More Performance Testing
We also tested a few more games in order to try and make sure that CrossFire actually accelerated other applications than the ones we tested initially. We can confirm from experience a few more titles that work with this solution. Specifically, we saw performance improvements in Gears of War and Microsoft Flight Similator X.
We also tested Universe at War (an RTS game) and Guitar Hero III (a music game). Guitar Hero III is capped at 60 fps, and we can at least say that frame rate wasn't hurt by CrossFire: both solutions stayed pegged at 60fps the entire time we played at 2560x1600.
Universe at war didn't show any CrossFire improvement. Not all titles will benefit from the 3870x2 over a single GPU version of the card, as is to be expected. But no matter how you slice it CrossFire looks a lot better than it used to especially in the form of the 3870x2.
Final Words
This is a step beyond what NVIDIA offers with single card multiGPU 7950 GX2 cards in form factor and ease of use. While any multiGPU solution will still not be able to improve performance across the board, more game makers are aware of the need to consider this problem now than in years past.
We have also often favored NVIDIA's multiGPU solutions because ease of use, driver support, and compatibility were head and feet above AMD's CrossFire. This launch not only shows that AMD is committed to their multiGPU business, but that we are finally seeing AMD put multiGPU pressure on NVIDIA. This raises the bar on the way multiGPU systems should work and NVIDIA had better be paying attention.
Our hope is that AMD will continue to push forward to make sure that new games coming out will have full CrossFire support. AMD has really come through on this one, and we certainly hope they can keep up their commitment to delivering quality multiGPU drivers and hardware going forward.
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SoCalBoomer - Wednesday, February 6, 2008 - link
It is a valid observation - the 7950 dual GPU on a card solution is old. It's what I was thinking. At $400+, the card is a high-end card and really doesn't do $150 worth more than, say, the 8800gt - or does it? It's an opinion thing I guess.That's not to say that this is not a good card - on the contrary, it's WONDERFUL to see AMD/ATI (both of whom I'm a huge fan) coming out with products that are competitive, smooth, and quality!
It's also great to see AMD come out with something that has good and smooth driver support - that's something I've always been frustrated about with the older ATI cards. . .loved what they did and loved them after I got them configured the way I wanted - hated the road to get there though.
Viditor - Thursday, February 7, 2008 - link
"the 7950 dual GPU on a card solution is old"But a smooth and effecvtive implementation of it like this one, is quite new...
"the card is a high-end card and really doesn't do $150 worth more than, say, the 8800gt - or does it?"
Interesting question...that $150 extra represents a 37.5% price premium. Plus, of course there's the epenis bragging rights of having the fastest card made (though I never really understood that one.
To give that perspective though, the 8800GT is 32% more expensive than the HD3850...
I guess if you're a gamer, then the X2 makes perfect sense, but if you use little graphics, then the 3850 makes more sense. In between the 2 is the 8800GT, so it will depend on what you do.
ChronoReverse - Wednesday, February 6, 2008 - link
By that argument, neither does the 8800 Ultra which is MORE expensive...SoCalBoomer - Thursday, February 7, 2008 - link
Out of curiosity, I looked to see where ANYONE mentioned an 8800 Ultra in this article. . .guess what, nobody did. Hmmmm, fancy that.
Topic of this was comparing a non-available previous-generation nVidia card to a top-of-the-line, just-released ATI.
THAT is not a valid comparision.
Gilgamesj - Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - link
Neither did anyone mention a 8800GT.Point is that it's up to the buyer to decide whether this is worth it. MultiGPU solutions have always been a questionable and subjective thing. The important objective thing taht can be said about this card is that it takes one disadvantage away, there's no need for a crossfire motherboard.
I think Ati put something interesting on the market.
Ryanman - Sunday, February 10, 2008 - link
It wasn't comparing it in terms of performance, bro. It was comparing it in terms of driver support and form factor. That type of comparison is legit no matter how old a card is and you know it.In terms of performace, this was tested with a 8800GT SLI config (500+) and performed just under it (at 4-450), and it outperforms the ultra for obvious reasons. THAT'S the performance comparison. Quit whining and being a fanboy and think before you post.
kextyn - Friday, February 8, 2008 - link
"It is a valid observation - the 7950 dual GPU on a card solution is old. It's what I was thinking. At $400+, the card is a high-end card and really doesn't do $150 worth more than, say, the 8800gt - or does it? It's an opinion thing I guess. ""By that argument, neither does the 8800 Ultra which is MORE expensive... "
"Out of curiosity, I looked to see where ANYONE mentioned an 8800 Ultra in this article. . .
guess what, nobody did. Hmmmm, fancy that.
Topic of this was comparing a non-available previous-generation nVidia card to a top-of-the-line, just-released ATI.
THAT is not a valid comparision. "
So why did you mention the 8800GT in your other post, hypocrite?
ChronoReverse's comparison was just as valid as yours.
schmunk - Wednesday, February 6, 2008 - link
I think it is fair. The article's focus is showing AMDs implementation of the dual GPU card, and how seemless it can be done as far a settings, dual sceens, and drivers. I don't think the point is that NVida did it first or faster. I think we all benifit from something like this.schmunk - Wednesday, February 6, 2008 - link
"AMD has pushed the fact that their new hardware is capable of fully accelerating windowed 3D based on how it manages clock speed with respect to work load, so we aren't quite sure why we are seeing this behavior."Could it be in windowed mode the desktop is showing and Aero Glass is hog? :)
schmunk - Wednesday, February 6, 2008 - link
Meant to say Aero. Seriously though doesn't it have some sort of virtual memory footprint for the Aero Interface?