How prevalent are multi-GPU configurations?

[Jumpem]

I am thinking about building a new PC with a single high end GPU. It feels like even after ~$1,600 it would still be a "budget" machine. Just able to run 2560x1440, and 4k is out of the question.

Are you really required to buy two or three GPUs and a high rated PSU these days?

 

[n0x1ous]

Yes

 

[BrightCandle]

You don't need two GPUs, indeed many people prefer not to have the hassle when some games don't support it very well, but in those that do its often worth a bump in the settings or a lot more FPS. You certainly don't require it at 1440p but at 4k dual cards is a minimum to get playable frame rates at high settings.

 

[psolord]

Basically the train of thought goes something like this:

If you can afford the performance of two cards with one card and such a powerful card even exists, then go for the single card

For example if you want the performance of two 270s, you can buy a single 780.

If you need the performance of two 780s though, you should go with two 780s because no single gpu with such power exists.

For the high resolutions you mention, I wouldn't look at anything less than 290 cfx or 780 sli.

Dual gpus are not so hassle free as one gpu, but they work for the most part. I always use vsync though.

 

[Jumpem]

Basically the train of thought goes something like this:

If you can afford the performance of two cards with one card and such a powerful card even exists, then go for the single card

For example if you want the performance of two 270s, you can buy a single 780.

If you need the performance of two 780s though, you should go with two 780s because no single gpu with such power exists.

For the high resolutions you mention, I wouldn't look at anything less than 290 cfx or 780 sli.

Dual gpus are not so hassle free as one gpu, but they work for the most part. I always use vsync though.

I was hoping to use a single 780Ti with an Asus ROG Swift PG278Q to utilize G-Sync.

 

[videogames101]

http://store.steampowered.com/hwsurvey/

 

[Jumpem]

http://store.steampowered.com/hwsurvey/

That shows the GPU used, but not whether multiples are used.

And by looking at that survey a majority of people are using pretty low end dated technology.

 

[SoulWager]

I won't go multi gpu because I usually value latency over graphics settings, and usually play CPU intensive games.

 

[Jacky60]

If you want 60fps with top end games e.g.Arma 3 you need multi gpu BUT you could buy 3 290s in the UK now for £600 or less on ebay or a pair for £400 with a years warranty left. That combo will still crush even on z87 mobo pretty much anything. Sell when 20nm comes out next year and ur set! Assuming you on i7 Haswell. I have two friends who are high end video editors and they both have said "it's like watching a film" watching me game.
Arma 3 Is very CPU intensive but GPUs also matter loads.

 

[bystander36]

I was hoping to use a single 780Ti with an Asus ROG Swift PG278Q to utilize G-Sync.

That will work well. G-sync allows you for a smooth experience at lower FPS. It has also been demonstrated by at least one poster here, that a single 780ti can play at 4k just fine (and you are only going for 1440p). You won't max out every game, but you can achieve at least high settings in most every game. At 1440p it is even easier.

When reading on these forums, you have to realize that some people do not consider a game playable if it isn't maxed out with at least 4x AA settings. In reality, there is barely a visual difference in many games if you drop a setting or 2 and you get great performance at that point.

 

[ShintaiDK]

Single GTX680 on 2560*1440. May upgrade to Maxwell tho. But never had a problem.

 

[wand3r3r]

Single GTX680 on 2560*1440. May upgrade to Maxwell tho. But never had a problem.

Presumably nor had high settings.

 

[bystander36]

Presumably nor had high settings.

High settings are generally quite easy to achieve. High settings does not equal Maxed, or Ultra settings.

 

[ShintaiDK]

Presumably nor had high settings.

I play with highest settings. Usually no AA tho.

 

[BrightCandle]

Presumably nor had high settings.

That really depends on the game. Quite a few recent games in beta (Elite, The crew) have not functioned with SLI and have been more than playable at better than 60 fps with high settings. You wont be running crysis at its highest settings but the 680 is only about 15-40% behind a 780 ti, its not as big a jump as many people think it is and a pair of them is very often faster than a 780 ti and cheaper.

I have been playing games on a ROG Swift at 1440p with their highest settings with a single card for the past few weeks. I also have SLI for the harder to drive games but there are less of those than most people perhaps realise.

 

[wand3r3r]

The point was, "I play with a 680 at 1440p" doesn't mean much.

1080p can bring a 780 ti to it's knees, thus the need for multi-gpu to maintain max settings at 1440p+. No single gpu is enough for max settings.

If you don't care and drop settings then yes you can use a lesser card.

As an analogy, "I play with a pentium". Sure, but it's compromising.

 

[bystander36]

The point was, "I play with a 680 at 1440p" doesn't mean much.

1080p can bring a 780 ti to it's knees, thus the need for multi-gpu to maintain max settings at 1440p+. No single gpu is enough for max settings.

If you don't care and drop settings then yes you can use a lesser card.

As an analogy, "I play with a pentium". Sure, but it's compromising.

You said, "Presumably nor had high settings." You did not say, "Maxed out settings".

There is a big difference. No, a 680 won't play at maxed out settings at 1440p in many games. It most certain can achieve high settings in most any game.

Oh, and the idea of having to "compromise" for playable settings is very limited view. PC games just give you lots of options so you can optimize the game for your system. There is no need to "max" settings out in games. That is a very expensive route and not one the dev's intended.

 

[ShintaiDK]

The AA part is the key.

AA eats ungodly amount of GPU power.

 

[wand3r3r]

You said, "Presumably nor had highEST settings." You did not say, "Maxed out settings".

There is a big difference. No, a 680 won't play at maxed out settings at 1440p in many games. It most certain can achieve high settings in most any game.

Oh, and the idea of having to "compromise" for playable settings is very limited view. PC games just give you lots of options so you can optimize the game for your system. There is no need to "max" settings out in games. That is a very expensive route and not one the dev's intended.

Satisfied ?

Turning settings down or off is compromising the quality, it's up to the OP whether he cares.

 

[psolord]

Maybe our friend should specifically name titles that he intends to play, along with target framerate and approximate preferred settings he enjoys, otherwise everyone has a different perspective.

 

[MongGrel]

I used to, haven't in a few years.

 

[psolord]

ps earlier I suggested that he shouldn't look at anything less than 780 sli. I meant performance level, not these cards per se. The 970s are also coming and they may be cheaper, faster, more efficient and with greater framebuffer.

 

[Jumpem]

High settings are generally quite easy to achieve. High settings does not equal Maxed, or Ultra settings.

I want Ultra settings as you put it.

 

[Deders]

1080p can bring a 780 ti to it's knees

I wouldn't say knees exactly, not at 1080p, the only times my 780 gets close to 24fps is when using SSAA which technically is twice or 4x 2560x1080.

 

[iiiankiii]

multi gpu sucks. There will be times when there won't be support for it on the games you play.