2x 8600GT or 1x 8800GTS

[cronson7]

hi im buliging a new pc and was just wondering what would be better for games and be compatible with dx10 games in the future two 8600GT's or one 8800GTS?

[Tetras]

I would always go with a single solution over SLI. SLI is not reliable performance (relies on driver and game support) and produces twice the video heat and consumes twice the power draw (though I'm not making a direct comparison between 2x 8600 GT and 1x 8800 GTS, it may consume less), you'd also not have the option of adding another 8800 GTS in the future (though I doubt you'd be looking for another 8800 GTS as when it is too slow to be useful, there would be much faster single cards) and may limit your upgrade options by covering PCI/PCI-E slots that sound / physics / TV cards etc could be put in.

The only time that SLI really makes sense is if you want to play at very high resolutions and settings that are beyond what a single card can offer.

[Pob255]

Well from what I read so far 2x8600gt in sli is around the same performance as a single 8800gts 320mb
However problems stem from, Sli performance depends on the game played, nvidia's weak SLi motherboard chip sets.
Also although the 8600gt seems to be a good SLi card, I've noticed this before, the lower down the series then bigger the % gain from SLi. However from reports the 8800GTS 320mb is also a great card when SLi'd (but with the added problems of even more power needed and heat made)
Overall 1x 8800GTS 320 is better. (later on you could SLi that which would be far better than SLi'ing 8600gt)

[NightshadowUK]

One GTS for sure, I wouldn't touch SLi with a big stick.

[schmunk]

Agree with all the above, get an 8800GTS.

[benwoodcock]

8800GTS or better wait for the 9800s in a few months

[Fraz]

Single 8800 GTS.

Will be better and prob cheaper too!

[Agent]

Less heat, Less power and probably more performance from a single card to be honest.