Gtx 950 sli a good idea?

yasho2249

Junior Member
Apr 5, 2016
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Ik that a 970 will be better bt the reason behind this idea is

1. Am nt sure if I need all that expensive stuff. Am nt really sure how much time I will be giving to gaming n if nt much then it will be a waste

2. I don't hav the budget anyways for a 970. I can get a 960 stretching my budget real hard nt anything more.

Am planning on getting a 950 right now n when it becomes necessary, I will add another 950. I am nt that kind of guy who wants 60+ fps at max settings on the latest games. Am ready to lower the settings to get atleast 40fps n when that also becomes difficult I will add another 950. Some videos show that dual 950s actually perform better than a 970. Bt the problem might occur with vram. How bad might that be?? I thought of a dual R7 370 crossfire bt that Doesn't look like a good idea as the single R7 370 will be terrible. Any else problems I might face?

If that's a good idea then am planning to use a fx 6300 as CPU? Will that handle the sli? If nt what??(plz take in consideration the Mobo price too as the sli compatible mobos will cost much more than something like a H110)
 

Triloby

Senior member
Mar 18, 2016
587
275
136
No. Just, no.

Unless your motherboard supports SLI/Crossfire, your PSU is powerful enough to drive dual GPU's, and you're willing to put up with some of the drawbacks of multi-GPU setups (like frame pacing issues and such), SLI is a complete waste of time and money. A single GPU should be more than sufficient enough for what you want. Not all PC games will have dual-GPU compatibility. Any PC game made with the Unreal 4 engine, for example, will not support multi-GPU setups at all.

What kind of games will you be playing? Are you interested in playing the latest AAA titles?

If you don't care about maxing out all graphics settings and maintaining a consistent 60 FPS, then just stick with either your pick of a GTX 950, or you can go for a 4 GB Radeon R9 380. Price-wise, the R9 380 is in the same ballpark as the GTX 960, but delivers much better performance at that price than the 960. The 960 just isn't good value for the money.

If you don't really need a new GPU like right now, then just wait for Polaris and Pascal to be released. You'll most likely get a much better deal at that time.
 
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Kenmitch

Diamond Member
Oct 10, 1999
8,505
2,250
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Your better off waiting to see what next gen cards will offer both performance and price wise. Possibly an idea how nvidia offering will be later this week it looks like.

SLI and crossfire are best with more powerful cards. Not all games support sli/crossfire so worst case you'll rely on one more powerful card.
 

maddie

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2010
5,152
5,540
136
Ik that a 970 will be better bt the reason behind this idea is

1. Am nt sure if I need all that expensive stuff. Am nt really sure how much time I will be giving to gaming n if nt much then it will be a waste

2. I don't hav the budget anyways for a 970. I can get a 960 stretching my budget real hard nt anything more.

Am planning on getting a 950 right now n when it becomes necessary, I will add another 950. I am nt that kind of guy who wants 60+ fps at max settings on the latest games. Am ready to lower the settings to get atleast 40fps n when that also becomes difficult I will add another 950. Some videos show that dual 950s actually perform better than a 970. Bt the problem might occur with vram. How bad might that be?? I thought of a dual R7 370 crossfire bt that Doesn't look like a good idea as the single R7 370 will be terrible. Any else problems I might face?

If that's a good idea then am planning to use a fx 6300 as CPU? Will that handle the sli? If nt what??(plz take in consideration the Mobo price too as the sli compatible mobos will cost much more than something like a H110)
SLI/XFire on the lowest cards = waste, considering 2GB limit and especially if you are starting with no card owned and hope to upgrade later to SLI.

Wait a couple months for new cards to launch. You might get better performance for same money.

Present card prices will drop and used cards [970, 960, 950] should be much lower.

Very bad time for new video card.
 

yasho2249

Junior Member
Apr 5, 2016
23
0
66
No. Just, no.

Unless your motherboard supports SLI/Crossfire, your PSU is powerful enough to drive dual GPU's, and you're willing to put up with some of the drawbacks of multi-GPU setups (like frame pacing issues and such), SLI is a complete waste of time and money. A single GPU should be more than sufficient enough for what you want. Not all PC games will have dual-GPU compatibility. Any PC game made with the Unreal 4 engine, for example, will not support multi-GPU setups at all.

What kind of games will you be playing? Are you interested in playing the latest AAA titles?

If you don't care about maxing out all graphics settings and maintaining a consistent 60 FPS, then just stick with either your pick of a GTX 950, or you can go for a 4 GB Radeon R9 380. Price-wise, the R9 380 is in the same ballpark as the GTX 960, but delivers much better performance at that price than the 960. The 960 just isn't good value for the money.

If you don't really need a new GPU like right now, then just wait for Polaris and Pascal to be released. You'll most likely get a much better deal at that time.
Yaa I am very much interested in the latest games bt a bit low settings and 40fps is fine with me (below 30 I really start noticing it) on 1080p though no 720 plz. Also I thought of getting a R9 380 bt I dunno why in my country (India) the amd cards are really overpriced :( the 960 is for like $210 wich (believe me) is good pricing. Bt a sapphire R9 380 4gb comes for like $290 . Still nt checked with the local shops soo a bit hope. Can u tell me wat price can I expect for 970 after the pascal release. And will it be good to go with a older architecture? (heard a bit abt nvidia's poor Dx12 compatibility) will be getting the setup in a month or soo.
 

yasho2249

Junior Member
Apr 5, 2016
23
0
66
Your better off waiting to see what next gen cards will offer both performance and price wise. Possibly an idea how nvidia offering will be later this week it looks like.

SLI and crossfire are best with more powerful cards. Not all games support sli/crossfire so worst case you'll rely on one more powerful card.
I will be getting it in abt a month. Wat prices can I expect for a 970? Is the old architecture good for Dx12?
 

yasho2249

Junior Member
Apr 5, 2016
23
0
66
SLI/XFire on the lowest cards = waste, considering 2GB limit and especially if you are starting with no card owned and hope to upgrade later to SLI.

Wait a couple months for new cards to launch. You might get better performance for same money.

Present card prices will drop and used cards [970, 960, 950] should be much lower.

Very bad time for new video card.
I am planning to build this in a month. Wat prices can I expect for a 970? Is the old architecture good for Dx12?
 

tential

Diamond Member
May 13, 2008
7,348
642
121
I am planning to build this in a month. Wat prices can I expect for a 970? Is the old architecture good for Dx12?

Absolutely not. Maxwell(GTX 900 series cards) cards don't get a benefit from DX12. At best, you will get the same performance you got under DX11.

The even worse part is what happens to Nvidia cards after the new ones come out. The GTX 970 will not be relevant after the new cards come out.

For example, this is an NVIDIA sponsored game.
The GTX 780Ti is the flagship model from last generation of Nvidia cards.
The R9 290x released to compete against the GTX 780Ti.

cod_2560.jpg


On this graph you see the 290x, GTX 780Ti, GTX 970 and R9 280x (HD7970 rebrand)

In an Nvidia sponsored title look where the GTX 780Ti is... Below a R9 280x, the previous generation is even beating the 780Ti.
Look at the 290x.... even above the GTX 980.
Now, look at the GTX 770, the card people are essentially recommending you to get now. Look how well it holds up, it's now slower than a GTX 960.

Anyway, feel free to get a used GTX 970, just don't expect it to perform well given the amount you pay for it.

Edit: Look no further than the GTX Titan's performance, lower than an HD7970, to understand that Nvidia will not stick with you long term.
 

maddie

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2010
5,152
5,540
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I am planning to build this in a month. Wat prices can I expect for a 970? Is the old architecture good for Dx12?
If you're planning to build in one month, then just save your money and wait.

No one can give you an accurate price now as there might be some unpredictable market turmoil when the new cards launch, especially by AMD. My opinion.
 

yasho2249

Junior Member
Apr 5, 2016
23
0
66
If you're planning to build in one month, then just save your money and wait.

No one can give you an accurate price now as there might be some unpredictable market turmoil when the new cards launch, especially by AMD. My opinion.
Soo I guess I will wait for the pascal and then get a R9 380 if the prices fall as the upper guy seems to be against getting a maxwell architecture card. Fine??
 

maddie

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2010
5,152
5,540
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Soo I guess I will wait for the pascal and then get a R9 380 if the prices fall as the upper guy seems to be against getting a maxwell architecture card. Fine??
You won't be able to afford the new Pascal cards. They should be at least, a 970 price.

AMD will release cheaper cards. You will have to read the reviews and choose your best option.

Safe to say you will get more performance for your money than buying now.
 

tential

Diamond Member
May 13, 2008
7,348
642
121
Soo I guess I will wait for the pascal and then get a R9 380 if the prices fall as the upper guy seems to be against getting a maxwell architecture card. Fine??
My suggestion isn't to go with the R9 380, but to use the Used market. That's your best bet.

AMD cards are BEST purchased in the used market, because they are the less popular brand. So they don't hold value well. You can get a used R9 290 over here cheaper than a used GTX 970. So I'd look at the used:
HD7950
HD7970
R9 280
R9 280x
R9 290
R9 390

And see where they end up after Pascal/Polaris drop.

Edit: I doubt you'll be able to afford Pascal or Polaris after they release in your country, but if Polaris will be more affordable without a doubt so check out that pricing too.
 

Headfoot

Diamond Member
Feb 28, 2008
4,444
641
126
No, SLI GTX 950 is not a good idea. Wait for the new cards to drop in June and buy the best single card in your budget
 

xthetenth

Golden Member
Oct 14, 2014
1,800
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106
SLI 950 is very limited by memory and being two cards, and you could either hold on for better or sell the 950 and then buy a new card when you get the extra money and it'll be a better solution even in the games where SLI works and vastly better when it doesn't.
 

maddie

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2010
5,152
5,540
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SLI 950 is very limited by memory and being two cards, and you could either hold on for better or sell the 950 and then buy a new card when you get the extra money and it'll be a better solution even in the games where SLI works and vastly better when it doesn't.
He has no card. He wants to buy one and then upgrade to SLI with another sometime in the future.
 

xthetenth

Golden Member
Oct 14, 2014
1,800
529
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He has no card. He wants to buy one and then upgrade to SLI with another sometime in the future.

Right. That's where the hold on for better option comes in. If he does buy a 950, then when it's time that he could buy another he'd likely be better off selling the 950 and buying something new.
 

Triloby

Senior member
Mar 18, 2016
587
275
136
Yaa I am very much interested in the latest games bt a bit low settings and 40fps is fine with me (below 30 I really start noticing it) on 1080p though no 720 plz. Also I thought of getting a R9 380 bt I dunno why in my country (India) the amd cards are really overpriced :( the 960 is for like $210 wich (believe me) is good pricing. Bt a sapphire R9 380 4gb comes for like $290 . Still nt checked with the local shops soo a bit hope. Can u tell me wat price can I expect for 970 after the pascal release. And will it be good to go with a older architecture? (heard a bit abt nvidia's poor Dx12 compatibility) will be getting the setup in a month or soo.

Unfortunately, I don't know anything about Indian prices. If that's the case, and you don't want to spend extra on the Radeon (like INR 20,000 or more), then just stay with the GeForce.

However, I wouldn't bother getting a new GPU right now. If you're going to spend a fair amount of money on a new GPU, then I would just consider waiting until the new stuff arrives. Like I said before, you'll probably get a better deal on the new cards considering the amount of money you'll be spending on one. DX12 is a very good reason to wait, even though there aren't THAT many games right now with good DX12 compatibility out the box.

But if you really need a new card, like RIGHT NOW, then either a single 950 or 960 within your price range.
 

nerp

Diamond Member
Dec 31, 2005
9,865
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106
I will buck the trend and say the 950 is a great card for someone like you. you said you aren't sure if you're really going to game a ton on it. It's efficient, runs cool, isn't huge and can even be had without the 6-pin connector. And it can play all modern games at decent framerates.
 

maddie

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2010
5,152
5,540
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I will buck the trend and say the 950 is a great card for someone like you. you said you aren't sure if you're really going to game a ton on it. It's efficient, runs cool, isn't huge and can even be had without the 6-pin connector. And it can play all modern games at decent framerates.
Did you read where he wants to SLI it later on?

Are you suggesting this is a good idea?
 

yasho2249

Junior Member
Apr 5, 2016
23
0
66
@tential there is nothing like a "used market" here for Gpus . People here don't want all that upgrading stuff here. Thus the consoles are soo popular here. N the few who do it do it after years. I wont get a 280 or 290 n even if I get it, it won't differ much frm original price. Soo a new card is the best option I guess
@xtheteth I read that sli is only possible with same cards. Soo a 950 with a 950 only.

Based on the one day research of mine I found that the pascal cards will be expensive + mid range cards like 1060(I guess that's what it is called) won't come in June. The polaris 10 will be much cheaper and while I dunno what price will it be at, if I can I will get that

Soo I guess I will wait for polaris release coz I need nothing right now n get polaris 10 if I can or a 380 or if the prices drop significantly maybe something higher. Don't think nvidia will be any good coz the pascal will be expensive with only high end cards comming in June and the current maxwell cards look terrible for Dx12. The Dx12 supports any pair of cards soo that is cool n might be useful in future. Also the polaris 10 seems to support VR

When am done with my exams in like 15 days I will research all this stuff properly. Right now can't do much.

Sent from my D5322 using Tapatalk
 

maddie

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2010
5,152
5,540
136
@tential there is nothing like a "used market" here for Gpus . People here don't want all that upgrading stuff here. Thus the consoles are soo popular here. N the few who do it do it after years. I wont get a 280 or 290 n even if I get it, it won't differ much frm original price. Soo a new card is the best option I guess
@xtheteth I read that sli is only possible with same cards. Soo a 950 with a 950 only.

Based on the one day research of mine I found that the pascal cards will be expensive + mid range cards like 1060(I guess that's what it is called) won't come in June. The polaris 10 will be much cheaper and while I dunno what price will it be at, if I can I will get that

Soo I guess I will wait for polaris release coz I need nothing right now n get polaris 10 if I can or a 380 or if the prices drop significantly maybe something higher. Don't think nvidia will be any good coz the pascal will be expensive with only high end cards comming in June and the current maxwell cards look terrible for Dx12. The Dx12 supports any pair of cards soo that is cool n might be useful in future. Also the polaris 10 seems to support VR

When am done with my exams in like 15 days I will research all this stuff properly. Right now can't do much.

Sent from my D5322 using Tapatalk
Like you I live in a country without a used market and very high prices for all but very basic stuff. A 290 for US $450 for example.

We have companies in Miami that consolidate and ship small items daily to us at quite low freight costs, allowing us to tap the used market and retailers. I have used it to buy used and Amazon, etc, items.

Do you have anything like this in India?
 

yasho2249

Junior Member
Apr 5, 2016
23
0
66
Like you I live in a country without a used market and very high prices for all but very basic stuff. A 290 for US $450 for example.

We have companies in Miami that consolidate and ship small items daily to us at quite low freight costs, allowing us to tap the used market and retailers. I have used it to buy used and Amazon, etc, items.

Do you have anything like this in India?
I don't think soo. What are they called? I dunno what to search on Google. I mean I need something to search if there exists something like this in India