Let the fun begin! I just received my new GA-P67A-UD3-B3!

[Dark Mantis]

Yes I agree the SSDs are nice ...and fast but far too expensive considering what they consist of.

[faizoff]

Y'know I've been thinking of getting 2 Radeon HD 6850s for my UD3 board. But I think I remember the 2nd PCIe slot only supports to a max of x4 lanes which would be a bummer.

Anyone have any thoughts on crossfiring on the UD3 board?
Also I'd like to ask if this would better off as it's own thread.

[bytheway_r]

Ouch, not only that but if you have any PCI Express cards ( sound card for example ) it goes down to x1.

To answer your question, there's no point in going crossfire. For cards with this kind of processing power you need x8+ to really get the performance you've paid for.

Not sure about prices in the States but maybe look for a 6950/6970 instead? Best bang for the buck would be an unlockable 6950 but they're hard to get new as AMD released rev. 2 which is hardware locked.

[faizoff]

Yea right after I posted, I was reading an article of how just getting a standalone 6850 or 6870 will be a great benefit to get right away rather than wait to get a crossfire. Because by then there will be single cards out that will most likely cost less than the crossfire and get around the same performance.
I think I'll just go ahead and get the 6850. I've read the price cost between the 6870 and 6850 doesnt justify the performance difference.

[Dark Mantis]

I have moved the next reply to Overclocking and Watercooling section as I feel it was getting a bit off track.

Please see : http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,4902.0.html

DM - Moderator

[stewwmann]

Y'know I've been thinking of getting 2 Radeon HD 6850s for my UD3 board. But I think I remember the 2nd PCIe slot only supports to a max of x4 lanes which would be a bummer.

Anyone have any thoughts on crossfiring on the UD3 board?
Also I'd like to ask if this would better off as it's own thread.

  I"m pretty sure that board runs two pcie slots both at x8, and x8 is fine.

[faizoff]

Hmm I'll have to check my manual again. I could've swornthe 2nd PCIe became x4 when the 1st PCIe was used.

[Dark Mantis]

Actually the second PCIE slot is always x4 regardless. See here on page 7 :

http://download.gigabyte.eu/FileList/Manual/mb_manual_ga-p67(ph67a)(ph67)-ud3-b3_v1.1_e.pdf

[faizoff]

Have my CPU OC'ed to 4.6 Ghz now and temp is a cool 32 C. I read that the arctic silver 5 takes about 200 hours to properly cure. I'm liking it so far. With a good case I hope to get the temp even down further if that's possible.

[soarwitheagles]

Yea right after I posted, I was reading an article of how just getting a standalone 6850 or 6870 will be a great benefit to get right away rather than wait to get a crossfire. Because by then there will be single cards out that will most likely cost less than the crossfire and get around the same performance.
I think I'll just go ahead and get the 6850. I've read the price cost between the 6870 and 6850 doesnt justify the performance difference.

Faizoff,

I am not sure if you are interested, but TD just placed the Galaxy GeForce GTX 480 Super OC Video Card on sale after rebates and coupons for only $239.99.  New Egg has been selling these cards for $425.  I just picked up two [that was the limit].  It's a great deal and they will probably sell out quick.

Not sure if this in the GPU level you are looking, but it is a great deal.  You may want to look into it.

Soar

[Dark Mantis]

Hi faizoff

Sounds like a great deal, just wish they would do that sort of thing over here. Even older stock is kept at inflated prices usually.

[faizoff]

Thanks Soar, funny thing is I've been rethinking if I really need a new video card. Since all the games I have currently can be played at max settings (Far Cry 2, HL 2,GTA SA, Bioshock, etc...)

My 4670 handles it all really well and there isn't any noticeable lag while playing. I guess the ratinale in getting a new upgraded video card was to get one that somewhat matches the system specs rather than actual use of it.

That sure looks like a great deal for the GTX 480. I was looking more in the range of ~$150. I will have to think about this though.

Thanks for pointing it out.

[soarwitheagles]

Thanks Soar, funny thing is I've been rethinking if I really need a new video card. Since all the games I have currently can be played at max settings (Far Cry 2, HL 2,GTA SA, Bioshock, etc...)

My 4670 handles it all really well and there isn't any noticeable lag while playing. I guess the ratinale in getting a new upgraded video card was to get one that somewhat matches the system specs rather than actual use of it.

That sure looks like a great deal for the GTX 480. I was looking more in the range of ~$150. I will have to think about this though.

Thanks for pointing it out.

No problem Faizoff!  I purchased two because I like the idea of selling one of the cards on Ebay or Craigslist for around $340.  Then I will have paid around $140 for one of these cards.  There are rebates involved, so it takes more effort and watchfulness.  I've been doing stuff like this for the last few years and it has saved me literally thousands of dollars.  I do not like the idea of paying the full price for any electronics and that is why I am always looking for and finding good deals.

I just wish I could have purchased 50-100 of these units at this price, but there is a limit of 2 with the rebate.

That 4670 is a great card and should do fine for you!

If you change your mind, here is the forum with the coupons and codes for the Galaxy GeForce GTX 480 Super OC Video Card :

http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2815629

Have a good one!

Soar  

[soarwitheagles]

Hi faizoff

Sounds like a great deal, just wish they would do that sort of thing over here. Even older stock is kept at inflated prices usually.

DM,

How much for the same GPU card [GTX 480 Super Over Clocked] version in England?

Soar

[Dark Mantis]

Hi Soar

After just checking as I don't usually use the nVidia cards it seems they go for around £300 or a bit more.

Hope this helps.