Thinking of picking up 2 XFX HD-587X-ZNFC Radeon HD 5870 1GB

[Mike029]

My concern is that the HD 58xx series is coming to an end. Am I buy old tech for crunching or these cards still viable for sometime? $400 for 2 when a 6870 is going for $340.00 and a 5970 goes for about $750.00. Comments are appreciated.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150476

[Maxwell]

With the 58xx cards, I think you're going to be good for a while. Really, even the 48xx cards are still doing quite well. They'll crunch for quite a while, methinks...

[Crazybob]

TigerDirect, has the same card cheaper. Plus you can use this if you can get to one of their stores.
http://images.revtrax.com/RevTrax/couponPrePrint.jsp?viewType=viewFull&programId=10001425&merchantId=10001405&affiliateId=10009018&subId=0&u1=cc-00hc-0275-532478-00-00-0000-022211

They also have the 6870 black edition for cheap. I don't know if it's better or not.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6969547
You can take an additional $50 off buy using this promo code, YWN18940

[joker]

I'm with Max on this one. A couple of 5870's will do you alot of good (credits) for a long time at that price. Once my tax returns show up, I am hoping to pick up one of those cards as well. We shall see what actually happens.

[Zytozux]

TigerDirect, has the same card cheaper. Plus you can use this if you can get to one of their stores.
http://images.revtrax.com/RevTrax/couponPrePrint.jsp?viewType=viewFull&programId=10001425&merchantId=10001405&affiliateId=10009018&subId=0&u1=cc-00hc-0275-532478-00-00-0000-022211

They also have the 6870 black edition for cheap. I don't know if it's better or not.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6969547
You can take an additional $50 off buy using this promo code, YWN18940
Yeah the 58xx's will be good crunchers for a long time, but this is quite a deal. Especially with the promo code. The only decision to make is if you want double precision or not, since the 6870 only does single.

[Mike029]

Done!! Pulled the trigger as it expired in an hour. I'm looking at running 3 HD 5870 video cards on this board.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131363
With this PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341046

I picked this board due to the price, and will fit all three cards in my 8 expansion slot case.
Going to fill the rest in with either the Phenom x4 BE or the t1090 x6 with the above board and 6 gigs of memory. The cards are purchased the PSU is next then need to settle on a MB and CPU with the limited funds left.

My budget is $600-800 for the above PSU a MB, Memory, CPU, heatsink. Will use old hard drives have Vista Ultimate. Will use old Full tower case.

Please let me know what you think.

[Harley]

Done!! Pulled the trigger as it expired in an hour. I'm looking at running 3 HD 5870 video cards on this board.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131363
With this PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341046

I picked this board due to the price, and will fit all three cards in my 8 expansion slot case.
Going to fill the rest in with either the Phenom x4 BE or the t1090 x6 with the above board and 6 gigs of memory. The cards are purchased the PSU is next then need to settle on a MB and CPU with the limited funds left.

My budget is $600-800 for the above PSU a MB, Memory, CPU, heatsink. Will use old hard drives have Vista Ultimate. Will use old Full tower case.

Please let me know what you think.



You may have a problem with heat running 3 double width cards on that MB. There's not going to be much room between the cards. Right now I'm running 2 in mine but I have an extra slot between them. Make sure your box has good air flow.

[Fire$torm]

Done!! Pulled the trigger as it expired in an hour. I'm looking at running 3 HD 5870 video cards on this board.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131363
With this PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341046

I picked this board due to the price, and will fit all three cards in my 8 expansion slot case.
Going to fill the rest in with either the Phenom x4 BE or the t1090 x6 with the above board and 6 gigs of memory. The cards are purchased the PSU is next then need to settle on a MB and CPU with the limited funds left.

My budget is $600-800 for the above PSU a MB, Memory, CPU, heatsink. Will use old hard drives have Vista Ultimate. Will use old Full tower case.

Please let me know what you think.


You may have a problem with heat running 3 double width cards on that MB. There's not going to be much room between the cards. Right now I'm running 2 in mine but I have an extra slot between them. Make sure your box has good air flow.

++1

@Mike: What kind of case do you have? I ask because if you do not mind modding it you could add a fan to the side of the case that is large enough to cover all three cards. Maybe a 140mm like these Xigmateks (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=40000573%20600035652&IsNodeId=1&Description=140mm%20fan&name=65-70%20CFM&Order=RATING&Pagesize=20) that produce 60+ CFM <16 dBA or a 180mm fan like the Silverstone FM-181 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835220035) that does 65~150 CFM @ 17~36 dBA.

That MB should do well. If you can fit the 1090T into your budget, go for it. (6 cores > 4 cores).

Note: You cannot put 6Gigs of RAM on the MB since it is not a triple channel board. You can do 2, 4, 8 or 16 Gigs. In most boards all memory modules must be the same when filling all four slots.

For the CPU Cooler look at this list (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100008000%20600035298%20600035370&IsNodeId=1&name=Socket%20754%20%2f%20939%20%2f%20940%20%2f%20 AM2%20%2f%20AM3%20%2f%20LGA%20775&ShowDeactivatedMark=False) and this list. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100008000%20600035298%20600035373&IsNodeId=1&name=Socket%20AM2%20%2f%20AM3%20%2f%20LGA%20775%20 %2f%20LGA%201156%20%2f%20LGA%201366&ShowDeactivatedMark=False) I like the Zalman CNPS9700 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118019) because its an all copper unit, uses a 110mm fan and unlike many other AMD coolers it can be mounted in different directions relative to the motherboards orientation, so you can always have it exhausting air in the direction you want it to go.

[Dandasarge]

++1

@Mike: What kind of case do you have? I ask because if you do not mind modding it you could add a fan to the side of the case that is large enough to cover all three cards. Maybe a 140mm like these Xigmateks (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=40000573%20600035652&IsNodeId=1&Description=140mm%20fan&name=65-70%20CFM&Order=RATING&Pagesize=20) that produce 60+ CFM <16 dBA or a 180mm fan like the Silverstone FM-181 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835220035) that does 65~150 CFM @ 17~36 dBA.

That MB should do well. If you can fit the 1090T into your budget, go for it. (6 cores > 4 cores).

Note: You cannot put 6Gigs of RAM on the MB since it is not a triple channel board. You can do 2, 4, 8 or 16 Gigs. In most boards all memory modules must be the same when filling all four slots.

For the CPU Cooler look at this list (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100008000%20600035298%20600035370&IsNodeId=1&name=Socket%20754%20%2f%20939%20%2f%20940%20%2f%20 AM2%20%2f%20AM3%20%2f%20LGA%20775&ShowDeactivatedMark=False) and this list. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100008000%20600035298%20600035373&IsNodeId=1&name=Socket%20AM2%20%2f%20AM3%20%2f%20LGA%20775%20 %2f%20LGA%201156%20%2f%20LGA%201366&ShowDeactivatedMark=False) I like the Zalman CNPS9700 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118019) because its an all copper unit, uses a 110mm fan and unlike many other AMD coolers it can be mounted in different directions relative to the motherboards orientation, so you can always have it exhausting air in the direction you want it to go.

I agree on the Zalmen, I've used that CNPS9700 on a few builds never any issues. Fins are sharp as crap! Not that many arin't i've just been in my system a lot in the last 2 weeks and its anoying. You will also need a side fan like everyone else but i'm sure you knew that. (I just wanted to beet the dead horse (or i'm redundent)). If you work out the price per core they are within a buck or to the same per-performance so your not going to get out better one way or anonther. Some prodject tax the core more then others. If the whole idea is to run video card cruchers 4 should be fine, for over all crunching spend the extra 70 bucks and get the 6 cores. Also look at it this way. the slowist 6 core is faster then the fastist 4 core.

[rgathright]

Please, do not mistake this for a sales pitch! As you know, I test lots of cases every year as part of my reviewing gig. I just had to let you know about the Sentey!

I am currently testing the Sentey GS-6500R - Burton in my lab. The whole case is has an automotive type of paint that makes it shine. In fact, I am thinking about putting some wax on it. :x

The computer case has 6 case fans including two that sit on a bar that is pointed at the video card expansion slots.

If you are concerned about cooling off your video cards then this is the case for you!
Sentey GS-6500R Burton Computer Case (http://www.sentey.com/en_productos_details.php?tipo=Gabinetes&ctg=Extreme%20Division&prod=gs-6500r-burton)


I agree on the Zalmen, I've used that CNPS9700 on a few builds never any issues. Fins are sharp as crap! Not that many arin't i've just been in my system a lot in the last 2 weeks and its anoying. You will also need a side fan like everyone else but i'm sure you knew that. (I just wanted to beet the dead horse (or i'm redundent)). If you work out the price per core they are within a buck or to the same per-performance so your not going to get out better one way or anonther. Some prodject tax the core more then others. If the whole idea is to run video card cruchers 4 should be fine, for over all crunching spend the extra 70 bucks and get the 6 cores. Also look at it this way. the slowist 6 core is faster then the fastist 4 core.

AMD is releasing the Bulldozer 8 core, AM3+ chips this year. They have vastly improved fp & int performance. Please, do not waste your money on any high end cpu's until we all see the benchmarks of these exciting new processors! #-o

Go with a cheap AMD quad core off Ebay for now. There is nothing wrong with a used AMD AM3 CPU when you can get it for less than $50!:p

[Dandasarge]

Please, do not mistake this for a sales pitch! As you know, I test lots of cases every year as part of my reviewing gig. I just had to let you know about the Sentey!

I am currently testing the Sentey GS-6500R - Burton in my lab. The whole case is has an automotive type of paint that makes it shine. In fact, I am thinking about putting some wax on it. :x

The computer case has 6 case fans including two that sit on a bar that is pointed at the video card expansion slots.

If you are concerned about cooling off your video cards then this is the case for you!
Sentey GS-6500R Burton Computer Case (http://www.sentey.com/en_productos_details.php?tipo=Gabinetes&ctg=Extreme%20Division&prod=gs-6500r-burton)



AMD is releasing the Bulldozer 8 core, AM3+ chips this year. They have vastly improved fp & int performance. Please, do not waste your money on any high end cpu's until we all see the benchmarks of these exciting new processors! #-o

Go with a cheap AMD quad core off Ebay for now. There is nothing wrong with a used AMD AM3 CPU when you can get it for less than $50!:p

Pretty flashy case you have! I agree on Ebay

but I don't think the dozer's are going to be that great. From what I've seen they are going to be the same speed's just more efficient. think 8 cores for the same power the 4x are using now, and a shared cashing system. If you are going to run old programs without multi core support this will be great. They are in the same park now as the video cards where the 6XXX isn't always better then the 5XXX. You will see improvements to your credit per watt but not much on the overall credit.

[rgathright]

Pretty flashy case you have! I agree on Ebay

but I don't think the dozer's are going to be that great. From what I've seen they are going to be the same speed's just more efficient. think 8 cores for the same power the 4x are using now, and a shared cashing system. If you are going to run old programs without multi core support this will be great. They are in the same park now as the video cards where the 6XXX isn't always better then the 5XXX. You will see improvements to your credit per watt but not much on the overall credit.

That's why I'm back... SETI.USA is one of the greatest collection of processor minds left in the web forum world!

Ok, I love cache too. I like any improvements to cache because that is where SETI has always ran into a bottleneck with its large memory calls. Specifically, AMD is updating their L2 cache to be shared. The AMD 1090T had 3Mb total L2 but it was split into 512Kb banks on each processor. Now, imagine how SETI will run when it can pack both the L2 and L3 on these processors!

Secondly, what about the new processor core linking? Remember, AMD has been toying around with Hyperlinking for years now. Apparently... they have taken it to the next level with new strategies for FP/Int shared processing.

http://hothardware.com/newsimages/Item16328/bulldozer-isscc-11.jpg

The lower-level, more detailed diagram. AMD claims that each Bulldozer module contains "two tightly linked processor cores." In reality, the module contains something like 1.5 - 1.8 CPU cores which are linked together and operate using chip-multithreading, or CMT. ~ Source HotHardware.com (http://hothardware.com/News/AMD-Lifts-The-Hood-On-Bulldozer-At-ISSCC/)

http://hothardware.com/newsimages/Item16328/bulldozer-isscc-2.jpg

The Xeon 5120 was my #1 favorite budget processor of all time due to its Core 2 Duo core and 1333Mhz BSEL mod capability. I firmly believe the AMD Bulldozer line is going to surpass that top spot for me.

Here is a chart I made of Super Pi results. Notice how closely matched the AMD 965 and 1090T are. They still cannot touch the Intel i7 due to the FP/Int inefficiencies that AMD is now fixing.<):)
http://www.bayreviews.com/cache/multithumb_thumbs/2b5f3f966fd7e313e393100fa9ee142c.jpg

Thanks again... tell me what you think Intel can do in response? :)]

[Mike029]

++1

@Mike: What kind of case do you have? I ask because if you do not mind modding it you could add a fan to the side of the case that is large enough to cover all three cards. Maybe a 140mm like these Xigmateks (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=40000573%20600035652&IsNodeId=1&Description=140mm%20fan&name=65-70%20CFM&Order=RATING&Pagesize=20) that produce 60+ CFM <16 dBA or a 180mm fan like the Silverstone FM-181 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835220035) that does 65~150 CFM @ 17~36 dBA.

That MB should do well. If you can fit the 1090T into your budget, go for it. (6 cores > 4 cores).

Note: You cannot put 6Gigs of RAM on the MB since it is not a triple channel board. You can do 2, 4, 8 or 16 Gigs. In most boards all memory modules must be the same when filling all four slots.

For the CPU Cooler look at this list (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100008000%20600035298%20600035370&IsNodeId=1&name=Socket%20754%20%2f%20939%20%2f%20940%20%2f%20 AM2%20%2f%20AM3%20%2f%20LGA%20775&ShowDeactivatedMark=False) and this list. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100008000%20600035298%20600035373&IsNodeId=1&name=Socket%20AM2%20%2f%20AM3%20%2f%20LGA%20775%20 %2f%20LGA%201156%20%2f%20LGA%201366&ShowDeactivatedMark=False) I like the Zalman CNPS9700 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118019) because its an all copper unit, uses a 110mm fan and unlike many other AMD coolers it can be mounted in different directions relative to the motherboards orientation, so you can always have it exhausting air in the direction you want it to go.

I was going to use my old Full tower Rocketfish. Here is a look at it. Not much of a mod guy but I could try something if the heat was too much. The room it's in is a constant 68 Degrees and will be AC 24/7 in the summer.
http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14506

The 6 gigs was a typo. I meant 4 gigs. 8 if I have the cash. If I have to get another case that will hurt. What would you recommend? The HAF X is out of reach and the other one recommended looks a bit too high as well. Buying the GPU's and the PSU to run them ate up a large chunck of the cabbage. I'm guessing the choice of MB is ok. If anyone has another board to recommend that will run them cooler in my case I'm open to suggestions. I love the MSI that STM has but not sure it will work in a case with only 7 expansion slots. It is also $179.00

I am looking at running this as a GPU cruncher sort of on the line of STM but going low budget. :p Thanks for all the help guys.
Mike.

[Maxwell]

Well, if you have a crappy case sitting around, you can always mod it...

[Fire$torm]

I was going to use my old Full tower Rocketfish. Here is a look at it. Not much of a mod guy but I could try something if the heat was too much. The room it's in is a constant 68 Degrees and will be AC 24/7 in the summer.
http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14506

The 6 gigs was a typo. I meant 4 gigs. 8 if I have the cash. If I have to get another case that will hurt. What would you recommend? The HAF X is out of reach and the other one recommended looks a bit too high as well. Buying the GPU's and the PSU to run them ate up a large chunck of the cabbage. I'm guessing the choice of MB is ok. If anyone has another board to recommend that will run them cooler in my case I'm open to suggestions. I love the MSI that STM has but not sure it will work in a case with only 7 expansion slots. It is also $179.00

I am looking at running this as a GPU cruncher sort of on the line of STM but going low budget. :p Thanks for all the help guys.
Mike.

OK good stuff. I like the case and for the price, kudos. Since it has that internal side mounted fan you will not have any problems keeping 3 GPUs cool.

As I have noted elsewhere I am NOT an AMD guy. The Phenom I got from DrPop is the very first one I have ever owned. If you go rgathright's route, which is a very good suggestion, then you may wish to get a MB that will definitely support Bulldozer. Just be aware that Bulldozer will have a premium price in the beginning. So maybe a nice, gently used Phenom BE for now while you wait for Bulldozer's newness to settle down. This would also allow you to go with 8Gigs of RAM :) depending on MB purchase.

[John P. Myers]

...problems keeping 3 GPUs cool...

Need severe airflow but only have spots for 120mm fans?

120mm fans - 210.38 CFM to 252.8 CFM (http://www.frozencpu.com/cat/l3/g36/c435/s1109/list/p1/Fans-12_Volt_Fans_by_CFM-200_CFM_Fans-Page1.html). Sexy.
Be sure to add in the fan silencer.

Also, the 252.8 CFM fan draws 48W. Crazyiness. But be mindful of your PSU :)

[rgathright]

Need severe airflow but only have spots for 120mm fans?

120mm fans - 210.38 CFM to 252.8 CFM (http://www.frozencpu.com/cat/l3/g36/c435/s1109/list/p1/Fans-12_Volt_Fans_by_CFM-200_CFM_Fans-Page1.html). Sexy.
Be sure to add in the fan silencer.

Also, the 252.8 CFM fan draws 48W. Crazyiness. But be mindful of your PSU :)

Agreed! Nothing beats 120MM of airflow. I like the look they give as well.:D
http://www.bayreviews.com/cache/multithumb_thumbs/c62803b9e1ea22644b5880b96f83a3a7.JPG

[Dandasarge]

Holly Cow a lot in this thread! From such a symple start.



That's why I'm back... SETI.USA is one of the greatest collection of processor minds left in the web forum world!

Ok, I love cache too. I like any improvements to cache because that is where SETI has always ran into a bottleneck with its large memory calls. Specifically, AMD is updating their L2 cache to be shared. The AMD 1090T had 3Mb total L2 but it was split into 512Kb banks on each processor. Now, imagine how SETI will run when it can pack both the L2 and L3 on these processors!

Secondly, what about the new processor core linking? Remember, AMD has been toying around with Hyperlinking for years now. Apparently... they have taken it to the next level with new strategies for FP/Int shared processing.


I agree this is what happens though. If you are running say 1/2 and 1/2 of a non mem demanding and a mem demanding the mem demanding will see an improvement but I'm thinking maybe 5% could be a little more so I’ll say 10%. If you are running all mem demanding task's then there will be no improvement because the mem will be at max per core anyways. The ones that use less then the 512k will see no change. It is a game plan but what 2 projects would you run?


I was going to use my old Full tower Rocketfish. Here is a look at it. Not much of a mod guy but I could try something if the heat was too much. The room it's in is a constant 68 Degrees and will be AC 24/7 in the summer.
http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/f...ad.php?t=14506


68 is dang cold! I like that rocketfish looks symple and I love bottom power supplys.

[Mike029]

I have 3 of these fans I picked up at F$ suggestion last year for the Rocketfish case.. Before I bought the Azza Hurrican 2000.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185054&cm_re=120_mm_fan-_-35-185-054-_-Product
RPM: 3000 ±10% RPM
Air Flow: 133.60 CFM
Noise Level: 45.90 dBA

This fan will not fit in the side mount over the GPU. I replaced the original fan with this one.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185065
RPM 1900 RPM
Air Flow 75 CFM
Noise Level 35 dBA

I hope it will move enough air over the 3 GPU's. If not I'll remove the side GPU fan mount and add a 2nd 120mm fan to look something like this. 2 120mm fans over the 3 GPU should keep the middle GPU from cooking. That's the plan.

http://benchmarkreviews.com/images/reviews/cases/VL80001W2Z/thermaltake_v3_case_exterior_side.jpg

The PSU is this one. You think I'll run into a problem adding extra fans with this PSU?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341046

Well, this is the plan gentlemen.