Will a second 7970 improve my FPS?

[Briggsy]

Hi All,

I'm playing at 2560x1440 res, when in mid hectic combat my FPS drops to 25, if I put in a second 7970 will this improve?

Thanks

 

[AndyMosh]

Most likely, yes.

Bare in mind that at that resolution it might be the memory of the graphics card that is setting you back, how much memory do you have on your card?

By doing a crossfire config, the memory doesn't double as the textures and everything else are loaded into each card.

 

[S_I_N]

it should yes as the second card will be able to help process things but truely let me ask you this can you really see anything playing at that high a res??? I have the predecessor SA27A750 to your 850 monitor its a 1920 x 1080 monitor at 120Hz and imho its all I need to see things clearly with superb fps running dual 6950's in xfire even my 570GTX single card did fine while the DP drivers worked.

but to answer your question yes it'll help gain fps but at that resolution I cannot say 100% it'll be as smooth as you want.

 

[Briggsy]

Thanks guys for your replies, my g/card has 3gb memory to answer the first repliers question....

I was raiding last night and in Dragon Soul most of the fights went to 25fps but I must say it seemed if tho the card was coping quite well, game did slow but only slightly so overall I was quite happy. But you know when you pay a lot of money for parts you really want to best performace possible.

I know S_I_N you have explained that 1980x1080 would run better but I love the 2560x1440 res, it looks awesome and I nearly have the performance too, I just want a little bit more and I will be happy

OK - so if I did buy another 7970, does it have to be exactly the same card (sapphire 7970 OC) or can I crossfire any 7970?

Thanks guys.

 

[simon d]

No you can crossfire any 7970 card

As your card is already overclocked the other 7970 card may have a lower GPU core and memory settings. You will need to overclock the new card to the same settings as your Sapphire

If not both cards will run at the lower speed settings of your new card

Check that your PSU can handle two card as well and you have good cooling in your case.

What AMD drives are you using new ones have been released now could give you better performance?

 

[S_I_N]

I'd stick to matching cards if ya can its always the easiest way to make it all work but any 7970 will do but as said a stock 7970 will drag down the oc'd one to stock but as those cards oc well it shouldnt be a major issue to set up an OC profile for them.

 

[KING_OF_SAND]

AMD cards do not (at least he 6xxx series did not) have to have the same clocks on both. My brother has 2 6970s and one is overclocked and the other is not and they both work at there respective clocks.

 

[Briggsy]

Wow great advice guys thank you very much, I'll prob go for a second sapphire oc card but will see what the prices are like....

@ Simon d : I use catalyst to scan for updated driver versions so i should be running the latest drivers but I will double check.

Thanks

 

[MaXiMiZe]

It would definitely improve your fps mate

 

[fredtrix]

It would definitely improve your fps mate

I agree, if FPS is the problem then a CFX setup will improve it.

 

[Briggsy]

Thanks guys...will go buy another sapphire 7970 OC next week.....ouch!

Will my AX 750 PSU be enough to run 2 7970 along with my other parts? (see below)

*Mental Note to Self* Hide credit card statement from wife!

 

[simon d]

Thanks guys...will go buy another sapphire 7970 OC next week.....ouch!

Will my AX 750 PSU be enough to run 2 7970 along with my other parts? (see below)

*Mental Note to Self* Hide credit card statement from wife!

You should be fine with that PSU, but 750W would be the bare minimum to crossfire two HD7970 cards.

 

[Briggsy]

Thanks