I know 2x 3870's would be faster in general (for Windows gaming), but if I remember correctly, the 2006 Mac Pro would be limited to 8x for the PCI-e side. Has anyone done a benchmark using the 2x Crossfire Setup vs a 8800GT? If I had to guess, the 2x CF would still come out ahead, but I just question how much the performance would be hurt (and my wallet) to make it worth it. Thanks a lot guys.
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2x 3870 or 8800GT in 2006 Mac Pro?
- Thread starter Borman
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The 2x3870 would definitely be faster. I'm currently running 2x3870s in crossfire on my Mac Pro (first gen) with each on an 8x bus. Toms Hardware did some benchmarks a while ago with the 3870 in regards to 8x and 16x bus widths. If I remember correctly, they discovered that they had a drop in performance of (approximately) 7% when going from one card with 16x to one card with 8x. However, they also discovered that when going from crossfire 2x16x to crossfire 2x8x, there was also only a drop of about 7% when the logical assumption would have been for a 14% drop in speed.
So, in practical terms, the difference in PCIe links makes relatively little difference. 2x3870s on 8x PCIe links will be faster than a single 8800GT on a 16x link.
So, in practical terms, the difference in PCIe links makes relatively little difference. 2x3870s on 8x PCIe links will be faster than a single 8800GT on a 16x link.
WOW!!!
Good thing I bought ATI 3870, BUT I'm still waiting for mine. It's been two weeks since I ordered mine from shop.ati.com . I CAN'T WAIT ANYMORE!!!