I am aware that this card is far from perfect and that most should probvably skip it and wait for the true next gen - whenever that comes.
However, I think I might be one of the few for whom this card makes sense. Here is my machine:
E6700 Core 2 Duo 2.66 ghz CPU w/ aftermarket copper heat sink/fan
ASUS P5W DH Deluxe
HIS 1950XTX GPU
Creative Soundblaster X-Fi Extreme Music
Enermax Liberty 620 watt PSU
4 GB OCZ Ram
Antec P180 Mid-Tower Case
26" Samsung 2693HM LCD Monitor @ 1920x1200 rez.
Windows XP Professional
I have been on a gaming hiatus for a long time now and want to get back in - soon. I can't really wait for a new generation of cards if it takes 2-4 months. The GPU is the key component, so I don't mind spending $600 or so on the card. I'm not a pro with computers, so I'd prefer a single card and not to change my mobo, PSU, or more than just the card etc.... So given that situation, it seems like a 9800Gx2 may be my best bet with what is out there. But I have some questions I'd appreciate if some of you could help me answer:
1) Will this card fit into my case?
2) Will I have enough power?
3) Will heat be an issue? I have no extra fans and everything is stock except my CPU fan. My machine used to run 2 1950XTXs in crossfire without overheating (but when I upgraded to a LCD, there were issues with two cards and image jittering so now one is a paper weight - but that is another story...).
4) Is a 9800Gx2 better than a 8800GTX or Ultra at 1920x1200 rez?
5) I know that the 512 MB memory on each GPU doesn't add up - it is still like having 512 MB and not 1 GB of video memory. But in terms of the memory that XP recognizes, will the card eat up 1 GB of the XP limit? Perhaps it is time to go to Vista.
6) Are there any other issues or conflicts with a 9800Gx@ and my rig I should be aware of?
7) What is the best brand for a 9800Gx2 - I'm not interested in a step-up program.
8) Will I have to learn about SLI profiles and establish one for each game etc...? Where is the easiest place to learn about that?
9) Without opening my computer (I'm not good at that), is there anyway to know if the Enermax Liberty 620 watt PSU I bought in Octorber 2006 will need a 6 pin to 8 pin adaptor to power the Gx2? Does anyone know which brands of Gx2 come with the adaptor included?
Anyways, I appreciate any help or input. Thanks.
However, I think I might be one of the few for whom this card makes sense. Here is my machine:
E6700 Core 2 Duo 2.66 ghz CPU w/ aftermarket copper heat sink/fan
ASUS P5W DH Deluxe
HIS 1950XTX GPU
Creative Soundblaster X-Fi Extreme Music
Enermax Liberty 620 watt PSU
4 GB OCZ Ram
Antec P180 Mid-Tower Case
26" Samsung 2693HM LCD Monitor @ 1920x1200 rez.
Windows XP Professional
I have been on a gaming hiatus for a long time now and want to get back in - soon. I can't really wait for a new generation of cards if it takes 2-4 months. The GPU is the key component, so I don't mind spending $600 or so on the card. I'm not a pro with computers, so I'd prefer a single card and not to change my mobo, PSU, or more than just the card etc.... So given that situation, it seems like a 9800Gx2 may be my best bet with what is out there. But I have some questions I'd appreciate if some of you could help me answer:
1) Will this card fit into my case?
2) Will I have enough power?
3) Will heat be an issue? I have no extra fans and everything is stock except my CPU fan. My machine used to run 2 1950XTXs in crossfire without overheating (but when I upgraded to a LCD, there were issues with two cards and image jittering so now one is a paper weight - but that is another story...).
4) Is a 9800Gx2 better than a 8800GTX or Ultra at 1920x1200 rez?
5) I know that the 512 MB memory on each GPU doesn't add up - it is still like having 512 MB and not 1 GB of video memory. But in terms of the memory that XP recognizes, will the card eat up 1 GB of the XP limit? Perhaps it is time to go to Vista.
6) Are there any other issues or conflicts with a 9800Gx@ and my rig I should be aware of?
7) What is the best brand for a 9800Gx2 - I'm not interested in a step-up program.
8) Will I have to learn about SLI profiles and establish one for each game etc...? Where is the easiest place to learn about that?
9) Without opening my computer (I'm not good at that), is there anyway to know if the Enermax Liberty 620 watt PSU I bought in Octorber 2006 will need a 6 pin to 8 pin adaptor to power the Gx2? Does anyone know which brands of Gx2 come with the adaptor included?
Anyways, I appreciate any help or input. Thanks.