Dual Graphics card build?

[Tropic55]

What would the benefits of having two Graphics cards in 100% gaming comp.
Hoping its FPS.
Been thinking of going that direction with my new build I'm trying to piece together. Really thinking of 2 GTX 460's or better.

Any input?

Thanks,
-Karl

 

[fffblackmage]

The primary benefit is getting performance you wouldn't find in a single gfx card. Maybe two graphics cards are cheaper than a single uber graphics card on occasion, but you need to take extra cost like compatible mobo and beefier PSU into account too.

Also, when you sandwich two cards together, one will get usually run hotter since the other gfx card will block air. Just be aware of that.

I don't think two GTX460s in SLI is worthwhile though, and I'm not sure if microstutter (affects both SLI and CFX) is still a problem.

 

[Tropic55]

I'm looking around for a SLI motherboard now.
Nvida site has recommendations for SLI motherboards ( Hopefully with a CPU Combo ) but still a bit confusing as which to choose, Hope to get help sorting it out.

Thanks fff,

 

[razaice]

Do you like amd or intel?

 

[Tropic55]

Intel for me these days.

 

[ViviTheMage]

2x6950 is 90%~ better then 1x6950 in most games...definitely in BC2, almost 100% better!

 

[razaice]

I dont know then. I was going to say amd motherboards seem to do better with crossfire than sli.

 

[ViviTheMage]

I dont know then. I was going to say amd motherboards seem to do better with crossfire than sli.

proof?

my i5 2500k P8P67 Pro board has no issues with crossfire.

 

[Tropic55]

Vivi?
Which 6950 you using.

 

[razaice]

proof?

my i5 2500k P8P67 Pro board has no issues with crossfire.

I'm not saying intel boards have any problem with crossfire. I'm saying that I've read that amd boards have problems with sli, or that their sli boards aren't as high quality as their crossfire boards. It could be wrong though, I don't know.

 

[pcm81]

Aircooling!!!!
2 cards = 2x the surface area for airflow vs 1 card with 2 GPUs on it, which would give you same perf.

2x 6970s > 1x 6990
2x 580s >> 1x 590

 

[dpodblood]

Of course having 2 graphics cards will put you at a huge FPS advantage, but it also means you will need an SLI/Crossfire capable motherboard, and a PSU that can handle 2 cards. Also while you may have a higher average FPS you may run into issues such as microstutter, flickering, or in some cases just bad scaling (meaning you will not get as good of a boost as you expect). Of course it all depends on your situation. If you are running a 30" screen with uber-resolution, or 3 1080p monitors you may want 2 cards. But for "normal uses" such as 1080p, and 1200p a single good GPU (Such as the GTX 560ti, GTX 570, or HD 6950) Will do just fine.

 

[Tropic55]

FPS is what I'm after,
But your correct, I'll never run higher then 1200p.
And I use only one Monitor.

I'll be using an i7 2600k ( Only reason is I'm getting a good deal on it )
Would the HD 6950 cause microstutter also? This card seems to be my best bet.

I'll post what I put together tomorrow from some of the replies,
See what shakes out.

The help is much appreciated. :thumbsup:

 

[dpodblood]

For 1900x1200 honestly I wouldn't bother with 2 cards. In most games you are going to be able to max the graphical settings, with 4xAA 16xAF and still achieve over 60FPS with a card like the GTX 560Ti, GTX 570, HD 6950, HD 6970, etc.

 

[Tropic55]

Thanks dpodblood,

Going with one 6950.
Any suggestions on the make? ( MSI, HIS etc..)

 

[dpodblood]

Thanks dpodblood,

Going with one 6950.
Any suggestions on the make? ( MSI, HIS etc..)

Where are you buying from? I would recommend looking for a reference design.

 

[Tropic55]

Buying my parts from here.

http://www.microcenter.com/search/search_results.phtml?Ntt=6950&N=0&submit.x=18&submit.y=13

Or if I find one for sale on the site here.

 

[dpodblood]

This one looks good:

http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0354421

 

[aigomorla]

When looking at GPU's i always look at the these first:
The ones with the lowest BS in RMA's + Allows replacement of stock heat sink.

HIS being first.. but they got really really small. (they used to, but i dont know anymore)
XFX being second... because there hugh. (stock heat sink is a mix issue here)
ASUS is also very fair, but always take a picture of whatever u send in with the item for RMA. (allows stock heat sink removal)

Meh... in general tho, ATI cards are painful when you need to RMA.
Just hope you never have to use one.


Thats the only reason why i went back to nvidia + eVGA.
Im stateside, and no one beats eVGA in RMA service period.

Replace stock heat sink.. no problem.
Advance RMA .. no problem.
24/7 tech support even for advance RMA items.. wonderful... i can setup rma at 3am when i find out after many many hours of dedug that my gpu has died!

 

[Tropic55]

Well I was ready to post a bunch of 6950 cards for choices and dead set on one 6950,

Then saw this on another forum for sale,

"EVGA GTX 580 Blackops Edtion"
Its un opened for a very good price. ( Plus its EVGA )
Hate to sound like a fickle old fella lol
I'm only using one card as most have suggested and sell later if to go SLI.
Any opinions on this card?
( FYI - i7 2600k, No motherboard yet )

 

[dpodblood]

Well what is the price? Kinda important... lol

 

[Tropic55]

430.00 US

I meant another forum topic here lol
Its on here at anantech Sale section,
I'm new, So I don't know the rules for posting F/S links in other forums.

Doing some research on the card. lol

 

[T101]

I just switched to 2 x 470 in sli, and I have to say, it made a huge difference. Many games I play went from playable with slight annoyances like sudden drops in performance that caused me to miss in steering in the game (dropping from 50fps to 25 is quite noticeable), to becoming more than playable. I mean, so much higher frame rate it is ridiculous in some cases.

 

[Tropic55]

T101,
Asus P8P67 Deluxe Rev B3 working good with those cards?

 

[Elfear]

430.00 US

I meant another forum topic here lol
Its on here at anantech Sale section,
I'm new, So I don't know the rules for posting F/S links in other forums.

Doing some research on the card. lol

That's a good price for a 580 Black Ops edition but not very good bang for your buck at 1200p. You can spend $230-250 for about the same gaming experience. I'd go with a 6950 or a cheap 570.