Crossfire and 13.8 beta

[soulreaper]

Okay so I have never ran multiple graphics cards before so I have a few questions. Lets start off with what my plan is, check sig for specs. Right around the end of winter I want to get another 7970 and run cross fire. I would like to know if those of you who run a current CF config what has the experience been like with the 13.8 drivers any hiccups make my eyes bleed so if there are still problems give me a proper answer. I assume though the drivers are only going to get better with time. My next question is I have a reference sapphire 7970 which I purchased around the release date. So it has some mileage on it, now the old cards and the new 7970's are the exact same cards right so it won't be a problem to cross fire. Last question what kind of wattage is going to be needed (I am overclocking) I will upgrading the power supply just don't know how big to go I have been looking at the ax760i from Corsair. Is this enough or should I get the ax860i or a 1200 watt solution. Also assume my upgrade path has been done already when considering wattage. So I just ran a few wattage calculators and 3 concluded that max usage is around 656 watts with all the stuff I am going to add I might risk a 760 and see how it goes to save a little green. I will be adding a 7970, 760 or 860 power supply, and 2 256 GB samsung 840 pros. It is going to be a long winter lol.

[TTesla]

860i is best but 760i is probably enough (don't quote me on that second part)

[helping]

You should be fine with the newer 7970, you might want to put your reference in the slot below your aftermarket for the sake of thermal management. Since you're using reference, you might not be able to overclock that that well since you're going to be using two different cards, but it will work fine.

 

13.8 drivers seem good so far. You'll probably want the 860i. 1200 is too much.

 

http://www.anandtech.com/show/5261/amd-radeon-hd-7970-review/27

[WoodenMarker]

The ax760i or a 800-850w bronze is plenty.

[bennyino]

You'll be fine with the 760i, i love that psu, unfortunately it's way out of my budget :P

[beefalo]

Okay so I have never ran multiple graphics cards before so I have a few questions. Lets start off with what my plan is, check sig for specs. Right around the end of winter I want to get another 7970 and run cross fire. I would like to know if those of you who run a current CF config what has the experience been like with the 13.8 drivers any hiccups make my eyes bleed so if there are still problems give me a proper answer. I assume though the drivers are only going to get better with time. My next question is I have a reference sapphire 7970 which I purchased around the release date. So it has some mileage on it, now the old cards and the new 7970's are the exact same cards right so it won't be a problem to cross fire. Last question what kind of wattage is going to be needed (I am overclocking) I will upgrading the power supply just don't know how big to go I have been looking at the ax760i from Corsair. Is this enough or should I get the ax860i or a 1200 watt solution. Also assume my upgrade path has been done already when considering wattage. So I just ran a few wattage calculators and 3 concluded that max usage is around 656 watts with all the stuff I am going to add I might risk a 760 and see how it goes to save a little green. I will be adding a 7970, 760 or 860 power supply, and 2 256 GB samsung 840 pros. It is going to be a long winter lol.

I just got a sapphire 7970 dual x card recently and CF with my reference card.  Put the reference in the bottom slot for better air flow.  Have them running at the stock OC clocks of the sapphire (1000/1450).  Sapphire runs about 65 and reference card at 78ish.  Totally worth it if you find one cheap.  They're going as low as $280 right now.  You could also pick up a used one for < 250 if you look hard.  Your 760i could be cutting it close, but it should be able to do it.  I would recommend at least an 850w like I have since efficiency drops hard when you get to 95% load.