How does everybody feel about 1st generation hardware? I'm about to commit a good amount of money to the new crossfire board from DFI, a FX57 and an x18000 while I wait for the master crossfire card to come out. (no I didn't rob anyone or Grandma didn't die, it's bonus season at work) Anyway, the board is pretty unproven, in fact, it looks like people have had many problems with it. By the time I get it, and have properly prepped my case for these toys (more on that in a worklog possibly) I'm guessing that DFI will have this stuff straightened out in a bios update. Back to the main question, how does everyone feel about 1st gen hardware? Are you willing to deal with the issues?

I think first-gen hardware is great if you have the time, patience, and money (not just for it, but for replacing it if it sucks). Sure, you get burned sometimes; like when you buy the brand-new Ultra X-Connect for $99 and then discover the voltages are about as stable as j-dogg near an open manhole cover.

I think I'm getting old. More and more, I just like for stuff to work right the first time. But you don't get to play with cutting-edge stuff that way.

I'm always willing to deal with the issues, as are a lot of us here. I kind of enjoy running down problems until I reach a resolution, unless I'm on a time crunch for a review. If you buy first generation, you have to expect that something will bite you in the ass. If you accept that, go for it.

Well in the spirit of the community and trying new things, I've pulled the trigger. I substituted a Dual Core 4400+ for the FX, just couldn't justify 1K for a processor. As soon as I have everything up and running I'll let everyone know how it works out. I'll have a second update once I can get my hands on a x18000 512mb master card to fire up the crossfire. I think they're coming out pretty soon.

Asus is coming out with an A8R-MVP board (Crossfire, and uses the better ULi SB) which looks to overclock better than DFI's RDX200, for a lot less $$$.

http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=2617

Oh yeah, also, get the FX55 San Diego instead of the FX57. Since they both have unlocked multipliers, you'll save yourself $200.

Quote: Originally Posted by mrcracker Well in the spirit of the community and trying new things, I've pulled the trigger. I substituted a Dual Core 4400+ for the FX, just couldn't justify 1K for a processor. As soon as I have everything up and running I'll let everyone know how it works out. I'll have a second update once I can get my hands on a x18000 512mb master card to fire up the crossfire. I think they're coming out pretty soon.

Lol......We should call you High-Roller F@H Pimp

I am still droolin over the new Gear.....give me a minute

Nice stuff!

First generation... GO FOR IT!

If it sucks too badly for what you want to do, there'll always be someone else wanting to try it out (provided it isn't too heavily thrashed )

*cough cough* eBAY *splutter* Trading Post *cough*

Edit: Oh T2!
didn't you mean High r-HOE-ler F@H pimp??

Intresting link. I read that the X1800XT can be flashed to become the CF mastercard. Honestly I would go with the board that Ator linked. The DFI CF board is having trouble breaking 300FSB. You could always send Necro and I those two X1800XTs and the ASUS and let us break the 3D Mark 05 record. Just messin of course.

Well the system is up and running. Will be trying some OC tonight. Just for reference, I got 8452 in 3Dmark05 as my base number. I put a Storm G5 on my cpu and am waiting for the x1800xt block from Danger Den which I was told will be available in the near future, so my VC is still on air. No problems whatsover with the board either...

Quote: Originally Posted by mrcracker Well the system is up and running. Will be trying some OC tonight. Just for reference, I got 8452 in 3Dmark05 as my base number. I put a Storm G5 on my cpu and am waiting for the x1800xt block from Danger Den which I was told will be available in the near future, so my VC is still on air. No problems whatsover with the board either...

That is with one X1800Xt right? My 7800GT bought me a 8,300 and i still have a LOT of tweeking to do.. and its all on AIR!



Matt

Just with one card. Nice scores on the 7800. Best of luck with the tweaks.