Single 5870 or 4870 CF??

Probably an obvious answer, but if not gaming so much, for other typical graphics apps (Photoshop CS5, for instance) would a single 5870 or dual 4870's in Crossfire be the way to go?

Benefits of 5870 seem to be that it's cheaper, cooler, and 1-to-1 the 5870 is faster.

Do apps (non-gaming but still graphically intensive) use both GPU's or is that primarily for games only?

Trying to decide if I return the one I have should I stick with a single 5870 or would I get some performance increase with dual 4870's.

I know it's kind of an obscure question, but just soliciting for some advice.

Thanks.

 

4870 Xfire > 5870M. Unless you really don't need the performance of the crossfire.

 

If gaming is out of question go for a single 5870.
It's faster 1 on 1 but not cooler. It's based on the newer tech. and is more energy efficient. Plus, you have the option to add the second card later on if gaming becomes an important factor.

 

That was kind of the question--whether or not crossfire works in non-game apps or is it only for games?

I knew the 5870 was a bit slower than dual 4870s...

 

I hope you all remember that how much crossfire helps varies from game to game so to say CF is faster without stating what game is not correct. In some games it makes zero difference. And if the CF 4870 is faster how much will vary.

I thought only games made use of CF/SLI.

 

It's mostly for games. You don't need CF for any other task other than benching and gaming, AFAIK. For pro apps you are better off with FirePro or Quadro GPU's.

 

Thanks. I assume nVidia SLI is the same then, and is only utilized in games? I'm probably better off, then, getting a single 5870.

I was under the assumption once the two GPU's were tied together, they worked in tandem all the time. Apparently the software has to be written to "flip a switch" internally to use both GPU's?

You forgot to mention the other reason for having CF or SLI--bragging rights.

 

Note that Crossfire currently only works in full screen 3D applications on Radeon cards. So if you are using an application that's running in a window, that second card will never be utilized (until ATi changes it in their drivers, at least).

Nvidia has only started supporting SLI in windowed mode a couple of months ago as well, but at least it works on that hardware now.

 

I'm not so sure about that. furmark runs in a window be default and stresses both gpu's.