Build a Crossfire system for less than $500

A READER researched and found out that you can put a SLI machine together, without a display, for roughly $500.

He says that for $79.99 you can get an ECS C-19 SLI MB, while an Intel D805 CPU will cost $111. Bung in a Scyth CPU cooler at $19.99, 1GB DDR2 PQI Ram at $65 and add a single Geforce 7600 GS at $99, with rebate.

Of course, you'll need a disk, cheapo case, a cheapo PSU and mouse and keyboard but you should find those lying aroud in dusty corners. This should be all the stuff you need.

In the best-case scenario, re reckon a capable SLI rig will cost you $570 or little bit less. Based on newegg prices in the USA, we were surprised to disover some variation in the price of Crossfire hardware.

A Sapphire X1600 PRO card costs $109.99 after $20 rebate or you can get Sapphire X1300PRO card for $69.99. Asus' A8R board costs $61.99 and a Western Digital 80 GB drive costs $43.99. A Venice Athlon 64 with 3000+ will cost only $93.81.

This will drive you to $455 if you use X1300 PRO cards, or $535 if you use two X1600 PRO cards. Whatever the choice, the Crossfire system ends up a shade cheaper.

Who would have thought that you will be able to get a full Crossfire and SLI system for around $500. µ