Upgrading from 2 GTX 580 1.5GB to 2 GTX 580 3GB worth the money?

[StryderJin]

Looks like I might have the opportunity to upgrade my setup from 2 GTX 580 1.5GB to 2 GTX 580 3 GB for a small amount of money, about $60-100. I generally game at 1080p with maximum settings but have noticed some newer games are a bit more demanding and can fill the frame buffer.

I'm wondering if it is worth the trouble or if I should just wait until a future time and upgrade to something newer. I know my current setup is roughly equivalent to one GTX 780, so perhaps waiting for the 8 series would make more sense.

I'm not sure what to do.

 

[BallaTheFeared]

Really up to you, you won't find a better option for $60-100.

You could sell your 580s and see where that gets you.

 

[StryderJin]

This is assuming I sell my current 580's. This would essential be an upgrade to my VRAM. Do you feel it worth $60-100 for this upgrade, or better to wait?

The reason I ask, I noticed some newer games are much more demanding on VRAM. I feel like my current setup is still powerful enough to drive everything, but it's starting to choke up on video memory.

 

[nOOky]

If you sell both you'd be better off getting one faster new card versus SLI again. I doubt you'll see any difference for your 60-100 dollars spent at 1080p.

 

[BallaTheFeared]

This is assuming I sell my current 580's. This would essential be an upgrade to my VRAM. Do you feel it worth $60-100 for this upgrade, or better to wait?

The reason I ask, I noticed some newer games are much more demanding on VRAM. I feel like my current setup is still powerful enough to drive everything, but it's starting to choke up on video memory.

Is higher texture quality worth $60-100 to you?

Have you tried using SMAA injectors instead of MSAA to gain back some lost texture resolution?

I'd wait, 780 Ti is about the only thing that will give you the same performance and 3GB of vram without moving to another dual card solution.

 

[KingFatty]

Can you provide the total, absolute dollar value you are going to be spending?

As an example, what would you sell the old cards for, and then add that to the $60-$100 total.

So lets say you sell both your old cards for $425. Then you will add the additional money, so that brings you right around $500 to spend here, is that right?

Hmm I think you can just get a GTX 780 for around that if lucky. And wouldn't that be better than 580 SLI for various reasons, least of which is the benefit of a single-card vs dual-card?

Maybe my assumptions are off on how much you can sell your existing 580s for. But I just think that if you are only thinking in terms of the additional increased expense of $60-$100 per your original post, you may be accidentally blind-siding yourself sort of like how a car salesman tactic. Instead, consider the total dollar amount and what that allows. Personally I'd much rather have a single 780. Sell the 580s.

 

[blackened23]

For 100$? I don't think it's worth it. You're only delaying the inevitable, because it isnt' like SLI 580s even with 3GB will have enough GPU horsepower to last indefinitely, know what i'm saying? I'd personally save a few more $ and get a more substantial upgrade a few months down the road. You can live with 1.5GB for another 2-3 months. 3GB won't increase performance, it merely lets you use higher assets in games. So in any game where VRAM use can be an issue, you'll still have performance issues anyway....

A single GTX 780 is faster than a 590 from what I remember, you can likely get a single GPU solution and still have far better performance and more VRAM if you wait a bit. I don't think upgrading from 1.5GB 580s to 3GB is worth it.

 

[StryderJin]

I can realistically get around 130-150 for each of my current cards and can get two GTX 580 3GB for $360 total. So overall I'd be spending 60-100 out of pocket when all is said and done. I know there is not ideal long term solution and nothing last forever.

I currently game at 60fps at 1920x1080. My current setup has had no trouble running that with exception of VRAM saturation. Though I'm sure in a few years I'll start to dip into the 40's and 50's.

My other option really is just to wait until the 8 series cards come out. I'm not in a huge rush to upgrade, it's just the opportunity presented itself and I thought I'd entertain the idea.

Lastly, do you think two 580 3GB would offer respectable framerates for an additional two years?

 

[BallaTheFeared]

I'd just downgrade to a single used 7950 and overclock that.

Pocket the $180+ for a 20nm upgrade.

 

[nurturedhate]

If the main game I was playing had the vram limitation and I was playing that game a lot I think it would be worth the $60. But at $100 that's just a little much. At a $100 price point I would be looking to add another $40 onto it and jump to 7950 crossfire before they completely sell out. Granted it's getting harder and harder to find 7950s in the $200 range.

 

[Fastx]

I considered a GTX 580 back when I had my GTX 460 so a little familiar with this card. If you been happy with 580 SLI then for $60-$100 (to 3GB) I would go this route myself for that cost if I was in your position imo. If you could do it for $60.00 it would be a no brainer not to imo and would probaly go this route even up to a $100.00 max again if I was in your position.

Fwiw see below 580 SLI > GTX 780 reference so a GTX 580 SLI would be a little faster setup than a reference GTX 780 and no Vram problems per your post. This is the route I would go if your happy with SLI.

7970 GE vs GTX 780
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/768?vs=827

7970 GE vs GTX 580 SLI
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/584?vs=618

The above quick/rough check shows and looks GTX 580 SLI is more power/faster than a reference GTX 780 fwiw.

 

[janii]

I too have gtx 580, but never had any problem with 1.5gb gb? (1080p)

 

[StryderJin]

It's really only been as of late, I've seen an issue and generally turning down AA mitigates most of it. Still, many of the newer games coming are encouraging higher VRam limits and I'd like to have enough not to worry for a few more years.

Generally, the amount of VRam embedded in a card is ideal for that single card to never exceed it. Once you add another through SLI additional VRam can sometimes be required.

 

[Ieat]

Personally I would just get a r9 290. If you must stick with nvidia. I would look at getting some used gtx 670 2gbs for $400 or less over 2 gtx 580 3gb. I really don't think gtx 580s will get close to using 3gb or ram. Plus they suck up so much extra juice even in idle.

 

[crisium]

I'd either stick with what you have until you truly feel the VRAM burn, or upgrade to a single, modern card. It doesn't make sense to choose an old architecture as a new purchase.

 

[24601]

I'd either stick with what you have until you truly feel the VRAM burn, or upgrade to a single, modern card. It doesn't make sense to choose an old architecture as a new purchase.

Just wait for 20nm or Maxwell, whichever comes first. Only upgrade when the ram limit actually effects you. The alternatives are going 290/290x or 780/780Ti.

Upgrading to a Crossfire or a SLI system from your current one is totally not worth the effort.