SLI, Is it worth it?

[Koolpc]

Is SLI really worth the extra expense? Is it really worth having 2 Graphics cards? Would there be a massive difference in game play etc?

I cannot see it myself!

[muddyfox470]

I would say no, but then it depends what you want it for.

To me SLi is just a marketting ploy to create more heat inside your PC and numerous more problems with drivers, and not being compatible with some games etc.

My advice is to buy a decent graphics card and go from there.

i.e. a 6800gt (oced) > 2 x 6600gt's

So not worth the expense, whats the point in having 2 graphics cards, you may even need a more powerful psu!! Too much cost for what they are worth, and the 2nd card doesnt double the performance, in some games the increase isnt that much.

However if you play at uber resolutions then they may be just a smidgen of chance that it could be worth it.

For the vast majority - NO

Ian

EDIT: I think the purpose of SLi, is the 'Mine is bigger than yours' scenario

[kempez]

A 6800GT OC'd would not match 2 6800GT's - period.

But I do agree that SLi is a bit of a marketing ploy and you should only go SLi if your a speed freak that wants the very fastest hardware available

[muddyfox470]

Kempez read!!!

6800GT vs 2 x 6600GTs

Ian

Heres a decent review for Reference : http://www.hexus.net/content/reviews...lld19JRD05MzA=

But obviously Drivers could improve performance, but the leap from single card to dual card is not massive. But just think of the extra costs involved (and heat + noise) of having 2 cards in your case.

[kempez]

Kempez read!!!

6800GT vs 2 x 6600GTs

Ian

My bad

As I was saying 1 x 6800GT = 2 x 6600GT's *ahem*

[Koolpc]

Yea, the extra expense and hassle of getting 2 cards to work in harmony with everything else in the pc, just not worth it!

Gee, Graphics cards are expensive enough without having to buy 2!!!

I am after a decent PCI-Express graphics card that doesn't cost the earth and is able to play the majority of games. I have an FX5200 at the mo and i know it is a crap card but it plays all the games i throw at it. Just that i have to play them on 'low' setting. Still playable.

SLI to me means= More money, more hassle, and less of a % increase in game quality for £ v FPS.

[muddyfox470]

Go for a PCI-express x800xl or 6800gt if that is you budget < £200

But let us know how much you have to spend and we can try and help ye!

Ian

[Lee H]

SLI is worth it though if you run high resolutions and want some serious eye-candy settings

HL2 looks absolutely superb @ 1600*1200 with everything on high settings.

[Koolpc]

£100 is my max budget

[muddyfox470]

go for x800 (may be able to get second hand one)
or x800gt
or 6600gt with the x800gt try and get a 256mb card one, but if the price difference is too great dont bother.

have a look around on for sale boards, or check out that new hexus scan offer to get free postage from scan

ian

[Koolpc]

Thanks Mate

[muddyfox470]

on a quick search this is what i found:

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=253951
http://www.dabs.com/uk/productview.h...Q&refererid=WQ
http://www.lowestonweb.com/Products/...9-0DC7DAADF870
http://www.lowestonweb.com/Products/...4-DD3233828FC3
http://www.lowestonweb.com/Products/...3-EA35C5971C11

The Gecube one looks pretty ok for the price, but the 6600gt in my opinion should beat it, despite only having 128mb of ram. The Dabs one should make sure you keep below your £100 budget. And don't worry thats its a 'value' card as they are all pratically the same, and overclocking doesnt yield too much with 6600gts

Ian

[Koolpc]

Which is better, the 6600 or the x800?

[muddyfox470]

not much between them, but the x800 (£140) > 6600gt (£120) > x800gt (£95)

But that Dabs one sounds pretty good value to me for a fully blown 6600gt!

Have a look in google for some reviews; heres one i found...

Ian

http://www.hexus.net/content/reviews...VybF9wYWdlPTE=

Altho the 256mb version of the x800gt outperforms the 6600gt due to the extra memory, but the 128mb version of the x800gt is worse than the 6600gt. Have a look in google for some reliable reviews.

EDIT: I have forgotten the most importantquestion, what resolution do you play ur games at (what screen do you have as well wud help) and what games do you play, and do you play often!?

[kempez]

I'd get a 6600GT if it cost below £100 Great card for that price

[Koolpc]

Gee, so confusing. I do play games now and then. Resolution is always 1024 x 768