How important will SLI Be

[Acehawk74]

I am currently trying to build a system, and I keep running into one hang up.

I have decided to go with a 2.4 ghz Core2duo processor, 640mb nvidia 8800 gts, and am still in limbo about case, hard drive, mobo, processor.

The answer to this question will signifigantly help me decide.

Through reading this site, I've found a ton of reccomendations and great help, and a ton of great articles. However, I am not sure I understand where to go with this next question. This Thread is my original post, and didn't want to ressurect it from a few days ago, so I created this thread. Alright, here is my question.

About the Mobo:

Between the Gigabit GA-965P-DS3 retail, which does not appear to be SLI compatible, and this motherboard (a personal friend's suggestion), is the only difference SLI compatability and a DD2 1200 capability?

He was saying that the suggested board overclocks really well, and also suggested DDR2-1000 ram (the 300 buck crucial ram). It seems pricey, and I am seeing an awful lot of suggestions about the Gigabit board, and I hear it overclocks just as well.

Would you consider this $249 board a signifigant overkill? Would you say it would be better to go with that board (assuming cost isn't a major issue) and DDR-1000 ram and SLI compatability to add a 2nd 8800 Vid card (640 mb) down the road on, or go with the Gigabit board, stick with the 1 vid card, and go with DDR-800 ram? Obvosly cost comes into play, but will I get a better value and similar longevity from taking the Non-SLI board?

Thanks for your input!

 

[jpeyton]

Not important.

 

[DaveSimmons]

You could buy the cheaper RAM and motherboard and get a GTX instead of GTS. That will help much more for gaming in 2007-8 games (see Rainbow 6 article and 8800 articles in the Video tab above).

I'd much rather have one good single card than mess with SLI or crossfire

 

[Skeeedunt]

SLI is almost always a crappy upgrade path. Unless you're getting 2x8800GTX right now I wouldn't worry about it. (This assumes you're comfortable selling your old graphics card.)

DDR2 1000 vs DDR2 800... you never know how much your CPU will bottleneck your OC, so going nuts on RAM may be a questionable choice. And if you're going to try to squeeze every last cycle out of your processor, you can probably get another 50-100 mhz or so out of most DDR2 800 anyway. If the potential headroom you get from DDR2 1000 is worth the extra $50-$100 though, then go for it.

 

[engiNURD]

SLI is only really important if you have a huge (20" or larger) lcd monitor. Otherwise, stick to a single card solution.

With an E6600, you really don't need anything higher than DDR2-800, since ~3.5Ghz is the limit on those CPUs with air cooling and 9 * 400 = 3.6Ghz/DDR2-800.

 

[s44]

SLI is a gigantic waste of money, made for people with money to waste.

EDIT: I agree with the guy who suggested E6400+DDR2-800 (400FSB * 8 = 3.2ghz) and a 8800GTX.

 

[Acehawk74]

Excellent, thank you for the input.

My follow up question then is this...

If I go with the 8800GTX, which seems to be around $600, is it really that much better, or am I really going to notice a difference on the fps/rpg type games? If I do go with that card, will I need a better PSU than 600W? I see that most people on reviews are reccomending 700+, a few said $1000. I'll also likely need a full case, or a good midsize case selection with good airflow.

Basically, I shouldn't be spending more than $200 for the 2g ram at DD2-800 (give or take 10 bucks then) It appears I won't go for the DD2-1000 at least at this point. Seems extreme to me.

Thanks for the help again!

 

[ebeattie]

The quality of the PSU is going to be a deciding factor for the power rating. Im running a PC Power and Cooling 610 Silencer with an FX-60, 8800GTX, 2GB ram, 2 hdd and 3 120mm fans. Under full gaming load, this PSU doesnt even FLINCH.
What you need to remember is that the heart of your system is the PSU! You could have a top of the line system with only a marginal quality high watt PSU and you'll have the worst gaming experience ever! The PSU is one place your SHOULD NOT skimp on.

 

[DaveSimmons]

PSU quality and the rating of the 12V rail(s) are the important points, not getting a 10,000 total watts rated PSU from JunkySplodeTech.

A system with an 8800GTX will probably be drawing less than 350 watts (321 according to a DailyTech kill-a-watt measurement) but almost no 350watt PSU is going to have the 12V amps rating needed for an 8800.

 

[s44]

You don't need more than a good 500W for any non-SLI system. This Enhance or the 520W Corsair should be more than enough.

If you play Oblivion or NWN2, you'll notice a very real difference with every GPU upgrade. RPG = hog.

 

[Gannon]

I don't necessarily agree SLI is a waste, it depends on how fast the next generation of cards are and what their price points are. There may be a viable upgrade SLI path via used cards on ebay... since they go for a fraction of the retail value.

 

[Dream Operator]

My personal view on SLI is is that you shouldn't bother unless you can afford 2 of the best cards on the market. Otherwise, just buy the top card. The technical hassles, heat and noise could overrule the benefits.

I bought an SLI board. By the time I have the $$ for a new card, I would rather buy a single of a newer technology card than have two of the old generation (won't be too long before the 89xx rolls out!! NOT SAYING I HAVE HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT 89XX, I am just speculating).

Happy building!

 

[fire400]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
Not important.