Crossfire and SLI question

[SlevinK]

I've been doing some Googling and searching the forums but I'm not turning up what I'm trying to find and maybe I'm just not looking hard enough. I'm trying to find the "rule of thumb" when it comes to deciding whether or not using Crossfire or SLI is appropriate.

For example, I'm looking to build a new system and I'm trying to figure out if purchasing a R9 290x would be better than purchasing two R9 280xs or any other combo for that matter. What numbers do I need to look at on paper to help me determine whether or not one would out perform the other?

Any help would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[xtobymc]

Your best bet is to look up benchmark scores for the graphics cards on Google. See what frame rate and temperature different setups are giving and compare them. One thing to bear in mind with SLI/Crossfire is that you will produce a lot more heat, so water cooling is usually advised. Also, I've heard of a lot of people having issues where some games don't support SLI/Crossfire, meaning they're forced to run the game off one card. Personally (and this is just me), I' say you're better off with a single, more powerful GPU as opposed to two or more. Unless you really know what you're doing and have a great water cooling system, you'll have less compatibility issues with a single GPU.

 

[reccy]

This all depends on what your trying to achieve.

Usually 2 cards are better than 1 (barring the flagship models or 2 old cards vs 1 newer card, ie 2x GTX460's vs 1x GTX780), but you limit yourself to no further (unless you can 3 way sli/xfire) upgrading.

Also there are other benefits to 1 over 2, less power, less heat, less problems etc etc..

If I had the choice, I’d go for the best singular GPU I could afford, and then Sli/Xfire thereafter when prices are lower.

I hope this helps.