Running multiple generations of AMD cards in the same machine?

[jim]

Does anyone have experience of this?

I'm planning to get a 280x or similar to run a 4K screen for desktop/gaming, and then something passive to run my pair of 1080p panels for desktop-only.

Question is, should I buy a R5 230 new for compatibility reasons, or can I just pick up a second hand 5450 or similar and save a bit of cash?

I know it's been much easier to run multiple graphics cards for a while now, but how good is it in practice? Am I best off getting the same generation, or will it make no difference?

[scaryjim]

The R5 230 is just a rebadged 5450 anyway, tbh. I've got a desktop with a 7750 with HD4200 IGP which I can prod if you want, try to see if/how the whole multiscreen thing works across those, but I'm pretty sure both GPUs can be used at the same time without too much trouble, despite the different generations. What is it in particular that you're worried about, gaming performance dropping off? Or just the whole thing working properly?

[Altair]

Hi!

Rather than start a new topic I came across this topic while browsing the forum, which might also answer a question I have. I hope the OP doesn't mind me posting a similar question!
I have an MSI Radeon R7950 Twin Frozr 3GD5 BE. GPU card. Could I pair this GPU (Crossfire) up with one of the newer R270 or R280X cards?
If so, are there any suggestions as to which of the newer cards (make & model) would be a good match with the older R7950?
Any information welcome.

Altair.

[jim]

The R5 230 is just a rebadged 5450 anyway, tbh. I've got a desktop with a 7750 with HD4200 IGP which I can prod if you want, try to see if/how the whole multiscreen thing works across those, but I'm pretty sure both GPUs can be used at the same time without too much trouble, despite the different generations. What is it in particular that you're worried about, gaming performance dropping off? Or just the whole thing working properly?

More that it won't work at all. My suspicion is that running two monitors on the desktop alongside 4K gaming would push a 280x and that offloading the desktops to a 5450 might help. I've had issues with my current dual screen where windows wants to disable aero whilst I'm in game on the second monitor.

[Altair]

Hi

I found a link just recently that might go some way to answer the questions from the original poster and myself.
I hope it will be of some help to jim or other people here.

http://www.legitreviews.com/amd-rade...testing_126124

Altair

[jim]

In answer to the original question, I am now running a 280x and a 5450 happily in the same machine. It is worth saying, however, that it's a good idea to check very carefully which monitor is plugged into which card.

Otherwise, Fire Strike runs very, very, very slowly.