First of all, motherboards that support Crossfire or SLI are not too expensive anymore as they were a year ago. Secondly, graphics cards have become also cheaper so users now face a dilemma: if they already have a graphics card from mid or high-range class with motherboard that supports CrossFire/SLI, is it better to sell that one and buy new one, or to buy same graphics card and make CrossFire/SLI system? Also new users face same dilemma: when buying new configuration should you plan future upgrade that includes upgrade of existing graphics card or purchase of second graphics card when it becomes much cheaper?

Chances are that you won’t get into this kind of dilemma since HD 4830 has appeared few weeks ago on the market. Although if you managed to get one for yourself, should you now sell HD 4830 and buy HD 4870 or should you buy another HD 4830 and go for CrossFire?

If we take into account current prices of graphics card and that you already have CrossFire motherboard, we reckon that it is better to go for HD 4830 because it is for around 20€ cheaper compared to HD 4870.  On the other hand if you can get your hands on HD 4870 for price that is similar to HD 4830 than you should go for HD 4870. If you don’t have CrossFire motherboard you should go for HD 4870 because investment in new CrossFire motherboard and additional expenses that will appear in some moment, along with fuss that goes hand in hand with job of changing motherboard, isn’t worth it.

This is plausible dilemma simply because GeForce 9600GT is for some time present on the market. If you are proud owner of SLI motherboard you can purchase second hand 9600GT for very reasonable price or even new one for not that much higher price. If you are buying new configuration you should go for 9800GTX. Although performances and prices of 9600GT and 9800GTX are very close, it is better to go for 9800GTX as more reasonable solution because you will have much larger number of supported motherboards to choose from. If you are determined to go for SLI system, than you should go for 9800GT or even 8800GT. For difference in price, you can later buy another 9800GT or 8800GT and for slightly bigger investment get much higher performances.