Which card without going broke

[wgc138]

Currently trying to make a second rig useful for a good cause, to say the least this may somehow make me feel better about it all...

I'm in the process in getting the last bits and pieces which includes card(s) and cooler. The heart of the system is an 8350, asus crossfire, 8gb ram and 760i or 1200i (these psu's are spares in the cupboard).

Basically whilst its not being used, it'll be folding and planning to run 24/7. Power consumption is not really a major factor, but at the same time I don't really want to spend $1000 on 2 cards, at the moment my thoughts are running 2 x 270x's on crossfire or even 2 x 280's. Are there big gains over these set of cards?

Also thinking of watercooling the whole lot, but there aren't any waterblocks for 270 or 280.

 

[hmmblah]

I'm having trouble finding solid numbers for these cards. Anyone on the team running either? A quick google search showed about 55k PPD for the 270x and about 75-90k for a 280. Hopefully someone with some real experience can chime in.

Edit: Welcome to OC3D and the folding team!

 

[Warchild]

Best price vs Performance at the moment if you are trying to get best value for your cash is a card from AMD. R9 - 290 seems the best overall right now. And there are reference blocks from EK I believe.

Do you really need 2 cards? Why not stick with a good single 290 card for now and focus on another later on. I don't know how well the 290 performs in folding as opposed to having 2x 270x as I have little to no experience with AMD cards. I'm sure some of the loyal AMD enthusiasts here can provide you with better recommendations, but I am guessing they will like to suggest 280 or upwards to you.

 

[wgc138]

Just started mining for a little less than 48 hours on my work pc, which helps LOL, its not pulling great numbers on the 270x but as many here have said its not about the numbers.