Choices: HD2600XT paired with or a 2nd Pro?

[JrRacinFan]

Basically as the title states, I have 3 options:

1. Save my money for an HD4k card.

2. Purchase a 2nd HD2600Pro ($45) -OR-

3. Purchase an HD2600XT($67) and pair it up with the Pro.

Now I can't purchase an HD3850 right away this has been discussed in a different thread, just small talk though.

I do know I plan on going Sapphire either way if purchase either card, and it will be 512MB ddr2 or ddr3, although ddr4 is not out of the question.

One question regarding this though, is it possible to overclock each card independently?

Let's say, If I get the XT and want to overclock the pro to bring up closer to the performance level of the XT, can I do so? And for crossfire, would mixing brands be ok? My board is 8x+8x would that help some?

[JrRacinFan]

Play games decently? Sorry I should have mentioned this but, the pro so far plays games I want to play just fine. I usually play older games but anything newer I run them @ 1024x768. The single Pro performs just a smudgin below what my 8600GT used to before it died.

[ghost101]

Play games decently? Sorry I should have mentioned this but, the pro so far plays games I want to play just fine. I usually play older games but anything newer I run them @ 1024x768. The single Pro performs just a smudgin below what my 8600GT used to before it died.

Seeing as your monitor is a 19" one, i personally wouldn't call that resolution okay.

[farlex85]

Can't you flash the pro to xt? I dunno, depends what you plan on playing. If 2600pro does fine for you now, two will probably do fine for you later. But, a 4k card would be a much larger upgrade most likely, and of course more efficient as well.

[tkpenalty]

Basically as the title states, I have 3 options:

1. Save my money for an HD4k card.

2. Purchase a 2nd HD2600Pro ($45) -OR-

3. Purchase an HD2600XT($67) and pair it up with the Pro.

Now I can't purchase an HD3850 right away this has been discussed in a different thread, just small talk though.

I do know I plan on going Sapphire either way if purchase either card, and it will be 512MB ddr2 or ddr3, although ddr4 is not out of the question.

One question regarding this though, is it possible to overclock each card independently?

Let's say, If I get the XT and want to overclock the pro to bring up closer to the performance level of the XT, can I do so? And for crossfire, would mixing brands be ok? My board is 8x+8x would that help some?

For now I wouldnt bother upgrading. The gain you'll get from a second card isnt much and thus, not really worth it. Just be patient, wait it out then get a HD3850 :p

[ghost101]

Can't you flash the pro to xt? I dunno, depends what you plan on playing. If 2600pro does fine for you now, two will probably do good for you later. But, a 4k card would be a much larger upgrade most likely, and of course more efficient as well.

I'm not sure that's possible. Don't think a ddr2 version of the 2600xt has ever been released by anyone.

[JrRacinFan]

Seeing as your monitor is a 19" one, i personally wouldn't call that resolution okay.

Well what I meant was if it can run higher with a tiny bit of eye candy then cool, I am all for it. A higher res above that for my monitor is 1280x800 or 1440x900 and thats my max.


EDIT: And you are correct about the DDR2.

[farlex85]

I'm not sure that's possible. Don't think a ddr2 version of the 2600xt has ever been released by anyone.

Ah yes, your probably right. I didn't know the specs well of those, thinking of other ati cards (like my old x700pro).

[cdawall]

i vote you wc your rig and worry about videocards later

[JrRacinFan]

i vote you wc your rig and worry about videocards later

Out of the question, I have a VF900 on the way, cause the cooler is only so-so. Also I have very warm ambients so it wouldn't matter if I stayed with air or not.

What other suggestions you got man?

EDIT:

@Ghost

Going by the rumored specs the HD4650 should be really good for the MSRP of 129. Granted I could purchase an HD3850 at that time, but time will tell if it truly would be better though.

[cdawall]

wait for 4xxx

[JrRacinFan]

wait for 4xxx

Who else is with him on this?

[jbunch07]

Who else is with him on this?

i would wait it wont be to long before they are out...i think i might wait as well....strong emphasis on the might though ;)

[JrRacinFan]

Alright good deal, just waiting on more people to vote. Although I may just pickup a 2nd 2600 Pro anyways.

[CrackerJack]

i say wait for the 4k series, then sell the 2k series and buy another 4 series later on.

[jbunch07]

Alright good deal, just waiting on more people to vote. Although I may just pickup a 2nd 2600 Pro anyways.

ehh its only $45 might as well at least untill the 4xxx's come out

[CrackerJack]

ehh its only $45 might as well at least untill the 4xxx's come out

yeah i see your point, i guess i would have done the same thing. WAIT i am. :laugh:

[JrRacinFan]

Yeah, it's truly a moot point I have going on. The save for HD4k, it will just give me an extra few bucks to where I may be able to get the new card sooner. That's all. That's what I meant.