• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

How prevalent are multi-GPU configurations?

GPU configuration?

  • Multiple GPUs

  • Single GPU

Results are only viewable after voting.
J

Jumpem

Lifer
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?
 
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.
 
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.
 
psolord said:
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.
Click to expand...

I was hoping to use a single 780Ti with an Asus ROG Swift PG278Q to utilize G-Sync.
 
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.
 
Last edited:
Jumpem said:
I was hoping to use a single 780Ti with an Asus ROG Swift PG278Q to utilize G-Sync.
Click to expand...

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.
 
wand3r3r said:
Presumably nor had high settings.
Click to expand...

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.
 
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.
 
wand3r3r said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
Last edited:
bystander36 said:
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.
Click to expand...

Satisfied 😉?

Turning settings down or off is compromising the quality, it's up to the OP whether he cares.
 
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.
 
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.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top