What do you think would be the smartest thing to do?
[At the moment I am leaning towards a single card solution being preferrable.]
Here is the problem: You have a SLI motherboard, and you don't have any PCI Express video card. Keep in mind that you want to play UT2007 really smooth, yet you don't want to buy more than what you need. Do you buy a single 7800 GTX (24 pipeline) SLI capable video card that are nearly $600? Do you go with buying 2-6800 GTS SLI cards that run less than a single 7800 GTX card, Or do you buy 1 7800 GT (20 pipeline) SLI card, and wait, and if its not enough, buy another identical card?
Also, if you were to choose buying 2 6800 GT SLI cards, would you get the 256MB version, and would it act like a single 512MB card (since the work is split, or how does that work into the equation?) or the 128MB version?
What and why would you do what you do?
What Would You do?
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DW_Cheapshot
- DW Clan Member
- Posts: 377
- Joined: Tue Dec 27, 2005 12:00 am
Wraith, Cheap here, I use 2 BFG 6600 128 oc's, Get 70 to 95 fps on 2004 depnding on map.
NO it counts only the memory on one card. 2 128's is still 128. The sli seams to
work good here. Might be cheaper with one 7800 ?. Damn sli 2 7800's good luck Ed.
NO it counts only the memory on one card. 2 128's is still 128. The sli seams to
work good here. Might be cheaper with one 7800 ?. Damn sli 2 7800's good luck Ed.
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. Emerson
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Bathroomrat
- DW Clan Member
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Tue Dec 27, 2005 12:00 am
- Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho
I went with a 7800 GT OC from BFG. Bestbuy had a $100 mail in rebate on it....which I have not recieved at 10 weeks out. However, I am very happy with the card.
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DW_ToxicWaste
- Site Admin
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- Joined: Tue Dec 27, 2005 12:00 am
I would wait for 2k7 to come out.
I would get the 7800 GTX (the 7900 is due in a few weeks, so hopefully by the time 2k7 comes out, the 7800 will be about $350-400.) That's my plan anyway.
After that if there's a game say a year later that needs more power, you can always add another 7800. If it's not available retail still, I'm sure you could pick it up on ebay for maybe $150 to $200.
I think as time goes on, the SLI drivers get better and better.
What kind of CPU you going to run? CPU will be a limiting factor before SLI will be.
I would get the 7800 GTX (the 7900 is due in a few weeks, so hopefully by the time 2k7 comes out, the 7800 will be about $350-400.) That's my plan anyway.
After that if there's a game say a year later that needs more power, you can always add another 7800. If it's not available retail still, I'm sure you could pick it up on ebay for maybe $150 to $200.
I think as time goes on, the SLI drivers get better and better.
What kind of CPU you going to run? CPU will be a limiting factor before SLI will be.
Thanks for all the answers you given.
I'm planning on buying the AMD64 4400 (1mb cache)
Since the new CPU will be dual core, I want to get the hassle of doing a re-install over with. I have an AMD64 3500 90nm CPU now, and I'm stuck with updating, as I need a pci express video card, and I don't want to wait until the socket m2 comes out, and if I put my 3500 single core cpu into the new motherboard, then when I go dual core later, then i gotta do another clean install. (If you don't do a new install the HAL or kernal only uses 1 of your cpu's, you can hack in the new H.A.L. for dual core, but it is not as stable from what I hear as a fresh install) I want this to be as least painful method to upgrade, sure it may cost me a few dollars more by not waiting, etc. etc. But I just want to update relatively soon (get this done within 30-45 days tops).
I've been regularly updating my hardware on a yearly basis, so whatever new hardware comes out, I can certainly wait.
Some of my old hardware that I'm transplanting to the new upgrades should make it a fine system:
Soundblaster X-Fi soundcard
2 - 1 gig sticks crucial memory CL-2
Lightscribe DVD/CD drive
2 - 160GB 7200 rpm 8mb cache Sata hard drives (raid 0 array)
23" Sony SDM-P234/B LCD monitor
Bose Acoustimass 5 series 3 speaker system
Sony 100 watt reciever
Logitech MX Laser mouse and wireless keyboard
Ergodex DX1 pad (ergodex.com)
Fresh unopened Windows XP Pro 32 bit O/S OEM version
Windows XP64 Pro (will re-activate on this new mobo, make MS let me use this on the new one, tell 'em my old one burnt out or something if they ask...lol...)
p.s. I get ALL my stuff from newegg.com, they rock!
I'm planning on buying the AMD64 4400 (1mb cache)
Since the new CPU will be dual core, I want to get the hassle of doing a re-install over with. I have an AMD64 3500 90nm CPU now, and I'm stuck with updating, as I need a pci express video card, and I don't want to wait until the socket m2 comes out, and if I put my 3500 single core cpu into the new motherboard, then when I go dual core later, then i gotta do another clean install. (If you don't do a new install the HAL or kernal only uses 1 of your cpu's, you can hack in the new H.A.L. for dual core, but it is not as stable from what I hear as a fresh install) I want this to be as least painful method to upgrade, sure it may cost me a few dollars more by not waiting, etc. etc. But I just want to update relatively soon (get this done within 30-45 days tops).
I've been regularly updating my hardware on a yearly basis, so whatever new hardware comes out, I can certainly wait.
Some of my old hardware that I'm transplanting to the new upgrades should make it a fine system:
Soundblaster X-Fi soundcard
2 - 1 gig sticks crucial memory CL-2
Lightscribe DVD/CD drive
2 - 160GB 7200 rpm 8mb cache Sata hard drives (raid 0 array)
23" Sony SDM-P234/B LCD monitor
Bose Acoustimass 5 series 3 speaker system
Sony 100 watt reciever
Logitech MX Laser mouse and wireless keyboard
Ergodex DX1 pad (ergodex.com)
Fresh unopened Windows XP Pro 32 bit O/S OEM version
Windows XP64 Pro (will re-activate on this new mobo, make MS let me use this on the new one, tell 'em my old one burnt out or something if they ask...lol...)
p.s. I get ALL my stuff from newegg.com, they rock!
Sounds like you are stuck on nvidia's line otherwise I would suggest the newer ATI product. My Radeon x850xt has no problem with UT2004, and I think it should handle UT2007 somewhat decent. Though, I also like to upgrade somewhat yearly, so by 2007 I am sure I will be drooling over some great new vid card. I like your choice for cpu, I have been considering upgrading my 3200+ to a 4400+ or a 4800+.
I currently find the entire SLI idea to be gimmicky, so I would have to suggest a 7800GTX if you are wanting something within 30-45 days. Otherwise I would hold off and see what the future holds.
I would just like to add that I built my entire system, and systems for others, completely off of newegg. They are the best. Just make sure you order the right parts the first time or a lovely restock fee of 15% will hurt ya.
I currently find the entire SLI idea to be gimmicky, so I would have to suggest a 7800GTX if you are wanting something within 30-45 days. Otherwise I would hold off and see what the future holds.
I would just like to add that I built my entire system, and systems for others, completely off of newegg. They are the best. Just make sure you order the right parts the first time or a lovely restock fee of 15% will hurt ya.
Namu
Smart man.ToxicWaste wrote:I would wait for 2k7 to come out.
SLI is great if you have a sky high budget and pick up two top of the line cards at the same time. Any other situation it becomes less of a smart idea. I have a single 6800GT right now myself, and it handles UT2004 like a charm. Wait and see what the first website and player reviews of UT2007 are like regards to playability on different video cards ranges. Newer cards will be out in the meantime, dropping the price on the current top of the line models from Nvidia and ATI. Look at your options then and pick the best bang for the buck solution. I suspect this will be the single 7800GTX option, but we'll just have to wait and see how the market plays out.
Yeah, I'm stuck on Nvidia. I really like their products. I would like to believe that using their motherboard chipset (NForce-4) as well as their graphic chipset is the best of worlds. Driver installation is a breeze this way, only 2 files to install everything when doing a fresh install. I've had several ATI video cards, and I just don't like it as much. I know they have gotten better in the driver dept, but I still don't see a compelling reason to switch to ATI over Nvidia. Not that ATI is in any way bad....