Talk to me about SLI

[deadseasquirrel]

Originally posted by: thecoolnessrune
The SLI isn't all that great an option for 6 series cards. 2 6800GT's would be ok. But a single 7800GTX would smoke both of them.

Please define your using of the work "smoke".

According to Anandtech's article, the results at 16x12 with 4xAA are as follows:

Game.......6800U SLI.........GTX
BF2...............53.3..............53.4
Doom3..........75.4..............54.2
HL2..............118.4..............119
SC:CT..........53.7...............56.5
KOTOR2.......47.4................52
UT2k4..........75.3................73.9

If you have a monitor capable of 2048x1536, the GTX then pulls ahead by a substantial margin.

But I agree, lower power usage, less heat, and better performance at the highest of resolutions makes the GTX a better buy than 2 6800 series unless you get a very good deal on them.

 

[Tanclearas]

Originally posted by: Ackmed
Where are you getting $250 for a PCI-E 6800GT, and $350 for a 6800U? Last I saw, it was a lot more than that for both.

A little known site called ebay...

I would not purchase two 6800 GT/U's right now. For sure the 7800GTX is the better way to go. However, if I already had a 6800 GT/U, I'm really not sure which upgrade option I would choose. The point is, as long as I have an SLI motherboard, I have the option.

 

[Ackmed]

Originally posted by: deadseasquirrel

Originally posted by: thecoolnessrune
The SLI isn't all that great an option for 6 series cards. 2 6800GT's would be ok. But a single 7800GTX would smoke both of them.

Please define your using of the work "smoke".

According to Anandtech's article, the results at 16x12 with 4xAA are as follows:

Game.......6800U SLI.........GTX
BF2...............53.3..............53.4
Doom3..........75.4..............54.2
HL2..............118.4..............119
SC:CT..........53.7...............56.5
KOTOR2.......47.4................52
UT2k4..........75.3................73.9

If you have a monitor capable of 2048x1536, the GTX then pulls ahead by a substantial margin.

But I agree, lower power usage, less heat, and better performance at the highest of resolutions makes the GTX a better buy than 2 6800 series unless you get a very good deal on them.

He said, GT, not Ultra. Under normal circumstances, I too dont think the GTX would "smoke" a GT SLI combo. That does seem to be the case with HDR though. Firingsquad shows the GTX at 30fps, and the 6800U at 21fps, at 1600x1200. Making the GTX the clear winner. SLI GT's would be even slower. Not that it matters that much, I wouldnt consider that playable anyways.

Originally posted by: Tanclearas

Originally posted by: Ackmed
Where are you getting $250 for a PCI-E 6800GT, and $350 for a 6800U? Last I saw, it was a lot more than that for both.

A little known site called ebay...

I would not purchase two 6800 GT/U's right now. For sure the 7800GTX is the better way to go. However, if I already had a 6800 GT/U, I'm really not sure which upgrade option I would choose. The point is, as long as I have an SLI motherboard, I have the option.

Not everyone uses ebay.

Yes you have the option, but chances are, its not going to be wise to do so. A 7800GTX is $480 on newegg right now. Paying $300+ for a GT, and $450+ for a Ultra would not be wise at all. Especially since you could sell you old card, and pay the difference, and get a 7800GTX for less than the price of the second card. Which is why I said, the only time it makes sense to me, is if you buy two cards at once, before someting else comes out. But thats my opinion, you dont hace to agree. Really doesnt matter.