To SLI or not to SLI?

[fatguy]

Ok here's the skinny, I've been a long time ATI guy, and haven't even considered nVidia since the 9700 pro. Right now, I have a X850XT (PCI-e) powering my 23" Sony LCD. It handles desktop apps and such just fine, but in gaming it's another story.

Since I have to run games at 1920x1200 (native resolution), most of the eye candy has to be disabled in order to maintain 60fps. Anything below 60fps starts to look choppy, anything above tears.

As for a budget, my X850XT and DFI (non-sli) board are still returnable to newegg for refund sans stocking fee if I purchase the SLI setup, so the cost is incremental (~$500). I've been working my tail off on a side contract programming job, so I want to reward myself...but only if SLI is going to make me happy.

So here are my questions:

1. Will all 6800U's fit in the DFI Ultra SLI board? If not, which ones don't?
2. How has the IQ of nVidia improved over the last couple of years? Anyone have comparable experience in both ATI and nVidia within the last few months?
3. How loud are these 6800 Ultras? I'm reading they can get pretty loud. Also, along the same lines, how are the temps? Overclocking?

TIA

[stang8118]

With such a huge screen i am sure SLI will cure your problems. Duel 6800u's will give you increadible results. The only thing is what games do you play? If its like Doom3, HL2, Farcry, or other newer games then SLI will definatly help you. If you more so play older games then it probably will be worthless to you. Since most older games arn't set up to work with SLI.

1) yeah any ultra will fit in the SLI board, but you need a pretty big case and plenty of case ventilation.
2) No clue. But i am sure it's improved since the sad FX series
3) If you keep the stock cooling i am sure they won't be terribly loud (never owned one, going by members feedback).

[Cisco Kid]

I would not hesitate to SLI it up in a heartbeat. I love my setup with 2x6600GT's and that is cause my max res is 1280x1024 on a 19". $455 total cost for board and cards I think is great value.

Games are smooth I never have any hiccup at all.! I would do it if I were you without a thought personally especially for newer games you will love it

CK

[fatguy]

Thanks for the advice fellas, I appreciate it...

I was looking at krag's thread and it doesn't look like he could fit a sound card in there with both of those monsters...has anyone been able to run SLI with and use any other PCI cards?

[stang8118]

Well after looking in my PC i don't see how it would be possible to fit anything in either PCI slot.

[fatguy]

not even a thin sound card at the bottom? shouldn't the 6800's take only 2 slots? there should be 1 slot free at the bottom (top for me in the lian-li v1000)

[jet_black]

Should be able to fit a sound card.
SLI pic (http://graphics.tomshardware.com/graphic/20041123/index.html)
Look at the pic.

[stang8118]

I am sure it'll fit, but there is no way that bottom 6800u will get proper ventilation since the sound card will be blocking the fan pretty much.

[fatguy]

you think it's the same distance as the bottom one is from the top one?

We'll find out tomorrow...it's all ordered!

I went with the eVGA 6800 Ultras and of course the DFI nForce4 Ultra-SLI. I'll try to post some feedback over the weekend.

Thanks for the help

[stang8118]

GL with it and let us know how your scores go! btw run AM3! Need more SLI benchmarks hehe. Link is in my sig for the post :D

[fatguy]

sure thing. I'll give you a run at stock when i get setup tomorrow. I'm handcuffed by my crappy CBBID Winnie....I guess I should update my sig, I haven't been able to run above stock for weeks....weird.

[fatguy]

81,698 to start off..., winnie is running at 235x10 with memory 1:1 at 2-2-2-5.

I'm still going up though, i'll post when I peak.