XT 1gig model?

I am figuring it would be, but want to make sure.

After that, I won't ask anymore stupid questions.

[binormalkilla]

I think that it would be ok, but you can always buy the hardware, test it, and if it doesn't work then upgrade....
I'm running the following on an OCZ GameXtream 700W
2 SATA HDDs
5 case fans
1 2900xt 1Gb
4 Gb ram
E6600 overclocked to 3.2 GHz
1 optical drive
I haven't had any problems at all, and my 12V doesn't fluctuate past 0.05+- on full load (according to a digital multimeter)

[LivingInClip]

Settled then, come Oct 9th, I'll order it (get paid that day). Appreciate the help.

[Modki]

ATI Recommends a 750W PSU for crossfire.

Also if you are set on crossfiring 2900's then bewarned that it doesn't share RAM. 512+512=512 1024+102=1024, but 512 is enough IMHO.

[binormalkilla]

Yea not to mention that for Crossfire you need at least 4 6 pin PCI-E connections.

[LivingInClip]

Originally Posted by Modki

ATI Recommends a 750W PSU for crossfire.

Also if you are set on crossfiring 2900's then bewarned that it doesn't share RAM. 512+512=512 1024+102=1024, but 512 is enough IMHO.

Yeah, I know if I plan on crossfiring, I will need to upgrade my PSU. Also aware of the not sharing RAM.

My main thing is I want to make sure whatever I buy will be plenty for games like Hellgate: London and Crysis. I plan on waiting and see'ing how AMD does with the Phenom line also and if they get a decent speed out of it, will be upgrading that also..

(on a side note: pathetic, I built this system two months ago and already planning upgrades)

[mcandrew]

Is it safe to use the automated clock config. in CCC?

My card startd squeeling and the black plates on the topside was actually hot to touch

[Modki]

Automated Clock Config? Oh yeah, that locks up my computer...