Is it really worth it....

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smee

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Is it really worth it to run SLI?
(by the way, my name is Parker and i'm 14, I'm new to the [H]ard|Forum)

I've built several computers, one of which was water cooled.
Now I'm going to build my own gaming computer but need some pointers.

I'm thinking of getting the EVGA 122-CK-NF63-TR 680i board with 2gbs of ram and an e4400 (i'm going to over clock it a little ;).

I'm thinking of getting either two 7900GTX 512mb 256-bit cards or just an 8800GTS 320mb 320-bit card.

The EVGA board can run sli 16x each card.

Let me know which way I should go, or if you have an other vga card suggestions :)
My budget for 1 card is $300, and for 2 (depending on the cards) is $400 max.

Let me know,
Parker :)
 
IMO, SLI is only a really good idea when used as an upgrade path. If you start with SLI, you have just purchased two cards that you have to get rid of to upgrade your graphics; if you buy one and then later upgrade to SLI, you have wasted no money, but gained performance. While the performance/price ratio is sometimes a little higher with SLI than a single card, in the long run it's hard to beat SLI as an upgrade path.
 
you should try to avoid SLI whenever it's possible, while everyone can debate its compatibility, IMO, it still can't beat single card compatibility.

not all game support SLI/Crossfire, even future titles.
 
Err, I run two 7800gtx in SLI and all my games run as smooth as butter. I don't get why people say screw SLI because honestly in real world performance it works very well.
 
Frankly,I was considering an SLI system myself,but decided it just wasn't worth it when I saw the persistent problems that seem to follow boards with Nvidia's present chipsets.I'd rather have the stability and performance of an Intel chipset like the P35 or upcoming X38.It's a shame the rumors of the X38 having SLI were untrue,it would have been the perfect solution.
 
Thanks guys for all of your opinions!
I think I'll just be getting one card and then upgrading (in the future) to SLI.

Also, Michael, what board and card did you decide to get?

Also, I have a reall stupid questions... what does IMO mean? :rolleyes:

Parker
 
IMO = In my opinion.

And SLI/Crossfire can be good, but its much better to pick a single card over two weaker ones, as 90% of the time, you won't get 2x performance from the two cards but are paying 2x the price.
 
smee said:
Thanks guys for all of your opinions!
I think I'll just be getting one card and then upgrading (in the future) to SLI.

Also, Michael, what board and card did you decide to get?

Also, I have a reall stupid questions... what does IMO mean? :rolleyes:

Parker
Click to expand...

Get an Abit IP-35 Pro or non-pro, or anything with the P35 chipset.
 
you know, some games at some settings are better with sli over a single fast card.

most arent though. I think it has to do with sli optimization rather than it just not being as good.

If I had a 7900 series, I would get an sli combo as one could find a cheap used one to pair with it.

I would say the same thing with crossfire, but there are fewer crossfire compatible cards out there than sli 's.

For me, it is all about wattage/heat. SLI never was better in terms of that. well, except for dual 6600gt's. I thinkt that was the only time it was. most arent as concerned as myself though.
 
smee said:
Is it really worth it to run SLI?

(by the way, my name is Parker and i'm 14, I'm new to the [H]ard|Forum)
Click to expand...

Don't mean to come across like an old grouch but could you put the whole question in the topic?

If you came to the forum and every single topic was called 'Topic 1, Topic 2' and you had to read the post to find out what they were about, you would find the forum a total waste of time.

You would also have gotten more/faster/better etc. responses.

Again, sorry to sound like a grouch but at the end of the day you get more out of the forum and so does everyone else.
 
If you get a p35 mobo you won't be able to do SLI on it only crossfire. And the second card onliy runs at 4x.

And the soon to come x38 mobo's will support both cards running at 16x but I'm not sure if its crossfire or sli.
 
Hey guys,

Thanks for more of the opinions!
I'm thinking of an 8800GTS 640mb. (what brand would you suggest?)

Thanks Jmackay for the IMO translation :rolleyes:
Finkus, next time I post something I'll put it all in the subject. Sorry about that.

I'm pretty sold on getting either a 680i or P35 board. I'm only going to run one card for sure.
Does anybody have any board suggestions? (thanks RangerSVT, I'm considering that board too :D).
I like boards that have a removable bios chip, so if I screw up the bios then I can just get a replacement :D

Parker
 
I have experience with both the Evga 680i and Intel P35. The evga bios is wonderful and the intel one sucks. So don't go for a regular intel p35 board, go with some other brand. Other than that, its up to you. The P35 is supposed to be cooler and NF6 is mainly for SLI uses, but they are solid boards and good OCers as well.
 
mrbay said:
Err, I run two 7800gtx in SLI and all my games run as smooth as butter. I don't get why people say screw SLI because honestly in real world performance it works very well.
Click to expand...

have you tried using single 7800gtx instead? is there any real differences? because i really don't think "all games" are having better framerate like you said, it's really depending on what titles you played.
 
jmackay said:
I have experience with both the Evga 680i and Intel P35. The evga bios is wonderful and the intel one sucks. So don't go for a regular intel p35 board, go with some other brand.
Click to expand...

So what you're saying is that the Intel brand (not chipset) was incapable of impressing you with good bios modifications? Geeez I wonder why that is :confused: ..... :eek: Oh that's right, cause of the warranty precautions that the Intel brand (not chipset) motherboard supplies you with. Which is why most of the people who overclock, or do any type of modification, go with Abit / Asus / Gigabyte....


And for the record, it's been the topic of alot of debates, with the outcome being; if you get sli, get 680i, if you don't need sli, get P-35 or X38 chipset based motherboard, cause I guarantee you my Abit IP-35 is a much better overclocker and more stable than your eVGA 680
 
I agree that you should go with a single-card solution. You really don't even need to get a board that is capable of running a dual-card solution unless you plan on picking up a 24" or 30" monitor anytime soon. Even then a GTX could handle it with some of the image quality turned down.

I would suggest the abit IP35-E, which can be had for under $100. Then pick up an eVGA 8800GTS 320MB or 640MB. Spend the rest of the money you saved on the motherboard to get at least a E6xxx series processor. The E4xxx's tend to run hotter and don't overclock as well. If at possible, grab a Q6600, that way when your video card bogs down you can just buy the newest and greatest single card and still be kicking ass. I have a feeling that your video card is going to age a lot faster than a quad core.
 
Good god i'm 4 years older than you and my system is shit compared to what you have
 
Hey guys!

I am definately going with only one card.
Probably an 8800GTS 320mb or 640mb.
But would an 8800GTS 320mb handle a 19" Widscreen lcd?
(here's a link to it: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16824254005)
The only games I play are:
Halo
Halo 2 (vista)
BF2142
Star Wars BFII
Need For Speed

So I don't really play video intensive stuff, I just want something that will run those games probably close to max settings without spending everything in my wallet...:rolleyes:

TheGardenTool
I'm not going to be getting anything bigger than a 19" lcd.
I'd rather not spend that much money on a processor (i.e. I don't need a quad, trust me ;))
Although I am considering like an E6320 or something like that...
My budget is $1,300 without a monitor.

I have heard several times about the Abit IP35 board on this thread and am curious why so many people really like it so much?
I'm looking into it myself... but which model is best?

Thanks again guys for all the opinions, the more the better:D

Parker
 
You'll be fine with the 320 since the highest resolution you'll see is 1280x1024.

Going with the bigger card wouldn't be a bad idea since you'd be able to jack up the AA & AF.
 
ya, the 320mb version would be fine for a 19" screen. really no point in spending more than you have to.
 
I prefer EVGA. I like there lifetime warrenty, and the ability to overclock and change the heatsink on the cards without voiding warrenty. That and EVGA is usually one of the cheaper ones to buy.
 
Ok, sounds good, EVGA sells them for $290, $300 and $330 on newegg.
The $290 and $300 have a 100mhz difference in memory clock, does it really matter?

Also, I noticed that alot of people have the Zalman 9700 heatsink for there 775, I was thinking of getting the Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 cuz it get's some really good reviews. Which would you suggest?
(I know this is the video card thread, sorry for asking questions about mobo's and heatsinks :rolleyes:)

Parker
 
RangerSVT said:
So what you're saying is that the Intel brand (not chipset) was incapable of impressing you with good bios modifications? Geeez I wonder why that is :confused: ..... :eek: Oh that's right, cause of the warranty precautions that the Intel brand (not chipset) motherboard supplies you with. Which is why most of the people who overclock, or do any type of modification, go with Abit / Asus / Gigabyte....


And for the record, it's been the topic of alot of debates, with the outcome being; if you get sli, get 680i, if you don't need sli, get P-35 or X38 chipset based motherboard, cause I guarantee you my Abit IP-35 is a much better overclocker and more stable than your eVGA 680
Click to expand...

Since when was this a pissing match?

I told him to "So don't go for a regular intel p35 board, go with some other brand.". I knew Intel boards weren't for heavy OCing (or ANY modification), I didn't know you can't change jack shit except for boot devices/order.
 
Don't worry, I under stood what you meant.
Intel boards usually aren't the best, but P35 and 680i Are good chipsets with any brand besides Intel.

:D Parker
 
smee said:
Hey guys!

I am definately going with only one card.
Probably an 8800GTS 320mb or 640mb.
But would an 8800GTS 320mb handle a 19" Widscreen lcd?
(here's a link to it: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16824254005)
TheGardenTool
I'm not going to be getting anything bigger than a 19" lcd.
Parker
Click to expand...
Adionik said:
You'll be fine with the 320 since the highest resolution you'll see is 1280x1024.

Going with the bigger card wouldn't be a bad idea since you'd be able to jack up the AA & AF.
Click to expand...

You mean 1440x900 :p

Smee, I'd look at a 20.1" widescreen monitor, they're not that much more expensive and can do 1680x1050. But then, you might want to consider that 640mb card instead... hmm, this is adding up in cost, maybe it isn't a good idea since you're so young.
 
Lol Runner6m,

I'm not going to be needing a 20.1" Flat.
I am still considering the 640.
Yes, I am young, but I have a 15 hundred dollar budget that I earned myself.

BUT, if I can get a good deal on a 20.1" for under $200, then I'll take it.

Parker
 
jmackay said:
I have experience with both the Evga 680i and Intel P35. The evga bios is wonderful and the intel one sucks. So don't go for a regular intel p35 board, go with some other brand. Other than that, its up to you. The P35 is supposed to be cooler and NF6 is mainly for SLI uses, but they are solid boards and good OCers as well.
Click to expand...

I guarntee you I can tweak more with my DFI LP P35 than you can with an EVGA 680i.

The bios is up to the manufacturer of the board NOT the chipset manufacturer.

IIRC the EVGA board uses a Nvidia reference Bios.

I would hardly call the DFI P35 bios reference..
 
smee said:
Lol Runner6m,

I'm not going to be needing a 20.1" Flat.
I am still considering the 640.
Yes, I am young, but I have a 15 hundred dollar budget that I earned myself.

BUT, if I can get a good deal on a 20.1" for under $200, then I'll take it.

Parker
Click to expand...

Good on you for making the cash, it's nice to see a young person with some initiative.

I don't know if you're aware of EVGA's step-up program, but look into it before making your decision on a video card. I *think* the new nvidia cards are coming out in November. If so, then you're still within the 90 day step-up timeframe.
 
jmackay said:
Since when was this a pissing match?

I told him to "So don't go for a regular intel p35 board, go with some other brand.". I knew Intel boards weren't for heavy OCing (or ANY modification), I didn't know you can't change jack shit except for boot devices/order.
Click to expand...

Pissing match? It's rather difficult to express emotion with text, jmackay. I was only providing more conclusive information to backup what you initially stated, with many missing facts.
 
Spazilton said:
I guarntee you I can tweak more with my DFI LP P35 than you can with an EVGA 680i.

The bios is up to the manufacturer of the board NOT the chipset manufacturer.

IIRC the EVGA board uses a Nvidia reference Bios.

I would hardly call the DFI P35 bios reference..
Click to expand...

OMFG can you not read at all?

jmackay said:
I have experience with both the Evga 680i and Intel P35. The evga bios is wonderful and the intel one sucks. So don't go for a regular intel p35 board, go with some other brand. Other than that, its up to you. The P35 is supposed to be cooler and NF6 is mainly for SLI uses, but they are solid boards and good OCers as well.
Click to expand...

Not only was my comment based on my experience (unlike yours), but I recommended the P35 in ANY FLAVOR BUT INTEL. When did I say anything about DFI's bios? YOU made that up.

FFS why can't people read my post w/o trying to turn it into a pissing match?
 
Alright guys, no fighting. I understood everything you said jmackay and others.

Runner6m,
Lol, my dad calls me a mr. business, cuz I have my own eBay business selling computer components and some other things and used to do some selling on craigslist and such.

I've heard of the 90 step-up, but I don't think i'm going to want a new high end card, because I know they'll be costly.

Also, what are the new cards going to be called? (i.e. 9400gtx? 9800Ultra?)

Parker
 
Sorry just hate it when people don't even read two sentences before trying to talk smack and "one up" for no reason.

We have no idea what the new cards will be, and probably won't until a few weeks before they are released.

Most likely there will be a new mid-range card and possibly a high end as well.

Step-up could be useful if you pick something weaker than the 8800gts assuming the mid-range fills the gap between the 8600gts & 8800gts. EVGA / XFX are the two main companies you want to buy form as well because of their warranty/CS. BFG is also good.
 
Ok, My dad has two 8600gts 512's in his new rig and it's smokin'.
I was also thinking of just two 8600gt 512mb cards from evga, they have power connectors on them so it's not sucking the power through the pcie slot.

Would those suite my needs? (I listed the games I play somewhere on the second page of this thread.)

Thanks,
Parker
 
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