CrossfireX Question

[nite4evr]

Update #1 : I installed both cards in, driver installed but there seems to be a problem. Both cards are detected with no errors but when I'm in the catalyst control I do not have the crossfire option. There aren't any parts sticking out for a bridge connection so I assume it's software enable. If this doesn't work it's not a big deal, because I can use this card on my other computer with onboard graphic. But I would love to see this lil thing work. Got any ideas?
Are crossfire cables only for X800/x850/1800/1900?

I am planning to crossfirex my HD 3450 but i'm wondering how can I bridge the 2 3450? Do I need the a crossfirex cable or could I just plug both on the board and enable it with software? Both will be running at 4x right?
I'm new to crossfire, sorry about the newbie questions.

Specs:
Ultra Fly mATX Case
Ultra V 400W (might have to upgrade this, but we'll see)
Gigabyte G33M DS2R
E2180 @ 3.0GHz
Thermalright ULTIMA 90
1GB Corsair XMS2 Dominator
HIS HD 3450 256MB
Sapphire HD 3450 256MB
Seagate 160GB 7200rpm

This is mainly a entertainment, and a little gaming machine :)

If some of you are wondering why I chose 3450, (1) is because it's the only card that would fit my case (2) because it's passive (3) because it's cheap

[Amourek]

Your board doesn't support Crossfire. :confused:

[nite4evr]

Yes it does;)

An example:
http://www.ocworkbench.com/2007/gigabyte/ga-g33m-ds2r/G33-crossfire.jpg

[zrepiV]

http://www.giga-byte.com/Products/Motherboard/Products_Spec.aspx?ProductID=2534

If this is your motherboard, it doesn't even have an extra slot for another video card.

EDIT:
Actually, never mind. I thought the little slot at the bottom was a PCI-Ex1 slot but apparently it's a x4. I've actually never seen them.

And yes, you would need a bridge for it

[nite4evr]

http://www.giga-byte.com/Products/Motherboard/Products_Spec.aspx?ProductID=2534

If this is your motherboard, it doesn't even have an extra slot for another video card.

EDIT:
Actually, never mind. I thought the little slot at the bottom was a PCI-Ex1 slot but apparently it's a x4. I've actually never seen them.

And yes, you would need a bridge for it

There's no where for me to put a bridge connector though, but this card does support CrossfireX.
Is it like a new technology where you don't need to use a connector and just plug it in a mobo to use it?

[board123]

It's called "software Crossfire" and it sucks balls. Don't waste your money.

[Silver Bullet]

Ultra V 400W
Gigabyte G33M DS2R
E2180 @ 3.0GHz
Thermalright ULTIMA 90
1GB Corsair XMS2 Dominator
HIS HD 3450 256MB

I would say save your money ... this system is missing a few key things that are going to make Crossfire worth it. 1. You only have 1GB of ram 2. bargain-bin Ultra 400W power supply (that you should probably upgrade .. good idea) and 3. Your crossfire'n two 3450 ... come on ;)

[nite4evr]

I know 3450 aren't superior but it's got amazing hd support, dx 10.1, passive and like I said, it's cheap and it actually fits my case.
If i do crossfire I get a 25% increase of performance, I want to get something else too but it's either THIS or a 8400GS.
I am not really worried about the power at all, these are the new 3400 series which doesn't draw much power even if I have 2. And worst comes to worst I'll upgrade to a 430W Earthwatt.

Remember, this isn't a computer for me to play hardcore games like Crysis or Bioshock. It's for movies, blueray, and maybe a little bit of warcraft iii.

The whole point for me to crossfire it is because I really want to try it out.
It's only $50.
So far the system only costed me
Cpu
Heatsink
Mobo
Memory
Case
Psu
$180
Hard Drive
$40
VGA $50 x 2
------------
For under $320 I have
Ultra Fly mATX
Ultra V 400W
Gigabyte G33M DS2R
E2180 @ 3.0GHz
Thermalright ULTIMA 90
1GB Corsair XMS2 Dominator
HIS HD 3450 256MB Crossfire
Sapphire HD 3450 256MB Crossfire.
LG DVD-RW
WD 160GB Sata Hard Drive

[board123]

Remember, this isn't a computer for me to play hardcore games like Crysis or Bioshock. It's for movies, blueray, and maybe a little bit of warcraft iii.
Why would you need Crossfire for these tasks?

[nite4evr]

Why would you need Crossfire for these tasks?

1) For fun :)
2) I have never seen or heard anyone doing a crossfire in such a small setup/tight space. And this baby is running so silent.

[board123]

Nothing fun about it since all you do is plug in a second card and never worry about it afterwards... The results aren't very fun either.

But hey, if you want to do it, go ahead.

[nite4evr]

Nothing fun about it since all you do is plug in a second card and never worry about it afterwards... The results aren't very fun either.

But hey, if you want to do it, go ahead.

Well, different people have different opinions :)
I'll take some pictures to brag about afterward, though I think most of you will start flaming me or worst laugh at me lol.

[Zertz]

Not worth it...

[zrepiV]

Why don't you use the money to go towards maybe another hard drive, or hell, a replacement for your UltraFAIL power supply?

[Amourek]

Well then 2 crappy cards in Crossfire = 1 slightly less crappy card. Get a real card.

[Silver Bullet]

I'd get a new PS before you take a shot as this. I'll give it's fun though - however pointless .. but hey cheap = fun .. so waiting on them pics ;)

FYI

Crossfire = 2 cards
CrossfireX = 3 or 4 cards

[nite4evr]

Not worth it...

Read post #10 then read post #12


Why don't you use the money to go towards maybe another hard drive, or hell, a replacement for your UltraFAIL power supply?

I don't need a bigger HD, I already have 2 x 500GB, 1 x 320GB, 1 x 250GB.
But if yeah I'll get a decent earthwatt psu here on rfd, thanks.


Well then 2 crappy cards in Crossfire = 1 slightly less crappy card. Get a real card.

Read post #8, there isn't another card on the market that's got all these latest functions and yet fit my case. I thought about a single 3650 but I don't think it'll fit, cooling might be a problem, and is loud.