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    Single or Dual ATI HD 3870

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by jejjohnson, Apr 3, 2009.

  1. jejjohnson

    jejjohnson Notebook Guru

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    I am looking to buy a laptop with a decent graphics card and not have to spend TOO much money on it.

    I was wondering if I just want to multitask like hell and play a few games like BF2, L4D and COD4/5 then do i really need to upgrade the single HD 3870 to a dual HD 3870 crossfire? Would I be making a good investment? Does it make a world of difference?

    Please Advise
     
    jejjohnson, Apr 3, 2009
    #1
  2. HaloGod2007

    HaloGod2007 Notebook Virtuoso

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    yes it does, the performance boost is amazing, and for call of duty and l4d, you will be happy u got it.
     
    HaloGod2007, Apr 3, 2009
    #2
  3. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    it makes a huge differnece ..... dondah posted single gpu benchmarks and dual and its alot better
     
    The_Moo™, Apr 3, 2009
    #3
  4. FoxTrot1337

    FoxTrot1337 Notebook Deity

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    It will make a big difference, however the new 4870s are coming out soon so I'm not sure if you would want to wait or not.
     
    FoxTrot1337, Apr 3, 2009
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  5. unknown555525

    unknown555525 rawr

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    CrossfireX scaling on resolutions over 1680x1050 is over 80%, and nearly a perfect 100% in 1920x1200 and higher. So yes, dual cards makes a HUGE difference. If you want to max out the resolution, and all other settings in COD4/W@W, your going to want dual cards.
     
    unknown555525, Apr 3, 2009
    #5
  6. Phinagle

    Phinagle Notebook Prophet

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    A single 3870 isn't worth it. If you don't want to spend the extra cash on Crossfire then go for the single 4850 in the MSI GT725 instead.
     
    Phinagle, Apr 3, 2009
    #6
  7. Mormegil83

    Mormegil83 I Love Lamp.

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    It looks like for your needs i would say a single card is plenty but if you want to spend the xtra $500 or so it WILL make a difference. I'm still satisfied with my 9800m GTS.
     
    Mormegil83, Apr 3, 2009
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  8. jejjohnson

    jejjohnson Notebook Guru

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    So, if i were to get ur graphics card..it would be sufficient for what id want to play?
     
    jejjohnson, Apr 3, 2009
    #8
  9. Mormegil83

    Mormegil83 I Love Lamp.

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    It is for me :) check out the gatway forums but i if i recall i don't think anyone has had a problem maxing those games with this card... I can play (original) crysis on high settings with some FPS drops in the teens during heavy combat...
     
    Mormegil83, Apr 3, 2009
    #9
  10. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    i can run l4d for you on a single card and report back ..... pm me if you want me to
     
    The_Moo™, Apr 3, 2009
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  11. Ovrclck350

    Ovrclck350 Notebook Consultant

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    The cost difference isn't that much. Why not order it:

    1. Order the notebook with the dual 3870's.
    2. Run your game.
    3. Unplug, uninstall one.
    4. Run your game again.
    5. Make a decision to reinstall, OR sell the 2nd 3870, which shouldn't be hard and you should be able to sell it for a pretty decent amount...enough to make money on the deal or at least get the extra cost back at a minimum.
     
    Ovrclck350, Apr 4, 2009
    #11
  12. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    ok i have been over clocking all night and the score in my sig is what i got with a t9400 oc'd to 3.1 ghz .... dual of coarse

    check the AW section to see my thread
     
    The_Moo™, Apr 4, 2009
    #12
  13. electrosoft

    electrosoft Perpetualist Matrixist

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    I'd be more interested in what stable 06 score you have.

    Run Orthos, Prime95 4-core, DX Real Time HW test for at least 2hrs and see if your system stays stable.

    Benchies are fun, but finding that sweet spot where your system is rock solid at an optimal GPU/CPU OC is purdy smexy. :)
     
    electrosoft, Apr 4, 2009
    #13