i have the same problems with my add in soundcard on the PCI slot, but its not due to CFX, i belive its happening b/c the PCI bus is completely saturated when running 2 vid cards, independently or in CFX.... (i have a 5970 & GTX260 & my motherboard has cut power to the other PCI slots on the board
)
in regards to your current dilemma, personally i think i'd look at the 5850 & then later on you could add another, CFX 5770's while they perform well, leaves no upgrade path really.
oh, & ''VaporX'' is not all its cracked up to be..... ive seen a few amateur reviews from ppl with ''VaporX'' & reference coolers, & performance is about the same (sometimes worse)
