1x 5970 or 2x 5870?

**Mabyboi** · 03-31-2010, 07:55 AM

This question has probably been asked before, and if it has point me to it and I will remove this thread...

Im going to be running 3x 24" monitors in Eyefinity.. and running games like BFBC2, SC2, Crysis etc...

Given the screen size and games what would you recommend?

Heat doesn't really matter because the cards will be water cooled.

thanks!

**Mungri** · 03-31-2010, 07:58 AM

The 5970 should be considerably cheaper, and noise wise you'll only have one fan instead of two, but it might need to spin faster.

-Edit, if using WC, you might want to go for whichever setup is easier to get blocks for, or maybe even consider the Powercolor 5870 LCS version.

**Vinas** · 03-31-2010, 08:56 AM

I use this setup with a single 5870. Runs BFBC2 fine with a slight OC so either of the options you mentioned should serve you well. Dual 5870's will be faster IMHO.

**sniper_sung** · 03-31-2010, 09:45 AM

I'm new to desktop computers, so don't surprise if I ask silly questions. My 2 x 5870 CF can only run Crysis Warhead 19x12 4xAA at 45 fps average, and 12 fps min. Isn't a single 5970 too slow for 3 x 24" screen on Crysis Warhead?

**ml2517** · 03-31-2010, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by Vinas

Dual 5870's will be faster IMHO.

I would probably have to agree with this. I've seen tri-fire 5870 setups that pretty much match my speeds with 2 x 5970's

(Yes, the 5970's are pushed to max overclock as well and on x16 slots)

**Mabyboi** · 03-31-2010, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by Vinas

I use this setup with a single 5870. Runs BFBC2 fine with a slight OC so either of the options you mentioned should serve you well. Dual 5870's will be faster IMHO.

Does it run it maxed? if so then maybe i will just trade out my 295 for a 5870... hmm....

**H2O** · 03-31-2010, 11:55 AM

Go with 5870s in CF. They perform better, and it is almost impossible to find 5970s at the moment.

**zanzabar** · 03-31-2010, 12:21 PM

5870 or 5850 if u are using air or stock cooling (they clock the same or a little better on the 5850 for air), the 5970 if u are going liquid.

if u do go for the 58xx make sure that u get a reference or msi so u have voltage control, without upping the voltages the overclocks are disappointing when u see people over 1ghz and u cant. for the 5970 i think that all are reference atm so all have voltage control

**H2O** · 03-31-2010, 12:55 PM

Originally Posted by zanzabar

5870 or 5850 if u are using air or stock cooling (they clock the same or a little better on the 5850 for air), the 5970 if u are going liquid.

if u do go for the 58xx make sure that u get a reference or msi so u have voltage control, without upping the voltages the overclocks are disappointing when u see people over 1ghz and u cant. for the 5970 i think that all are reference atm so all have voltage control

Good point. I believe all the Asus cards have a voltage utility also, but you have to decide if it is worth having to possibly deal with their crappy RMA service.

**zanzabar** · 03-31-2010, 12:58 PM

Originally Posted by H2O

Good point. I believe all the Asus cards have a voltage utility also, but you have to decide if it is worth having to possibly deal with their crappy RMA service.

yes its worth it for voltage control and msi has an RMA just as good as asus

**zalbard** · 03-31-2010, 01:20 PM

I'd get 2x 5850... Cheaper and just as fast.

**perkam** · 03-31-2010, 01:43 PM

In one sentence:

The 5970 will meet all of your needs, and then some

(A 5970 performs better than GTX 470 SLI in BFBC2)

Perkam

**wingrunr21** · 03-31-2010, 01:49 PM

Originally Posted by zalbard

I'd get 2x 5850... Cheaper and just as fast.

Just went that direction. Loving it so far.

I have heard that the 5970 drivers are a bit on the crappy side right now. That could be a deciding factor.

**Titan7171** · 03-31-2010, 02:36 PM

1x5970...........the card is sick drivers are fine and its just as fast as 2x5870.

**mbreslin** · 03-31-2010, 03:13 PM

More and more people popping up saying they have the cold bug if I were starting all over I'd go 2x 5870 or possibly 2x480 (probably 5870)

**damha** · 03-31-2010, 03:20 PM

Why change a 295? That's seems unnecessary IMO.

Wait, nevermind. Just reread your first post. For 3 monitors I am going to say 5970. The only reason a single 5870 is better is because you can get another later at a cheaper price, hopefully.

**zanzabar** · 03-31-2010, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by Titan7171

1x5970...........the card is sick drivers are fine and its just as fast as 2x5870.

its only just as fast if u have liquid, i dont remember that exact air oc on it but i dont think that it could hit or could barely hit the stock speed for a 5870, were a 5870 with stock cooling with easily hit 950-1ghz with voltage

**Titan7171** · 03-31-2010, 06:10 PM

Originally Posted by zanzabar

its only just as fast if u have liquid, i dont remember that exact air oc on it but i dont think that it could hit or could barely hit the stock speed for a 5870, were a 5870 with stock cooling with easily hit 950-1ghz with voltage

Hmm, well Im on air and Im running 925/1225 for 24/7 @ 1.185v and 975/1275 @ 1.225v benchable.......on air.

cant go higher because of PSU only having 52amps and 5970 is trying to pull 62amps when pushing the Voltage higher

**zanzabar** · 03-31-2010, 06:29 PM

Originally Posted by Titan7171

Hmm, well Im on air and Im running 925/1225 for 24/7 @ 1.185v and 975/1275 @ 1.225v benchable.......on air.

cant go higher because of PSU only having 52amps and 5970 is trying to pull 62amps when pushing the Voltage higher

very nice, what are the temps (gpu and ambient) and what is the fan percentage

**Serpentarius** · 03-31-2010, 06:38 PM

1x5970 .... save utility bills (gamers do need to pay bills you know

)

but theoretically 2x5870 will overwhelm 1x5970 .. but i'm not sure of the pricing .... differs from sellers
http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards....618&card2=613#

**Titan7171** · 03-31-2010, 07:45 PM

Originally Posted by zanzabar

very nice, what are the temps (gpu and ambient) and what is the fan percentage

fan is set to auto, 42c @ 27%

**trn** · 04-01-2010, 07:08 PM

5970. I hear that Xfire + Eyefinity still does not work well yet. I tested Eyefinity and Xfire with the first hot release and althought FPS were higher the lag and stutters were unbearable; I hear things haven't improved much yet.

**Mabyboi** · 04-02-2010, 10:30 AM

Base on the games i want to play, and i love playing them on ULTRA HIGH settings, with 3x 24" monitors, should I get the 5970? or save money and get a 5870?

thanks!

**mbreslin** · 04-02-2010, 11:30 AM

If you have 2 free x16 slots and you can deal with the heat (good wc or deal with loud fans) and your psu is up to par. 2x5870 no question.

**trn** · 04-02-2010, 07:19 PM

5970 once again.

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