My take on SLI

[Rami7007]

if you are already getting above 30 FPS with one high end video then why would you need 2 video cards?? With a 6800 ultra or an X800 you get great frame rates with highest settings and 4x aa and 8x af... sometimes even about 80fps on some games with all those things up... People actually forget that the average FPS to be running smoothly is 30... so if you are getting 60 - 80 FPS and even higher then why would you need SLI??? Its just for rich people who want to have the best technology when they snap their fingers and want all the bragging rights! Doom 3 is a very demanding game and with an x800xt you can get 40 - 50 fps with ultra graphics and 4xAA and 8xAF... YOU DONT NEED HIGHER THEN HIGH FRAME RATES AND DONT WASTE MONEY ON SLI!!!

 

[Corporate Thug]

SLI is good for three reasons:

1. benchmark whores
2. running games like FarCry @ 1600*1200 w/ 4xaa/8xaf
3. running above 1600*1200

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: Rami7007
if you are already getting above 30 FPS with one high end video then why would you need 2 video cards?? With a 6800 ultra or an X800 you get great frame rates with highest settings and 4x aa and 8x af... sometimes even about 80fps on some games with all those things up... People actually forget that the average FPS to be running smoothly is 30... so if you are getting 60 - 80 FPS and even higher then why would you need SLI??? Its just for rich people who want to have the best technology when they snap their fingers and want all the bragging rights! Doom 3 is a very demanding game and with an x800xt you can get 40 - 50 fps with ultra graphics and 4xAA and 8xAF... YOU DONT NEED HIGHER THEN HIGH FRAME RATES AND DONT WASTE MONEY ON SLI!!!

The main reason: They're computer enthusiasts.

I mean, do people really need that extra 10HP they get with a new carb? No. Their car will do 70mph just fine. They do it because it's what they like to do. It's fun having the fastest car on the block.

Secondly, I have my doubts that an X800 can push 1920x1440 or 2048x1536 at full AA and AF at an acceptable frame rate.

Third, people don't forget that "the average FPS to be running smoothly is 30" because that isn't true. I can play Falcon 4, and I notice when it drops below 30 fps.

 

[ts3433]

We've had a few fairly large threads on this already; if you want to see the general consensus (or lack thereof) between members of this forum I suggest you take a look at those.

 

[imported_whatever]

i definately notice 60fps compared to 30fps.
also, it allows you to buy one card now and another later. so you could buy a 6800GT now, and then instead of having to replace it in 6 months you just add another 6800GT.

 

[amol]

If you don't like SLI, there's a simple solution . . .

DON'T BUY IT!! NO ONE IS FORCING YOU TO!!

 

[Dough1397]

most peoples eyes dont recognize more than ~60fps so..... does 120 fps vs 240 fps really make a difference? i wouldnt think so.....

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: Dough1397
most peoples eyes dont recognize more than ~60fps so..... does 120 fps vs 240 fps really make a difference? i wouldnt think so.....

Again, what single card can push 120fps at the lowest points at 1600x1200 in HL2? or 1920x1440? or 2048x1536?

 

[Rami7007]

i didnt say you would not see a difference in 30 fps between 60 fps... 30 fps is average and 60 is very good... Xbox games are designed to run at 30 fps...
(and yes 30 fps is to run relitively smoothly... i didnt say it was great but it is fine)

also i didnt say that an x800xt could pull those frame rates off with 1920x1440 or 2048x1536... SLI couldnt even pull that off (SLI doesnt give you that much of a boost in performance)... First off, most LCD's (well ones at 19 inches or below which most people have) cant even pull off 1600x1200 so... AND NOBODY WOULD WANT TO PLAY AT THOSE RESOLUTIONS BECAUSE THEY ARE WAY TO SMALL!! THERE IS NO REASON TO GO TO THAT... even 1600x1200 is pushing it a little...
Also i meant that an x800xt could pull off 40 fps on doom 3 with 4xAA and 8xAF with 1600x1200 or below!

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: Rami7007
i didnt say you would not see a difference in 30 fps between 60 fps... 30 fps is average and 60 is very good... Xbox games are designed to run at 30 fps...
(and yes 30 fps is to run relitively smoothly... i didnt say it was great but it is fine)

also i didnt say that an x800xt could pull those frame rates off with 1920x1440 or 2048x1536... SLI couldnt even pull that off (SLI doesnt give you that much of a boost in performance)... First off, most LCD's (well ones at 19 inches or below which most people have) cant even pull off 1600x1200 so... AND NOBODY WOULD WANT TO PLAY AT THOSE RESOLUTIONS BECAUSE THEY ARE WAY TO SMALL!! THERE IS NO REASON TO GO TO THAT... even 1600x1200 is pushing it a little...
Also i meant that an x800xt could pull off 40 fps on doom 3 with 4xAA and 8xAF with 1600x1200 or below!

Why are you so sure that you know what people want? No one is forcing you to buy an SLI setup, there's no reason to get so wound up.

 

[0roo0roo]

30fps average is not really smooth

way too small? only if your monitor is pathetic and small. more detail, the better.

 

[KoolDrew]

Originally posted by: Amol
If you don't like SLI, there's a simple solution . . .

DON'T BUY IT!! NO ONE IS FORCING YOU TO!!

I agree. With new technology there are always people saying there is no need for it.

 

[jamesey]

your eyes wont notice, but you can feel it, especially when playing multiplayer games. If youre not a hardcore FPS player, then its hard to explain.

 

[LtPage1]

why climb everest? just go stick your head in the freezer for a coupla days and hold your breath a lot to get light headed.

 

[Astu222]

these SLI arguments are worse than the gay marriage arguments.

 

[Cha0s]

i can see the difference between 80 and 120 fps.

 

[SynthDude2001]

I could write out a long post, but I'll just stick with pointing out that if you think that 30-50fps is "high" frame rates, you're wrong.

There have been many threads on this in the past. For slower-paced games it does not matter as much, but I can absolutely tell the difference between even 85fps and 100+fps, and 50fps just isn't that great if you're moving around quickly.

Furthermore, why do you care if other people "waste" their own money on SLI? Does it also make you angry that some people "waste" tens and even hundreds of thousands of dollars on exotic cars when it's just transportation?....

Edit: Your argument makes even less sense when your signature shows you as having a $500 video card yourself...

 

[Edward Lee]

SLI is like putting a large sail on an aircraft carrier. The ship might run faster but how practical is it?

 

[amol]

Originally posted by: Edward Lee
SLI is like putting a large sail on an aircraft carrier. The ship might run faster but how practical is it?

Oh god not this guy again

 

[shinotenshi]

"SLI is like putting a large sail on an aircraft carrier. The ship might run faster but how practical is it? "

ammm? anyone remember woody from cheers?

SLI because
1. people like me, have big monitors and want to run games at 2048x1536
2. contrary to popular belief some of us have well paying jobs and can afford to induldge a few hobbies
3. it can be argued that its an upgrade path
4. I can't think of anyone who lives a completely pratical life, and if somone did, would you really want to hang out with them?

 

[Edward Lee]

Originally posted by: Amol

Originally posted by: Edward Lee
SLI is like putting a large sail on an aircraft carrier. The ship might run faster but how practical is it?

Oh god not this guy again

Oh god not YOU again. Speak baby talk to me again.

 

[shabby]

Nvidia didnt mention this, but sli will make your penis bigger.... or so i've heard.

 

[Edward Lee]

Originally posted by: shabby
Nvidia didnt mention this, but sli will make your penis bigger.... or so i've heard.

LOL, there's a reason to buy..

 

[bunnyfubbles]

Give it up, SLI is obviously not for you, you should make a post in Off Topic about your take on private jets and how they're a waste of money just because you cannot afford one and/or have no need for one.

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: Edward Lee
SLI is like putting a large sail on an aircraft carrier. The ship might run faster but how practical is it?

I don't see how you got that analogy out of SLI.

Here are the benchmarks of moderns systems running modern games. Notice how as the resolution increases, the power of SLIed video cards becomes more and more apparent.