A question about possible gfx card upgrade, as related to cpu.

[Arkalis]

So RAM definitely helps with graphics even if its the same Video Card? (I mean, help a bit)

Like adding 2GB would help?

[TheRabidDeer]

If you only have 2GB of memory (RAM) then buying another 2GB would definitely help. Any time you even come close to reaching 100% memory usage, the computer has to use virtual memory from the hard drive, which is waaaaaaaaaaay slower.

[hyde]

It would be very stupid to upgrade from a 5770 to a GTX 460.
Even waiting for the next gen and upgrading than its stupid, because the margin gains are so small that its not worth at all another $200, $300 or whatever.

The best thing for you, if you really want better performance in water maps is to buy another 5770 and put them in crossfire.
The performance gains should be great and it should come close to the 5870.

Do you know if I can buy the 2nd 5770 from a different Vendor?
My current one is HIS, and I was thinking of getting an ASUS 5770...same chipset/specs/memory size..just diff vendor.

Also, HIS has basically re-done the heatsink/fanbox for their 5770 three times.
Would that matter? Oddly enough, my HIS 5770 is a single slot, even though the release one was a 2 PCI-E slotter with a black finish. Right now, my current PC shop is selling the HIS 5770 but it's a 2 Slotter but with a blue finish..

[TheEconomist]

@hyde: What custom games are you referring to? It could just be your CPU since I have a HD 5770 and I run things great even in large custom maps. The only custom map out right now that lags me is the Infested Arena when towards the ends there's about a 10,000 Infesteds that come at you but that lags everyone.

The major difference in our specs is that I have a Core i5 750 that runs at 3.46Ghz in dual core optimized applications. Meanwhile, your CPU only runs at about 2.66Ghz.

(Yes, the can order the HD 5770 from a different vendor. The Core architecture is the same and that's what matters.)

[dustinbrowder]

Do you know if I can buy the 2nd 5770 from a different Vendor?
My current one is HIS, and I was thinking of getting an ASUS 5770...same chipset/specs/memory size..just diff vendor.

Also, HIS has basically re-done the heatsink/fanbox for their 5770 three times.
Would that matter? Oddly enough, my HIS 5770 is a single slot, even though the release one was a 2 PCI-E slotter with a black finish. Right now, my current PC shop is selling the HIS 5770 but it's a 2 Slotter but with a blue finish..

Hyde, it does matter. Why? Because of custom PCB's manufacturers use.

It should work 95% of the time, but its always best to buy the same exact graphic card for cross-fire. That way you can be sure it works.

Also I only suggested that as a best option, it does not mean its viable, does your motherboard have 2 PCI-E slots?

usually on mid class motherboards its 16x pci-e with a 8x pci-e. More expensive and powerful motherboards support up to 4 cross-fire at more efficent transfer like 16x, 16x, 8x, etc...

[TheEconomist]

The official word from ATI is that you can use the same card and even often times the same card from the same family. There's no 95% distinction. ATI oversees the standards of the different vendors so unless a vendor happened to have a screwed up on a batch then it will always work barring flaws in workmanship.

[dustinbrowder]

I can't guarantee on that tychus so I wont!