Yes the x1600 isn't that good of a card, and crossfire isn't that good either... not brand bashing here at all just the truth read on please. The x1800 is much better than both the x1600 and x850 of course. It's the step up from the x850 I'd say, and the x1600 is a step down.
One major lacking in the x850 is SM3.0 but then again do you really need that yet.
http://www.tomshardware.com/2005/12/02/ … index.htmlBut I know you want two cards... but the question is why? Two cards it's really better than one and sometimes worse, you also limit your upgrade pathway.
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The x850 is really a great card and it does very well, 2 x1600's wouldn't be much better and is certainly a waste of money.
Personally I'd wait and keep the x850 (especially for BF2 purposes)
But if you really want to spend the money buy the most expensive single card you can and make sure you can crossfire or SLI it.
This way later you will be able to buy the second.
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Let me say again it really makes no sence to go out a buy two lower model cards just to run SLI or Crossfire.
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IMHO it's like having a double car garage. You have the BMW parked in one and the other is empty, but you want to fill both spots. Do you sell the BMW to buy two VW's???
Save up to get the two ferrari's if you can only afford one, then buy one and save up to get the next one.