Building new system, on GPU: 2x8800GT SLI or single 9800GTX?

[9nines]

I am build a new system, and want to settle on GPU first.

I am building system for gaming, FPS and MMORPGs mostly. As most I like to max eye-candy settings as much as possible. I game at 1680x1050 - I have a NEC 20WMGX2 and plan to keep it a while. I am considering either two 8800GTs in SLI or a single 9800GTX.


The 2x8800GT SLI would only be able $75 more than the single 9800GTX, so the two options are not far off moneywise ($400 vs $325).

At 1680x1050, which would perform better, the 2x8800GT SLI or single 9800GTX?

 

[n7]

The 8800 GTs in SLI will be much faster in games that utilize SLI well.

Of course, whether you can tolerate the drawbacks some people notice with SLI, like no dual displays, input lag, & lower minimum fps, are another matter

Considering 1680x1050 is a pretty easy resolution to handle with current games other than Crysis, i'd suggest the single 9800 GTX.

But i'm an SLI/CF hater...others will obviously have different opinions

 

[9nines]

Thanks. I have never done SLI but I am leary of it too. So at 1680x1050, average FPS will probably be higher on 9800GTX, but peak would be higher on 2X8800GT?

 

[themisfit610]

Heh and you're an SLI hater bc you need more power than you can buy to keep your 3007WFP happy

And yes I agree. A single 9800gtx is probably a better investment, especially at 1680x1050.

In games that can benefit from SLI (assuming a 9800gtx can't give you enough fps to be happy at your chosen settings) - you will see a large benefit. But remember lots of games dont, and there are the other aformentioned issues with SLI.

Single GPU, less power, heat, and bubble gum + bailing wire to worry about

Hell, get a single 8800gt and save the money for a 9900 series

~MiSfit

 

[imported_Scoop]

9800GTX is a joke. 8800GTS 512 offers almost the same performance and uses much less power. But I guess if you just have to get those extra two frames. 8800GT SLI of course uses even more power but at least it gives something back.