8800 nightmare

[Infinitive1]

hey guys got a bit of a nightmare here. Im in the process of renewing my system as my old system has decided it has performed its finally frag. I have decided to buy an intel quad core cpu my dilema is with the graphics/motherboard combo, do i go with the asus maximus x38 chipset and a 8800 ultra or a nforce 680i board with duel 8800gt's? any help is much appreciated thanx

[staffsMike]

I wouldn't bother with an ultra unless you find a very good deal. GTX is close enough.

SLi has its occasional benefits but nothing major in most cases.

To be honest I would get the X38 (or P35..still a good choice) and get one 8800GT or GTX (performance is very close the GTX hardly warrants the extra cash) and see how you get on

[derchris]

Yepp,

I for myselg got a X38 with a Q6600 and a 8800GT.
Works perfect, and as staffsMike already said, is very close to the power of a GTX.

And as for SLI, I don't see the real benefit in having 2 cards.

[this_is_gav]

If you're going to be playing Crysis then I'd imagine 2x8800GTs in SLi would the best all-round combo, but I doubt the drives are ready for it yet. Personally I'd get an Intel-based motherboard and stick to either a single 8800GT (it's close enough), get an Intel mobo and wait until the new 8800GTS SSC arrives and see if it's worth it or get an Intel mobo and go with 2 HD3870s in Crossfire.

If it's just CS:S or something, then a 8800GT or single HD3870 will be easily sufficient.

[Blitzen]

is very close to the power of a GTX

That is a very misleading comment.
Is close but within certain parameters.

Its close when:
a). Using low resolutions
b). With Things like AA turned right down

I agree though! i doubt the GTX warrants an extra nearly £200.

The new GTS's will definitely warrant the extra £40-60 though because it looks like they will perform at the high ress's with full sexiness turned on.

[this_is_gav]

That is a very misleading comment.
Is close but within certain parameters.

Its close when:
a). Using low resolutions
b). With Things like AA turned right down.

They're certainly not worth the premium over the 8800GTX when the difference 5fps either side of 100fps (using Splinter Cell CT @ 1920x1200 4xAA 8xAF as an example). Looking at Scan you pay £105 for those 10fps (comparing the cheapest of each).

[Infinitive1]

cheers for the info guys think i will go with the gt for now