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Single ATI vs. SLI Nvidia

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imported_wicka

Senior member
I just bought a new board, and it supports SLI, so I was wondering if I should use it or not. I'm not quite sure how reliable Tom's Hardware is - I've always been wary of them - but their VGA chart shows an X1900XTX beating out an dual 7800GT's on at least a couple of tests. Regardless of the benchmarks, buying one ATI card of similiar performance is a heck of a lot cheaper than buying two Nvidia cards. What would you guys recommend to buy? I'd like to keep it down around $400, but if I end up using SLI I would buy one now and one later so the price could be more than $200 for just one card.
 
I had a pair of 7800GT's volt-modded to 535/1300. I've upgraded to an X1900XTX and the performance is the same if not better, better image quality, less problems, dual monitor support, and there is more room inside my case if I ever wanted to put more PCI exponents in there.

If you were to get some 7900's, either GT's or GTX's, the performance they would yeild would generally be greater than the single X1900XT(X). Also, the 7950GX2 would allow similar performance and save some slots. Quad-SLI could also be an option in the future if you wanted, but those cases don't work out all of the time due to slow price falls that normally can't contend with new single GPU hardware that developes.

Basically, if you want to go Nvidia right now and are sure you want SLI, I'd get an EVGA 7950GX2 and enjoy it until G80, at which time I would step-up. That is probably the best buying option right now if you don't care for other IQ features such as HQAF and HDR + AA.

All in all, the X1900 has served me well and has made me want to wait for multiGPU platforms to improve. To me, nothing is as versatile as a single GPU.
 
I never knew that anandtech had an grammer nazi squad. What kind of weapons do you guys use :?

lol... kidding

Anyways some old bechnies i have saved :
Battlefield 2 2048x1536x32 4xAA/16xAF

X1800XT : 70.3FPS
7900GT : 31.7FPS

Quake 4 Ultra Quality 2048x1536x32 4xAA/16xAF

X1800XT : 49
7900GT : 40.1

Lock On Modern Air Combat 2048x1536x32 4xAA/16xAF

7900GT : 57.6
x1800xt : 47.9

Pacific Fighters 2048x1536x32 4xAA/16xAF

7900GT : 45.7
X1800XT : 41.5

FEAR 2048x1536x32 4xAA/16xAF

X1800XT : 25
7900GT : 20

Call of Duty 2 2048x1536x32 4xAA/16xAF

x1800xt : 23.2
7900GT : 16.7

Serious Sam 2 2048x1536x32 4xAA/16xAF

X1800XT : 36.9
7900GT : 34.5

http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/nvi...rce_7900_gt_gtx_performance/page10.asp
 
The major problem for me with SLI is that two cards with 256MB mem doesn't equal 512MB, and I really would like to upgrade to 512MB mem. 7900GT's seem really reasonably priced, but none of them have 512MB each. Only the GTX's do, and those are getting into $450+ apiece.
 
Some of those settings are VERY unrealistic tujeta.

Those settings are better off for dual GPU setups.

I suggest a X1900XT with a new cooler and OC it.
 
Wait, so according to those benchies the X1800XT is on par with the 7900GT, now why does it dominate it in BF2?

[EDIT] I think one of the reasons to use such high settings is to keep it a straight comparison between GPU's, rather than CPU's. Also, let's look at this as though I'm not going to OC it, as I probably won't.
 
Originally posted by: Cookie Monster
Some of those settings are VERY unrealistic tujeta.

Those settings are better off for dual GPU setups.

I suggest a X1900XT with a new cooler and OC it.
Click to expand...


Ahh thats what you think 🙂
 
Originally posted by: wicka
Wait, so according to those benchies the X1800XT is on par with the 7900GT, now why does it dominate it in BF2?
Click to expand...

Ati cards generally do well in oblivion/BF2/cod2

NV cards generally do well in TR:legend/GRAW/openGL titles like prey/quake4.

They are even in F.E.A.R/SS2 for example.
 
Originally posted by: wicka
The major problem for me with SLI is that two cards with 256MB mem doesn't equal 512MB, and I really would like to upgrade to 512MB mem. 7900GT's seem really reasonably priced, but none of them have 512MB each. Only the GTX's do, and those are getting into $450+ apiece.
Click to expand...

It depends on where you live. I know Gstanfor has a 7900GT 512MB edition that is sold in Australia. But if you live in the U.S. the 7900GTX's and are the only 79 series 512MB card for retail. The only card that would still give you SLI performance like two 7900GT's and have the 512MB for its corresponding GPU would be the 7950GX2. Like I said, if you want Nvidia an EVGA version of this card could make you money really stretch and leave you with a G80 in the end.

If you aren't so crazy about SLI, then I'd highly recommend the X1900XT. They are great performers and their price is amazing for that performance. Also, 99% of them can reach XTX specs without a sweat (and then some). They are of course 512MB as well.
 
Originally posted by: tuteja1986
Originally posted by: Cookie Monster
Some of those settings are VERY unrealistic tujeta.

Those settings are better off for dual GPU setups.

I suggest a X1900XT with a new cooler and OC it.
Click to expand...


Ahh thats what you think 🙂
Click to expand...

:laugh:

I was playing doom3 the other day on my poor FX5700. I thought thr fps was acceptable and smooth at times. (using medium setting with everything turned on at 800x600) I got 23~ fps LOL

I guess im not fps sensitive
 
Originally posted by: wicka
The major problem for me with SLI is that two cards with 256MB mem doesn't equal 512MB, and I really would like to upgrade to 512MB mem. 7900GT's seem really reasonably priced, but none of them have 512MB each. Only the GTX's do, and those are getting into $450+ apiece.
Click to expand...

That's why (IMO) 1 x 7950GX2 > 2 x 7900GT...

Your board already supports the card, just make sure you have BIOS version 1016 or higher.
 
Originally posted by: josh6079
Originally posted by: wicka
The major problem for me with SLI is that two cards with 256MB mem doesn't equal 512MB, and I really would like to upgrade to 512MB mem. 7900GT's seem really reasonably priced, but none of them have 512MB each. Only the GTX's do, and those are getting into $450+ apiece.
Click to expand...

It depends on where you live. I know Gstanfor has a 7900GT 512MB edition that is sold in Australia. But if you live in the U.S. the 7900GTX's and are the only 79 series 512MB card for retail. The only card that would still give you SLI performance like two 7900GT's and have the 512MB for its corresponding GPU would be the 7950GX2. Like I said, if you want Nvidia an EVGA version of this card could make you money really stretch and leave you with a G80 in the end.

If you aren't so crazy about SLI, then I'd highly recommend the X1900XT. They are great performers and their price is amazing for that performance. Also, 99% of them can reach XTX specs without a sweat (and then some). They are of course 512MB as well.
Click to expand...

I was looking at the X1900XT quite a bit; two of them (MSI and connect3d) on Newegg have $100 MIR's that go until the end of the month. I'm sure even after that there are bound to be more rebates; I'm in no hurry. Basically I'm just trying to make sure there isn't an Nvidia card I could get now for quite a bit cheaper than ATI, but add another one later and make it significantly better, and it doesn't seem like there is.
 
i'd go with the x1900xt for the following reasons..
1. slightly less power draw?
2. half as many heatsinks/fans to worry about, half as many problems
3. if u wanna change the heatsinks = you'll have to get 2 x coolers for 2 x video cards
4. no need to volt mod anything to overclock (ccc is simple to OC)
5. can be further upgraded to crossfire even though you'd need a new mb
 
I'd really like the 7950GX2, as it's basically the best of both worlds, and even far down the road I could get another one for (hopefully) vastly cheaper and run quad SLI. The problem is: it's $550. I can get $200-$250 pretty soon for a 7900GT, but $550 is tough.

I guess I could sell my body.

[PRE-EMPTIVE EDIT] In reference to the above: I'm not a chick.
 
Basically I'm just trying to make sure there isn't an Nvidia card I could get now for quite a bit cheaper than ATI...
Click to expand...

There are all kinds of Nvidia cards that are cheaper, just not ones that are cheaper and as good. 😉

Like I said, the best high-end buyers offers are to:

1) Wait until G80, or X1900 refresh (possibly wait until R600, but that is rumored to be close to December)

2) Get an EVGA 7950GX2 and either get another one down the road or step-up to a G80

3) Get an X1900XT (XTX only if you feel that the GPU's are better built and want to do some heavy overclocking)

EDIT:
I can get $200-$250 pretty soon for a 7900GT
Click to expand...
You're wanting a 512MB card and are looking at the 7900GT? 😕
For not much more, the X1900XT is well worth the price difference.
 
Originally posted by: x80064
So ONE ati card WILL work in a SLI board ? Like the M2N-SLI ?
Click to expand...

Yes. I've got my X1900XTX on a DFI SLI-DR Expert nF4.

Oh, also, what kind of PSU would I need to run an X2 3800/7950GX2/one HDD, one CDROM?
Click to expand...

The 7950GX2 is pretty light on the watts. I like my OCZ Powerstream 520W really well, but as long as you have (I think it is around 30 Amps on the 12V rail?, someone correct me if I'm wrong) you should be fine. Also, your PSU depends on if you plan on overclocking and how much.
 
Originally posted by: josh6079
Originally posted by: x80064
So ONE ati card WILL work in a SLI board ? Like the M2N-SLI ?
Click to expand...

Yes. I've got my X1900XTX on a DFI SLI-DR Expert nF4.

Oh, also, what kind of PSU would I need to run an X2 3800/7950GX2/one HDD, one CDROM?
Click to expand...

The 7950GX2 is pretty light on the watts. I like my OCZ Powerstream 520W really well, but as long as you have (I think it is around 30 Amps on the 12V rail?, someone correct me if I'm wrong) you should be fine. Also, your PSU depends on if you plan on overclocking and how much.
Click to expand...

That will also work with AM2 sockets then ? Correct ? I see your DFI is 939.
 
Originally posted by: wicka
Well I have an Xclio 450w, and though 450 to me seems a little low, but it's pretty well built and has dual +12v (15A and 17A).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817189003

I think I'm supposed to get paid extra next week (one year crap) and I'm selling some stuff right now, so I think probably after all that I'll see how much $$$ I've got and make my decision.
Click to expand...

I would reach higher. The PSU is IMO the most important part in a rig. It is the life (and potentially, the death) of all of your other hardware. It doesn't offically support SLI either, which isn't good. SLI support is pretty easy to come by for a PSU, but if it doesn't have it, it makes you wonder why....

My own PSU is now $110 after MIR at Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817711002

That's about $40 less then what I paid for it a while ago.

The next PSU that I'll probably get to pair along side mine right now is the new OCZ GameXStream for $140 after MIR:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817341002

Either way, if you want some of the high-end cards, I'd highly suggest upgrading that PSU.

EDIT:
Originally posted by: x80064
That will also work with AM2 sockets then ? Correct ? I see your DFI is 939.
Click to expand...

To the best of my knowledge, yes.
 
Originally posted by: josh6079
Originally posted by: wicka
Well I have an Xclio 450w, and though 450 to me seems a little low, but it's pretty well built and has dual +12v (15A and 17A).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817189003

I think I'm supposed to get paid extra next week (one year crap) and I'm selling some stuff right now, so I think probably after all that I'll see how much $$$ I've got and make my decision.
Click to expand...

I would reach higher. The PSU is IMO the most important part in a rig. It is the life (and potentially, the death) of all of your other hardware. It doesn't offically support SLI either, which isn't good. SLI support is pretty easy to come by for a PSU, but if it doesn't have it, it makes you wonder why....

My own PSU is now $110 after MIR at Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817711002

That's about $40 less then what I paid for it a while ago.

The next PSU that I'll probably get to pair along side mine right now is the new OCZ GameXStream for $140 after MIR:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817341002

Either way, if you want some of the high-end cards, I'd highly suggest upgrading that PSU.

EDIT:
Originally posted by: x80064
That will also work with AM2 sockets then ? Correct ? I see your DFI is 939.
Click to expand...

To the best of my knowledge, yes.
Click to expand...

Anything wrong with a Mushkin PSU? I've found one that is 550w, SLI support, modular cabling for $85. If I have to get a new PSU I really want one with modular cabling. My case's wiring is just ridiculous anymore.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817812002
 
So would it be better with a SLI board and one ATI card with the option of running two NV cards in SLI ? Or a Crossfire board, running one NV card with the option of running two ATI cards in Crossfire ?
 
Originally posted by: x80064
So would it be better with a SLI board and one ATI card with the option of running two NV cards in SLI ? Or a Crossfire board, running one NV card with the option of running two ATI cards in Crossfire ?
Click to expand...

It really doesn't matter. You'd buy a Crossfire board if you want to run dual ATI cards; an nForce board if you want dual Nvidia cards. Neither platform really makes a difference, AFAIK, on what brand of card it is except for the aformentioned Xfire and SLI stuff. I don't see why you'd buy an ATI chipset if you didn't plan on Xfire anyway.
 
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