Couple Questions!

[HaxD]

I know little to nothing about video cards, so dont hate me!

First question is if I get a mobo with sli, will I have the option to run sli, or do I have to? (ie: can i use an ati card if I choose to, not to run sli, just a single one)

Second is I would like a video card that will play counter-strike source, bf2, quake 4, etc at a good fps (preferably 50+ @ 1280x1024). Which would you reccomend? Current desktop res is 1600x1200 if that makes a difference. Try to keep the price under 500 canadian dollars. If thats not possible (lol) I can save a little longer for the video card.

The system I am getting will be this:

amd athlon 64 3500+
aspire x-plorer case w/ 400w psu (black)
mobo depends on reccomended video card(s) / sli question
corsair xms twinx 1024 (512x2)mb ram
250 gb, 16 mb cache ide maxtor hdd (already have from current system)
80 gb, 8 mb cache western digital hdd (also already have from current system)
samsung cd-rw (from current system)

Thanks!

 

[Zidoas]

First question: Like you've stated, SLI is just an option. You don't need to use it if you don't want to. ATI cards will also work in a SLI motherboard.

Second Question: If you want to go for the ATI scene, go for the X1800 series and up. I believe the the X1900XT is a great value right now. As for Nvidia, go for a 7800GT

 

[HaxD]

Wicked. Thanks! I didnt even know ATI cards went up to the X1900XT

 

[magoo]

Any SLI board can do one or two cards. They have to be from the same "series" ie: 7800 GTX or 7800 GT, but can be from different manufacturers.(nVidia flavor)
An SLI board can run an ATI card but cannot run Dual ATI cards as of yet.

As for cards.....you have alot of good choices right now.
ATI: 1800 series and 1900 series and older 850 series
nVidia: 6800series,6600GT, 7800GT and GTX. A new refresh is due out for nVidia in late Feb.
You can run dual ATI if you purchase a Master(crossfire)card and Crossfire MB. I have nVidia cards so Im not cutting edge with info on ATI.