POLL: SLI upgrade path

[Munky]

Originally posted by: Dadofamunky

Originally posted by: munky

Originally posted by: Dadofamunky

Originally posted by: munky
I'm interested in how SLI users upgrade their video cards, if you really use the SLI upgrade path or not.

Hey Munky, I'm yo Daddy!

LOL. Even joined the forum before me

Yeah, but I'm a lot slower in posting. How do you find the time?

That's nothing. Some people have been here for like 2 months and they have more posts than me.

 

[deadseasquirrel]

Jeez guys, this endless bickering and constant dissecting of each and every line of each post is getting a bit ridiculous.

Let's stay on topic please. The topic is if/how SLI users utilize the upgrade path... and I guess ultimately, is it worth it? The first part is good discussion, yet trying to reach the ultimate conclusion of worthiness is going to be an exercise in futility-- since "worth" will be defined individually and each buyer's experience will be unique.

We see that, from benchmarks, the GTX will perform better at the highest of resolutions. It has new and improved features over nv40, consumes less power, etc. We also see that at the more widely used settings, that SLId 6800gt/u will perform on par with the GTX, albeit with more heat/noise/power.

So, to make a blanket statement that upgrading SLI isn't "worth" it would be failing to address the situation as a whole. For the user that has a complete SLI-ready system (enough power, SLI mobo, proper airflow), it could very well be worth it to find a used 6800GT/U and go SLI instead of buying a GTX. Especially if they found one real cheap. And this is what the poll proves. That each user will individually decide the worth of that decision. While the majority says "no" there is a handful that said the upgrade path might be worth it for them.

I didn't vote in the poll but now I'll give my opinion like the other 40 ppl have. My personal opinion is that I don't like the upgrade path for SLI. To me, the best use of SLI is to drop for 2 cards immediately. That mainly comes from my experience with the 6800GTs. Doing that right now for 2 GTXs doesn't seem as good of a deal though. Maybe that will change with new games on the horizon, and with the arrival of the R520 hopefully driving some prices down.

Right now I could sell my 6800GTs and grab a GTX for a net cost of $0. But since right now, from the benches I've seen, the games I like to play, at the settings I like to play at, there is no gain for me to do that. Sure, the less heat/noise/power... but if none of those things are a problem right now, why bother? What if the next game I want to play is built on the D3 engine, where SLI has a huge advantage? What if the 81.xx drivers enhance SLI even more so that the benches favor the SLI 6800s more than the GTX. Rumors claim it might.

So, until a game comes out that I want to play performs A LOT better on a GTX (or R520)than SLI 6800GTs (at the settings I use), I'll be sticking to what I have. Otherwise it just isn't "worth" it to me. I encourage all other users to determine that worth for themselves as well.

 

[nRollo]

A very good post deadseasquirrel. If only some Munkys could follow your example without resorting to juvenile name calling.

As I see it, the key points of this argument are these:

1. If you have a <21"LCD, or monitor that is limited to 16X12 at 75Hz>, significantly higher performance can be had at newer GPU limited games at 16X12 with the 6800GT SLI. These games include, but are not limited to: Far Cry, Doom3, SC:CT, Riddick, and FEAR.

2. If your monitor allows for 19X12> display, the optomizations of the 7800GTX may make it a batter choice for you, depending on whether a single 7800GTX will drive the games you wish to play at that resolution/level of detail at sufficient framerates.

3. The 7800GTX offers some new features that might outweigh the value of the higher 16X12 performance to some users. (better shaders, TAA, possibility for higher res)

4. HDR is not guaranteed to work with SLI, as evidenced by the first HDR game, Far Cry.

To me this boils down the "The compelling reasons to opt for 6800GT SLI are at it's sweet spot of performance, 16X12, so monitor limitations are the single most important factor in this decision".

Everyone in the world with a 19" or 20" LCD is limited to 16X10 or 16X12 AFAIK. So for them the 7800s 19X12> prowess is irrelevant.

Those with higher end CRTs and 24" LCDs need to consider the 7800s 19X12> advantage.

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: munky
Blah blah blah

1. I'm in this thread to give the other side of your opinion, which was flawed. You stated that 7800GTXs offer "similar performance" to 6800GT SLI, when at 16X12 they clearly don't on Doom3, SC:CT, Far Cry, Riddick, and FEAR.

2. I asked you to link to a monitor that displays 20X15 at 75Hz or better because I think it will be difficult to do so. This illustrates how very few people would find your 20X15 information useful. It's a valid request for anyone with any sense. (i.e. if 1/10,000 people have a monitor that displays 20X15 at the VESA standard or better, your info is only worthwhile to the one person)

3. The rumors of Crossfire being 16X12 atr 60Hz are all we have about it so far. You saying it won't be means nothing, the guys who have it are saying it is so far. Even ATs benches were limited to 16x12, and they've been testing 20X15 on high end lately.

4. R520 is vaporware. It has no place in a discussion about which upgrade path on nVidia cards is better and why. For all you know there will be no R520s till Christmas or later. It's been delayed numerous times so far, it may well be delayed again, and ATIs assertion no OEMS had them last week doesn't fill me with hope Best Buy will be overflowing with them in 12 days. Same old "buy our midrange part for now, get hosed on Ebay till months later" paper launch antics from the second tier, much indicted swindlers to the North.

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: munky
Anyway, you do remind me of the comic book guy.

Sometimes you remind me of thisguy?

 

[Robor]

Originally posted by: xtknight
I have an A8N-SLI and a single GeForce 6800. All I can see myself doing in the future is buying a 7800GT or X1800XL card.

I've got a 6800GT in the same board and I'll probably never use the SLI either. That said, it's always an option in case I do want to.

 

[Munky]

Originally posted by: Rollo
I didnt like the results of the poll, and I cant stand someone questioning the benefits of my favorite company's products, so I'm gonna troll on this thread

Hmmm... That's what I thought.

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: munky

Originally posted by: Rollo
I didnt like the results of the poll, and I cant stand someone questioning the benefits of my favorite company's products, so I'm gonna troll on this thread

Hmmm... That's what I thought.

So you don't really have any rebuttal? Thought not, you never do. You just like to flame SLI and retreat to "Munky say it that way, trust Munky".

Sorry, you'll have to do better than that to convince anyone with more on the ball than a primate.

 

[Munky]

Originally posted by: Rollo

Originally posted by: munky
Blah blah blah

You call that a rebuttal? You havent addressed any of my points, instead of just "blah blah blah" crapping, post a real rebuttal, and then you can expect mine.

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: munky

Originally posted by: Rollo

Originally posted by: munky
Blah blah blah

You call that a rebuttal? You havent addressed any of my points, instead of just "blah blah blah" crapping, post a real rebuttal, and then you can expect mine.

No this was the part you could have replied to:

1. I'm in this thread to give the other side of your opinion, which was flawed. You stated that 7800GTXs offer "similar performance" to 6800GT SLI, when at 16X12 they clearly don't on Doom3, SC:CT, Far Cry, Riddick, and FEAR.

2. I asked you to link to a monitor that displays 20X15 at 75Hz or better because I think it will be difficult to do so. This illustrates how very few people would find your 20X15 information useful. It's a valid request for anyone with any sense. (i.e. if 1/10,000 people have a monitor that displays 20X15 at the VESA standard or better, your info is only worthwhile to the one person)

3. The rumors of Crossfire being 16X12 atr 60Hz are all we have about it so far. You saying it won't be means nothing, the guys who have it are saying it is so far. Even ATs benches were limited to 16x12, and they've been testing 20X15 on high end lately.

4. R520 is vaporware. It has no place in a discussion about which upgrade path on nVidia cards is better and why. For all you know there will be no R520s till Christmas or later. It's been delayed numerous times so far, it may well be delayed again, and ATIs assertion no OEMS had them last week doesn't fill me with hope Best Buy will be overflowing with them in 12 days. Same old "buy our midrange part for now, get hosed on Ebay till months later" paper launch antics from the second tier, much indicted swindlers to the North.

 

[Keysplayr]

Originally posted by: munky

Originally posted by: Rollo

Originally posted by: munky
Blah blah blah

You call that a rebuttal? You havent addressed any of my points, instead of just "blah blah blah" crapping, post a real rebuttal, and then you can expect mine.

By stating this, you have made it quite clear that you already plan to rebut any points Rollo makes. Even if his points are accurate/correct? Sounds like you just plan on rebutting because it's Rollo, and not rebut the data. Sad.

 

[Ackmed]

Originally posted by: Rollo
Splinter Cell's HDR does work with SLI. Does the 68 fps for a 6800U SLI on SC HDR seem a little better than 55fps for a 7800GTX?

I dont understand this page of the review.

First they claim that they have HDR+AA in the last bench. This is not possible.

The second and last bench dont make sense to me. The third bench has higher frames, than the second, with the claimed HDR. Frames do not go up 100% by adding HDR.

Unless I am missing something obvious, that doesnt add up.

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: keysplayr2003

Originally posted by: munky

Originally posted by: Rollo

Originally posted by: munky
Blah blah blah

You call that a rebuttal? You havent addressed any of my points, instead of just "blah blah blah" crapping, post a real rebuttal, and then you can expect mine.

By stating this, you have made it quite clear that you already plan to rebut any points Rollo makes. Even if his points are accurate/correct? Sounds like you just plan on rebutting because it's Rollo, and not rebut the data. Sad.

You'll have to excuse Munky, Keys. He's only interested in flaming SLI, not actually acknowledging the possibility there are situations it would be more advantageous to own the two 6800GTs.

He's never owned nVidia SLI, and likely never will, he just wants to troll about it.

 

[klah]

LMFAO @ this thread. Good stuff :thumbsup:

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: Ackmed

Originally posted by: Rollo
Splinter Cell's HDR does work with SLI. Does the 68 fps for a 6800U SLI on SC HDR seem a little better than 55fps for a 7800GTX?

I dont understand this page of the review.

First they claim that they have HDR+AA in the last bench. This is not possible.

The second and last bench dont make sense to me. The third bench has higher frames, than the second, with the claimed HDR. Frames do not go up 100% by adding HDR.

Unless I am missing something obvious, that doesnt add up.

Why don't you email techreport, they'd probably tell you?

I'm guessing that they were running it in SM1.1 on all cards for the first benches, and turned on SM3 for the last, which would increase fps.

Are they mistaking SM1.1 vs SM3 for "HDR"? Could be, but it seems to me I've read elsewhere that SC's HDR scales with SLI. From my own benches I've always known Far Crys HDR doesn't scale with SLI at this time.

Here it is:
SC:CT HDR scaling with SLI
Note how the minimum fps moves from 29>53fps with single to double 7800GTXs? The average from 52>81fps?

It's pretty clear HDR will work with SLI, if implemented the way Ubisoft did it in SC:CT.

 

[KeepItRed]

Originally posted by: Rollo
Keep It Red: I don't reply to petulant trolling high school students.

Wow how many times have you stated I'm in grade 12? And seriously, I think you need to go back to school. Speaking of trolls, why are you always flooding every thread with either SLI, 7800GTX, 6800U SLI, or Anti-ATI? Please. Show me 1 or your 6658 posts that don't have the word "Nvidia" in them.

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: KeepItRed

Originally posted by: Rollo
Keep It Red: I don't reply to petulant trolling high school students.

Wow how many times have you stated I'm in grade 12? And seriously, I think you need to go back to school. Speaking of trolls, why are you always flooding every thread with either SLI, 7800GTX, 6800U SLI, or Anti-ATI? Please. Show me 1 or your 6658 posts that don't have the word "Nvidia" in them.

As I've said before KeepItRed, there's nothing wrong with being in high school and acting like you're in high school. (you'll have plenty of time for "maturity" later)

However, you can't expect adults to take you're seriously when you're acting immaturely.

Look at Gamingphreek- he's in high school but acts like an adult.

Look at Anand- he started this site when he was in high school. He didn't do it by posting stuff like

You didn't bother to comment on all the scenarios where I show the 6800SLI to be the better choice by far, because all I do is troll.

.

 

[Munky]

Originally posted by: munky

Originally posted by: Rollo
32 people preferring one path and 9 people preferring another is hardly proof of some "one true path" situation you seem to think exists.

You got a link to me claiming some "one true path"?

What doe this have to do with R520s? Answer: Nothing, stay on topic Munky.

What does this have to do with which card I use? Answer: Nothing, take your own advice.

I honestly don't care whether people buy a 7800GTX or a second 6800GT SLI

If you dont care, then why are you in this thread?

I'm trying to illustrate that you and 32 other people can be wrong

Me and 32 other ppl can decide for ourselves what's a right/wrong card to buy, we dont need you posting 1-sided benches when nobody asked you for em, and we can easily find the benches ourselves

by showing 6800GT SLI is fine up to 19X14

If by "fine" you mean slower than a single 7800gtx, then yeah, you sure did.

Do you have one Munky?

Did you read the OP? Or do you have a reading comprehension problem? Show me the part where it says "guess which video card munky uses?" :roll:

<---snip--->

still didnt answer the question...

while the 6800GTs may not be as proficient at 19X14, again, that's just something the buyer has to consider- his monitor and his needs. Doesn't mean the 6800GTs aren't worthwhile.

Doesnt mean they are worthwhile, either.

The only info we have so far about Crossfire confirms this, some of it from the ATI fansite no less!

The only info we have so far about Crossfire confirms nothing, as it has not been officialy launched yet, regardles which fan site it comes from.

ATI fansite started the rumor, nVidia posted pictures of the limiting hardware in question, and another site confirmed it. Link to info that supports your view? Didn't think so.

You see me spreading rumors as facts? Which of my views needs a link to support it?

Oooh vapor threat! Won't be able to buy your god at it's paper launch though will you? LOL

Link to info that supports your view?

Pfft. Like I've stated, I don't care which someone buys of these two options, I don't think you can go wrong with either.

Then why didnt you say so at first? Woulda saved you a lot of useless typing...

Really? Which are those again? The 20X15 about three people in the world care about? Or the Far Cry HDR? LOL What a joke.

How about those 19x14 you showed us, where dual 6-series were also slower?

Actually now that there is SLI AA, SLI offers benefits on every game. Nice try though!

Does SLI AA benefit those games that use HDR?

Links to monitors that support 20X15? LOL

Why, cause you dont believe they exist? LOL

Rollo

LOL I like the Simpsons too- but that does little to further your agenda.

Links to my agenda? Anyway, you do remind me of the comic book guy.

You havent addressed the above questions, tRollo. Here's what you do instead:

1) We have evidence that above 16x12 dual 6-series arent as good as a single 7-series. Your own benches confirme it. You dismiss it, like nobody ever plays above 16x12. And yet, you start a troll thread flaming Crossfire for not supporting above 16x12, when in fact you have NO proof of the rumor. Seems like you're the one spreading misinformation.

2) When the OP says "I'm interested in how SLI users upgrade their video cards, if you really use the SLI upgrade path or not", you seem to think that what it really says is "SLI sux ass, Nvidia blows, Ati p3wnz". Are you blind or just retarded?

3) You didnt like the results of the poll, so you jump in trying to convince ppl that dual 6-series is better than a single 7800 or equivalent. Your attempts proved largely unsuccessful, so you result in attacking me and the thread. If you start flaming me, you bet ur ass I'm gonna flame you back.

4) Rollo throws a tantrum like a baby who had his candy stolen, and starts spamming my PM mailbox, even after I told him to fvck off. BlockList +="Rollo" takes care of the problem.

Please keep up the trolling, I'd like to see how much more stupid you can make yourself look.

 

[Cooler]

Im just waiting to see when Rollo gets that Quad SLI 7800gtx

 

[Munky]

Originally posted by: keysplayr2003

Originally posted by: munky

Originally posted by: Rollo

Originally posted by: munky
Blah blah blah

You call that a rebuttal? You havent addressed any of my points, instead of just "blah blah blah" crapping, post a real rebuttal, and then you can expect mine.

By stating this, you have made it quite clear that you already plan to rebut any points Rollo makes. Even if his points are accurate/correct? Sounds like you just plan on rebutting because it's Rollo, and not rebut the data. Sad.

By staing this, you've made it quite clear that

1) You didnt read the entire thread, when Rollo says :

So you don't really have any rebuttal? Thought not, you never do. You just like to flame SLI and retreat to "Munky say it that way, trust Munky".

Sorry, you'll have to do better than that to convince anyone with more on the ball than a primate.

2) You didnt make any useful contribution to this thread, except trying to flame me, and asking to get flamed in return

 

[KeepItRed]

Originally posted by: munky
4) Rollo throws a tantrum like a baby who had his candy stolen, and starts spamming my PM mailbox, even after I told him to fvck off. BlockList +="Rollo" takes care of the problem.

Please keep up the trolling, I'd like to see how much more stupid you can make yourself look.

Exactly my point. Nice post Munky. From what I see from all of his threads, Rollo is nothing but a troll who thinks he's an adult (even if he is, doesn't act like one) who loves to ruin threads by adding "NVIDIA OWNS, ATI IS TERRIBLE". I love too see him cover his trollness by saying he loves his X800 and blah blah. Really, I doubt you do. Anyways this thread should get back on topic. Rollo, stop being a jerk or take it elsewhere please.

 

[Megatomic]

I am going to be new to SLI this coming week but my upgrade path fits neither of those options. I'm going to start off with a chumpy Radeon x300se. When my x800 pro agp comes back from RMA I'm going to sell it and and buy a 256MB 6800. A month later I'll buy another.

Or option 2 for me is to get a 7800GT and a PhysX card when it becomes available.

I'm so torn, I honestly don't know which way I'll end up going on this.

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: munky
You havent addressed the above questions, tRollo. Here's what you do instead:

Here's what you do Munky: call names like a child on a playground. (tRollo) What's next? Are you going to question my ethnicity or sexual orientation? :roll:

1) We have evidence that above 16x12 dual 6-series arent as good as a single 7-series. Your own benches confirme it.

No! Do you think I don't know the benches I created Munky?
Here's the point Munky:
1. Do you deny that anyone with a 20" or smaller LCD there are no higher resolutions? :roll:
2. For the people with monitors capable of 19X12 and up, the question becomes whether they value the higher resolution, or the higher performance at 16X12 4X8X.
There's nothing to disagree with here, these are FACTS.

You dismiss it, like nobody ever plays above 16x12. And yet, you start a troll thread flaming Crossfire for not supporting above 16x12, when in fact you have NO proof of the rumor. Seems like you're the one spreading misinformation.

I play at 19X14 every day. For people like me, the 7800GTX SLI is a better solution.

2) When the OP says "I'm interested in how SLI users upgrade their video cards, if you really use the SLI upgrade path or not", you seem to think that what it really says is "SLI sux ass, Nvidia blows, Ati p3wnz". Are you blind or just retarded?

Back to calling names like an angry little brat on the playground. You're putting your own uncouth words in my mouth, I did not say that. I said that you were inaccurate in stating a single 7800GTX performs the same as a 6800GT SLI. I showed that for people limited to 16X12, this is not the case.

3) You didnt like the results of the poll, so you jump in trying to convince ppl that dual 6-series is better than a single 7800 or equivalent.

I could care4 less about the "results of the poll". How exactly does your poll detract from my life in any way?

Your attempts proved largely unsuccessful, so you result in attacking me and the thread. If you start flaming me, you bet ur ass I'm gonna flame you back.

"Yee-haw! Get er done! Am-urica!" LOL- oh noes! Don't "flame me back" or send me frothing at the mouth psycho emails! That might spoil my day! LOL

4) Rollo throws a tantrum like a baby who had his candy stolen, and starts spamming my PM mailbox, even after I told him to fvck off. BlockList +="Rollo" takes care of the problem.

Tantrum like a baby? You mean like calling people names? Dropping the F bomb? That kind of stuff......baby?

Please keep up the trolling, I'd like to see how much more stupid you can make yourself look.

On the contrary, I think we're seeing the real Munky here. I'm laughing at your spaz attack and juvenile histrionics, you're whining "He's trolling!".

BTW- in the end, everything you say about this hardware is fairly irrelevant. You were too cheap to buy it. I have all this hardware, up and running, use it daily. (6800GT SLI and 7800GTX SLI)
Of the two of us, one of us is in a little better position to comment. You're like the guy who read about the Ferrari in Road and Track tellling the guy who owns the Ferrari how it handles. Just a wannabe.

 

[Ackmed]

Originally posted by: Rollo

Originally posted by: Ackmed

Originally posted by: Rollo
Splinter Cell's HDR does work with SLI. Does the 68 fps for a 6800U SLI on SC HDR seem a little better than 55fps for a 7800GTX?

I dont understand this page of the review.

First they claim that they have HDR+AA in the last bench. This is not possible.

The second and last bench dont make sense to me. The third bench has higher frames, than the second, with the claimed HDR. Frames do not go up 100% by adding HDR.

Unless I am missing something obvious, that doesnt add up.

Why don't you email techreport, they'd probably tell you?

I'm guessing that they were running it in SM1.1 on all cards for the first benches, and turned on SM3 for the last, which would increase fps.

Are they mistaking SM1.1 vs SM3 for "HDR"? Could be, but it seems to me I've read elsewhere that SC's HDR scales with SLI. From my own benches I've always known Far Crys HDR doesn't scale with SLI at this time.

Here it is:
SC:CT HDR scaling with SLI
Note how the minimum fps moves from 29>53fps with single to double 7800GTXs? The average from 52>81fps?

It's pretty clear HDR will work with SLI, if implemented the way Ubisoft did it in SC:CT.

I didnt say that frames dont go up with HDR in Splinter Cell. I just dont see how they can miss their graph showing HDR+AA. Any competent reviewer would know its not possible with Splinter Cell. The whole page seems to be filled with errors.

Im not worried about it enough to email them. I dont read techreport, and doesnt look like I am going to start any time soon.

 

[Munky]

Originally posted by: Rollo
Are you going to question my ethnicity or sexual orientation? :roll:

Are you implying that I should?

1. Do you deny that anyone with a 20" or smaller LCD there are no higher resolutions? :roll:

Do you see me mentioning the size of ppl's LCD in the OP? Or are you suggesting that nobody has an LCD bigger than 20"?

2. For the people with monitors capable of 19X12 and up, the question becomes whether they value the higher resolution, or the higher performance at 16X12 4X8X.
There's nothing to disagree with here, these are FACTS.

Nobody is questioning the FACTS, why are you trying to convince ppl that 16x12 is the "sweet spot" of gaming?

You dismiss it, like nobody ever plays above 16x12. And yet, you start a troll thread flaming Crossfire for not supporting above 16x12, when in fact you have NO proof of the rumor. Seems like you're the one spreading misinformation.

I play at 19X14 every day. For people like me, the 7800GTX SLI is a better solution.

Did I ask you about 7800 SLI? What do you have to say about your trolling Crossfire thread?

I said that you were inaccurate in stating a single 7800GTX performs the same as a 6800GT SLI. I showed that for people limited to 16X12, this is not the case.

And I showed you benches where it IS the case at 16x12, and even more so at higher res, and you dismissed it as a joke. Furthermore, why are you ASSuming that ppl are limited to 16x12, when the nobody asked you about what resolutions ppl should play at?

I could care4 less about the "results of the poll". How exactly does your poll detract from my life in any way?

If you dont care about the poll, then why are you here?

"Yee-haw! Get er done! Am-urica!" LOL- oh noes! Don't "flame me back" or send me frothing at the mouth psycho emails! That might spoil my day! LOL

Is that all you've got.... baby?

Tantrum like a baby? You mean like calling people names? Dropping the F bomb? That kind of stuff......baby?

No, I mean like spamming my inbox with stupid sh!t :roll:

On the contrary, I think we're seeing the real Munky here. I'm laughing at your spaz attack and juvenile histrionics, you're whining "He's trolling!".

I'm laughing at you avoiding my questions.

BTW- in the end, everything you say about this hardware is fairly irrelevant. You were too cheap to buy it. I have all this hardware, up and running, use it daily. (6800GT SLI and 7800GTX SLI)
Of the two of us, one of us is in a little better position to comment. You're like the guy who read about the Ferrari in Road and Track tellling the guy who owns the Ferrari how it handles. Just a wannabe.

Your nVidiot bias doesnt make you qualified to comment on anything, as you have already shown. You fail to stay on topic, spread negative rumors about Crossfire as facts, and dismiss negative facts about SLI as jokes.