8800 GTS 512 SLI VS. 9800 GX2

[JzAr]

edit: Throw in a GTX260 and HD4870 in the mix.

Cost would be about the same. I already have 2 8800 gts's, I bought one new and picked one up used from a buddy for $100. So I would just need to spend another $200 for a SLI MB.

So my question is which of these setups would give better performance? I plan on playing on 1680x1050 max settings and maybe down the road upgrade to a 24" monitor and play at 1920x1200 resolution.

Thanks.

[Badbonji]

IMO I would wait for next year to upgrade. You might be able to pick up a second hand or B stock sli mobo for cheap. My two 8800gts sli can still play most games with maximum settings like left 4 dead, world in conflict etc. at playable frame rates. I am waiting for a real GPU upgrade, hopefully with the 40nm cards.

[JzAr]

Well since I already have 2 8800gts cards should I just get a 780i board (thinking about an evga 780i ftw) and just sell my p35 board?

[JonSimonzi]

GTX260 Core 216. SLI is more of a hassle than it's worth IMO. But I'm a tad biased due to the fact that 99% of the time I game it's on a game that hates dual GPU setups.

[JzAr]

would it be correct to say that the SLI setup would be more future proof than the other options?

[ratbuddy]

would it be correct to say that the SLI setup would be more future proof than the other options?

Less, actually. With the SLI you would have to replace both cards to get any more performance. If you get a single stronger card like the GTX 260 you will be able to add another card down the road.

If you just want to be able to use both cards now, you can snag a 780i refurb for $135 here http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188037

Another route would be selling the GTS's and grabbing a single 9800GX2. Almost identical performance.

[iLoki]

I would go with the 9800GX2, its on the G92 65nm process, which is more efficient than the older G80, and as I've heard, the GX2 overclocks quite nicely, provided you've got enough airflow, another thing to watch out for on the GX2 though, it WILL bring up your ambient case temp, as air is directed into the case rather than through an exhaust vent in the back.

[doublejack]

I own a 9800GX2 and game at 1920x1200 on a 24" lcd. I love my card and don't regret buying it. It's a sound choice and the performance is excellent.

That said, if I were considering the options listed at today's prices then I'd probably go for the 260 core 216. It's right up there with the 9800GX2 on performance, has more usable per-core vram which is important for high res gaming, and has the flexibility of going SLI in the future if necessary.

[JzAr]

Well since I already have 2 8800 gts g92 cards I want ahead and picked up a 780i sli board. We'll see how it does. Im currently getting about 15k-16k in 3dmark06 with my current setup in sig.

[87poopcoupe]

i have 2 9800 series overclocked in SLI and i love them...... i really want a 4870x2 but i think i will wait a lil while to see what comes out in the next 6 months... 2 8800gts's will still be very gameable for awhile.

[Dapman02]

I would go for the 2x8800's for one reason, heat. The GX2 will dump most of it's hot air into the case and cause your case to heat up pretty quickly (I didn't have this problem becuse the nine hundred has such great airflow).

[doublejack]

I would go for the 2x8800's for one reason, heat. The GX2 will dump most of it's hot air into the case and cause your case to heat up pretty quickly (I didn't have this problem becuse the nine hundred has such great airflow).

As the owner of a GX2 I believe this is an overrated issue. My case is nothing special w/ just a single 120mm exhaust fan, and heat isn't a concern at all.

[JzAr]

Well looks like the GF is getting me a 24" (Dell 2408wfp) monitor for christmas. How do you think the SLI setup will do at 1920x1200?

[Badbonji]

I have two 8800gts and game perfectly at 1920x1200. I can turn everything to max on basically every "normal" game out (not crysis).

[JzAr]

I have two 8800gts and game perfectly at 1920x1200. I can turn everything to max on basically every "normal" game out (not crysis).

Just what I was hoping to hear. Thanks!