Originally posted by: deadseasquirrel
Originally posted by: RobertR1
Originally posted by: John Reynolds
Me, I'm not a big fan of dual PEG solutions. Too much heat, noise, and cost for too little linear performance scaling, and too much to invest in a single generation of parts when the graphics industry is still on such a fast schedule. Let things slow down to a 18 month architecture cycle and I might reconsider.
These are the exact same reason I do not prefer Dual GPU solutions for the present time or even recommend them to anyone.
While I have to agree that there IS more heat, noise, and power consumption with a dual-gpu solution than with a single, I don't think I could agree with you that it not recommended for "anyone". Seriously, what if someone has an LCD with a native resolution of 1900x1200 (or higher) and wants to play the lastest games (such as FEAR and COD2) with full details, AA/AF, at that native resolution? A single card solution doesn't cut it right now. We're on a wait-and-see approach for R580 and G71.
I've been running a dual-gpu rig for 12 months now. Granted, I don't fixate upon my electric bill to determine whether the extra power usage is breaking my bank account. Texas summers do that with my air conditioner with or without a dual-gpu rig. Extra heat? A good case with proper airflow mitigates that. Again, I'm using an overclocked A64 with 2 overclocked 6800GTs. No heat issue here. Noise? My speakers already have to compete with 2 other kids' computers in the study, as well as a TV in the next room, and a 6-month old. Noise isn't an issue for me, but I could see it being one for others.
But to NOT recommend it to ANYone??? That's going a bit far. If anything, dual-gpu systems allow for a lot of flexibility finding the right price/performance ratio. A good example would be the recent releases of the 512GTX and the X1800XT. Both were priced at around $600 (and even higher for the 512GTX).... whereas the 7800GT SLI config would set you back the same amount, yet provide more power. Price/performance at its best.
Sorry for the diatribe, but when I see people dismiss SLI (or Crossfire) across the board for everybody, I have to wonder how that person comes to such a conclusion. Yes, dual-gpu is mostly geared to those who utilize resolutions at or above 1600x1200; yes, it consumes more power, gives out more heat, and makes more noise. But if you have the motherboard capable of using such a solution, have a way to combat the heat, can put up with the noise, could care less how much power it eats, desire to play the latest games at the highest of resolutions with all the eye candy at smooth frame rates, and, most importantly, have enough coin for the purchase, then a dual-gpu solution is perfect for you.