9600GT SLI vs. 3870X2 pricing

[asintu]

Would 2 9600gt in SLI + the extra cost of the mobo equal the price of a single 3870X2 ?
Which one would be a best buy price/performance in the end?

 

[angry hampster]

Wait a month and get a single GPU ATI card.

 

[v8envy]

SLI motherboards have a cost in addition to upfront $. They tend to fry OCd RAM, fry their northbridges and in the case of 680i, 780i and 790i can experience data corruption due to the MCP chip. Also factor in the cost of better case cooling. 3870x2 exhausts hot air from your PC, most 9600GTs do not.

If you value your time and a higher likelyhood of not having problems the 3870x2 (or even 9800GTX) is a better performer/cost. Otherwise, 9600GT in SLI is the clear winner.

I'd suggest waiting an estimated 4 months for a single GPU NV card. The newest ATI offering is widely expected to underwhelm.

 

[batmang]

$400 for a 3870X2 is a good deal. I agree with v8envy that the 9600GT's do not exhaust the air out from the case. Imagine the heat they are going to create when you have two of pumping the air within the case. You'll need a new motherboard AND better case cooling to accommodate the 9600GT's.

 

[asintu]

i guess ill wait a bit then.