Suggestions for x-fire setup in htpc/gamer

[prelude2250]

Hey All. I am currently building my first all AMD/ATI rig partly due to a free amd phenomII X2 550 black edition : ) Anyway I've just ordered a biostar 790gx 128m mobo which can run x-fire. I will be using this as my living room htpc/gamer on a lg 32" LCD @1330x768 resolution. I'm looking at getting two of these for a total of $150. what do you guys think? Should I go for a 4830 or 4850 and pay a little bit more or will that do me just fine. My budget is around $150-$200max. I have a 650w PSU so power isn't an issue. Also on a side note has anyone used hybrid x-fire?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161287

the 512mb 4850 is $94 currently

 

[mindless728]

just get a 4870 1GB model for $150, you will find it is plenty at that resolution (i use 1920x1080 and max most games), plus if you can still get another 4870 when you get a better tv (more resolution)

 

[gkay09]

EDIT: Dint refresh before posting...
^ I dont think you would need the power of 2 graphic cards for that resolution...
A single HD 4850 can max out the current games @ that resolution...So you can stay away from the issues related to the crossfire...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102824
Or if you want to keep your graphic card longer, then at the max get a HD 4870 (Even 512MB version is suffice - ~ $130 or 1GB ~$145)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131140
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150394

 

[belial2k]

You don't need a 1gb card to run low res, so go with the cheapest 4850 or 4870 you can find...as mentioned above the 4870 is more about future proofing. At your res you will get the most bang for your buck by OCing your cpu.

 

[jitpublisher]

Agree here, Crossfire is pretty usless for what you are getting ready to do.