CPU's and 7800 GTX SLI

[Cope]

How big of a performance gain does 2 gtx's with a x4400 have over a 830D?
If you had to choose between 1 gtx and an x4400 or 2 gtxs and a 830D what would you do?

Ive looked around and not been able to find much information on sli performance with intel chips (because x2's are better) but there is a deal right now at dell, which is why im asking.

Thanks

 

[Lonyo]

One GTX and a 4400+, because upgrading to a second 7800GTX later won't be too much of an issue, while changing mobo/CPU and RAM to get a better gaming processor WILL be a lot more of a hassle, and more expensive.
BUT: It kind of depends on the res you might be using, 1600x1200 and a single 7800GTX will probably be fine for now, but above that and you might want to give a little consideration to SLI 7800GTX's as you might be more GPU bound.

 

[Cope]

Very true, I am using a dual 2405 setup so it will be 1900x1200 and I would like to play everything at that res (if I can)

 

[Marsumane]

Depends on your upgrade cycle. 2 GTXs will give u a longer upgrade cycle (if you are one to wait several years between) due to most games being more gpu dependant. Secondly, the processors are not night and day. One is only somewhat faster. (3.0intel vs 2.2amd). Personally, when the next UT engine comes out, id rather have the dual video cards and the slightly slower proc then the somewhat faster proc and a single card.

But then again if u upgrade often, you may be planning on picking up a 2nd GTX once the prices drop. But then again the dual core procs should also drop eventually. Its all new tech that is at the height of its' price and will drop soon.

Basically im saying if u upgrade often, eventually get both because both prices (proc and GTX) will drop eventually here and ull be able to afford both.

If you have a long upgrade cycle the 2 gtx + 3ghz intel will outlast a 2.2a64 + 1 GTX in gaming.

Then again, if you care mainly about gaming, y get a dual core at all? Especially now? Get a socket 939 mobo and a single core proc + the dual GTXs and save urself the headache of deciding. Upgrade to dual core later when games use it more. So after all that above, this is truely what i reccomend you do. Makes alot more sense to me.

 

[Bona Fide]

I hope you plan to go to Socket M2 when it comes out, because dual 7800GTX's blow the crap out of any processor currently available. For now, that 4400+ should be suitable, and get a single 7800GTX. It can run games at max settings 1600x1200 with no issues. Then, when you can, get the second 7800GTX.

 

[ayabe]

I would be wary of running into CPU limitations with either of those processors and 7800GTX's in SLI.