8800 GTX in SLI -- compared to "newer cards"

[Mango1970]

I am still totally NOT interested in upgrading my rigs with the latest batch of new video cards as I honestly find it hard to beat my current 8800 GTX in SLI. I have seen some reviews where newer cards are reveiwed and compared to many other cards including my 8800 GTX. Anything anyone can point me to comparing the new to a 8800 GTX SLI system?

My current system runs so well... but I am an idiot when it comes to upgrading and I am always getting the latest thing (good for the industry I guess). Since I got my second 8800 GTX for less than $250.00 shipped, it's hard now to even consider an upgrade unless there was an insanely huge compelling reason. Even my power consumption (while idle) is not really that bad considering the "older" technology. Also my temps of both cards is actually quite good and I can live with it. From reading some of the posts of the 4850-4870 etc it scares me. Also the 9800 GTX or + does nothing for me in regards to "excitement" value over my current rig. Am I stupid to stick with 2 of these cards or should I dump and sell them on eBay and get say a new Nvidia or ATI/AMD card?

 

[MarcVenice]

Just wait and see how the HD4870 compares in CF compared to a 8800gtx in SLI, or a 9800gtx in SLI. Your mobo isn't CF ready though, so upgrading to crossfire would be even more expensive. Upgrading to SLI-ed gtx260's or gtx280's would really be like throwing money away.

 

[taltamir]

even if they beat your rig, it would not be by a lot, and it will not be worth the cost to upgrade...

unless the 4870 is really impressive in CF, or a much better GTX280+ 55nm version arrives (which should happen SOON)

 

[ajaidevsingh]

I did make a thread about this few days ago.. I tested 3*8800's vs 2*4850 and i lost by a few frames!!!

 

[Tempered81]

SLI 280's or CF 4870's would be the only good upgrade from SLI 8800GTX's

Or tri sli

Or a 4870X2

oops yeah, Edit: don't buy a 280 right now

wait and get two 55nm 280's at the end of the year if you really want to upgrade.

 

[Sylvanas]

Well, considering 1 4870 (according to early results from the 4xxx thread) is equal to a GTX260 and in some cases even take it to the GTX 280 and if the GTX280 is close to twice that of a 8800GTX, then I'd wager to say 4870CF would be quite a bit faster than you're current 8800GTX setup, especially if you intend to use high rez + AA.

 

[lopri]

I would keep the 8800 GTX SLI. Only thing that's faster than that would be another dual card setup using RV770 or GT200. Going CF means you need a new mobo.. which will beget a new CPU, which will beget new memory sticks,.. etc.

Of course it's a different story if you're just having an upgrade anxiety and looking for an excuse.

 

[bryanW1995]

wait out this generation completely. your 8800gtx setup should be close to 4850 crossfire, and you have lots of money invested in it already. nehalem mainstream will be out around this time next year (hopefully) and it's an open debate as to whether they'll even have sli on it. I'd wait at least until then.

 

[theYipster]

From a value over time proposition, the 8800 GTX has proven to be the best high-end card to SLI ever. By the time a compelling replacement comes along, the 8800 GTX will likely be over two years old. In the mean time, the only alluring upgrade (for me at least) is to a CF solution -- not because two 4870s will blow away two 8800 GTXs (although they're clearer faster,) but so that I can jump ship to an Intel chipset. Half my hobby is enjoying my computer's performance, while the other half is tweaking / overclocking. Getting a Q6600 to 4ghz on a 680i/780i, while providing for a great sense of accomplishment, wasn't fun.

 

[Mango1970]

Thank you all for the all the input. As stated by all, it's pretty hard to justify jumping now with this investment. I have to admit that when the 8800 GTX first came out, I jumped right on it and paid full price for the first one. I have NEVER ever looked back or regretted it. I am still shocked at how well it still handles everything. When I got the option to get a second one for such a low price and already had a 680i SLI chipset, it was a no brainer. I will skip this round and wait to see what will develop in the next year. Now to satisfy that greedy side of me I might have to jump onto a new 300GB Raptor. With my Q6600 oc'ed to 3.4 GHz even in that I cannot really find any compelling reason to upgrade... sigh. I need something revolutionary!! LOL.

 

[imported_TimBob]

I'm in the same boat. 8800gtx SLI and for some reason I'm itching to upgrade.