3 gtx 280 vs 2 gtx 480

[alanwest09872]

Ok so what kind of difference am I looking at between 3 gtx 280 and 2 gtx 480.

I like to deal with percentages so if someone could please give me some kind of percentage on how they would compare. I would usually do a tri sli setup but I found that the cards just run way to hot. 105c is killer.

Right now I have 3 gtx 280
I would be placing in 2 gtx 480 and I may use 1 gtx 280 as physx. Which I heard you dont even need a physx card with the 480 but I like having that little bit extra.

Thanks for your help guys.

I should mention I play games at 2560 * 1600 and I always try to turn graphics up as high as possible. Only makes sense you spend alot on a pc you want the best performance possible.

 

[Thor86]

power usage? benchmarking? playing games? what percentages are you looking for?

 

[modestninja]

power usage? benchmarking? playing games? what percentages are you looking for?

epeen size increase percentage.

 

[alanwest09872]

total performance percentage wise for games. Sorry I should have been much more specific. I want to know like it will be 30 percent average better. It may not be possible to compare like that if not I understand completely just any kind of rough quessing would be appreciated. I heard how sick the 480 r and really want one if it will give me increased perfromance.

Thanks for your time guys I appreciate it.

 

[Skurge]

total performance percentage wise for games. Sorry I should have been much more specific. I want to know like it will be 30 percent average better. It may not be possible to compare like that if not I understand completely just any kind of rough quessing would be appreciated. I heard how sick the 480 r and really want one if it will give me increased perfromance.

Thanks for your time guys I appreciate it.

GTX 480 SLi should be twice the speed of a 295, so it should be twice as fast as gtx280 sli, so I would say 30-40%.

Thats just a really rough estimate. I wouldn't surprised if I was wrong.

 

[AndroidVageta]

I would say that it would be quite faster. Especially considering that games will scale better of two cards than 3. Also, youd get DX11 as well.

If you have the money I wouldnt see why not to upgrade...however, 280 SLi x 3 is still more power than any game out right now would warrant.

 

[Puffnstuff]

I saw benchmarks at overclockers earlier with 2/3 sli in the mix. You might want to search for it as it has exactly what you're looking for.

 

[JAG87]

I just made that switch, and I can tell you that the improvement is pretty evident.

I run 2560x1440, in BC2 going from 40-60 fps in DX10 to 60 fps solid in DX11 is enough to justify the switch (without HBAO of course). The image quality improved substantially with soft shadows AND my performance improved. And I can't wait to try TrSSAA once they get it working properly.

Two 480s are just about as loud as 3 280s, they don't run any hotter, don't believe the hype. In my TJ09 they load in BC2 around 85C. Crysis and Metro drill the shit out of them, over 90C and noisy, but as you know these games have the exact same effect on 3-way 280s.

Imo, the switch was worth it. I am just upset that I can't do 3-way this round, it's not happening without watercooling, and I don't feel like getting into that. If you sell your 280s, the upgrade won't even cost you that much...

Oh, and don't use the 280 as physx. If you are doing to cram the airspace between the 480s, you might as well get another 480, they will be just as hot and loud.

 

[alanwest09872]

Wow ok thanks guys you gave me alot to think about. Between getting the 3rd 480 and using the 280 gtx Your right heat wise just better going with the 3rd 480. And I will look to see if I can find that forum post you were talking about.

 

[Alex@Nosound]

Well say roughly the GTX280 65% fast as the GTX480

so your looking at 60-70% faster.