should i get another graphics card

aguynameded · 11-09-2009, 09:26 PM

i have a newly built computer, and i want to start doing some high end rpg gaming. should i get another another card and run crossfire to make the games look better and play smoothely? is it not worth it?

here is what i have now
intell q9550 not overclocked yet.
corsair 750w psu
ati xfx hd4850
gigabyte ep45-ud3r mobo.

Phædrus2401 · 11-09-2009, 10:14 PM

Unless you have a 1920x1200 or greater monitor adding a second 4850 will only see a 10-20% improvement in performance. Above that and you'll see 25-40% increases. It might be more cost effective to sell/return your current 4850 and get a 4890, 5770 (equivalent of 4870), or 5850 (equivalent of 4850x2 but without Crossfire limitations).

I use a 4870 and play Fallout 3 and Dragon Age: Origins at their highest settings on a 1440x900 resolution.

derek_jones_36 · 11-12-2009, 07:25 AM

I currently have a Sapphire HD4850 and it works flawlessly with DA Origins NO PROBLEMS. Full High settings for EVERYTHING on 1680X1050. Not too sure what the problem is.

Jones

**Tyree** · 11-12-2009, 11:36 AM

The OP's 4850 is XFX brand and your 4850 is a Sapphire. That might make a difference.

derek_jones_36 · 11-12-2009, 12:56 PM

U really think so? There both HD4850's. Not too sure if the maker of the card makes a difference eventhough they are both ati cards.

Jones

**emosun** · 11-12-2009, 10:03 PM

The brand wouldn't really make much difference , only the specs of each.

11-09-2009, 09:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
aguynameded Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 24 OS: win vista	should i get another graphics card i have a newly built computer, and i want to start doing some high end rpg gaming. should i get another another card and run crossfire to make the games look better and play smoothely? is it not worth it? here is what i have now intell q9550 not overclocked yet. corsair 750w psu ati xfx hd4850 gigabyte ep45-ud3r mobo.

11-09-2009, 10:14 PM	#2 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,747 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: should i get another graphics card Unless you have a 1920x1200 or greater monitor adding a second 4850 will only see a 10-20% improvement in performance. Above that and you'll see 25-40% increases. It might be more cost effective to sell/return your current 4850 and get a 4890, 5770 (equivalent of 4870), or 5850 (equivalent of 4850x2 but without Crossfire limitations). I use a 4870 and play Fallout 3 and Dragon Age: Origins at their highest settings on a 1440x900 resolution. __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for.

11-12-2009, 07:25 AM	#3 (permalink)
derek_jones_36 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 475 OS: Windows Vista Ultimate 64 bit SP2 My System	Re: should i get another graphics card I currently have a Sapphire HD4850 and it works flawlessly with DA Origins NO PROBLEMS. Full High settings for EVERYTHING on 1680X1050. Not too sure what the problem is. Jones __________________ "Look at it this way...If Everyone Lived Forever, where would you Park?"

11-12-2009, 11:36 AM	#4 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 5,496 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: should i get another graphics card The OP's 4850 is XFX brand and your 4850 is a Sapphire. That might make a difference. __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently.

11-12-2009, 12:56 PM	#5 (permalink)
derek_jones_36 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 475 OS: Windows Vista Ultimate 64 bit SP2 My System	Re: should i get another graphics card U really think so? There both HD4850's. Not too sure if the maker of the card makes a difference eventhough they are both ati cards. Jones __________________ "Look at it this way...If Everyone Lived Forever, where would you Park?"

11-12-2009, 10:03 PM	#6 (permalink)
emosun Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: usa Posts: 6,921 OS: xp pro sp2 My System	Re: should i get another graphics card The brand wouldn't really make much difference , only the specs of each. __________________ Gpu Benchmarks Cpu-Z Power supply information and selection Gpu-Z Video card quick list