Help me decide on a video card upgrade

[iamgenius]

System is in sig. I want to play FFXIV. My current card sucks for the job. I only get about 800 score with the official benchmark. I almost pulled the trigger on an EVGA GTX 460, but what is making me reluctant is this:

My mobo supports crossfire but not SLI, so If I go the Nvidia route, I won't be able to use dual cards solutions later on. However, if I buy the GTX 460 ATI equivalent and wanted more video performance later, I can just add another ATI card. Plus I will be utilizing more of my mobo features.

Note: I hate ATI drivers. Never had a good experience with them. And this adds to my reluctance.

What do you think?

 

[Axon]

Many people start out thinking they're going to upgrade to xfire or SLI, but many rarely do. Further, generally speaking, if you're going to get a second card to SLI more than 6-8 months down the road, you're better off buying a newer, better performing card.

That said, I'd move on the GTX 460. Best price/performance right now.

 

[Rifter]

I would also get the 460 now, unless you go SLI/CF at the start you are unlikely to do it later.

I mean sure in a year you could probably pick up a 460 for $125 or less but at that time you are also probably going to be able to pick up a single card thats twice as powerful with more features that uses half the power and runs cooler for $250 so what are you going to do, SLI/CF isnt really a wait till later sort of thing IMO.

 

[Skurge]

True, If you think you need better performance get a faster card now.

If you are able to wait till October/November then you might be able to get a HD6000 card or are nvidia card for much less.

If you cant wait, get the GTX460, but note that ATI cards perform better in that game.

 

[iamgenius]

but note that ATI cards perform better in that game.

Really? Game is not released yet. How is that known?

 

[vshin]

Many people start out thinking they're going to upgrade to xfire or SLI, but many rarely do. Further, generally speaking, if you're going to get a second card to SLI more than 6-8 months down the road, you're better off buying a newer, better performing card.

That said, I'd move on the GTX 460. Best price/performance right now.

I agree with you for the most part but I will note the 4870 as a remarkable exception to the rule. Even though the card is nearly 2 years old, upgrading to SLI now would be cheaper and FASTER than any single card solution under $300.