SLi GeForce 7600GTs or single GeForce 7950GT?

jshabouk

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Apr 26, 2004
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I have been getting conflicting views all day on my new system specs (I have yet to buy the components). I can get 2 7600GT cards for 120 after rebate each. Are these better than a single 7950GT or are they comparable?

Suggestions are GREATLY appreciated!
 

josh6079

Diamond Member
Mar 17, 2006
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The only mid-range GPU from Nvidia that I'd get would be the 7950GT, either the XFX passively cooled model or the EVGA (for step-up purposes). It is at one heck of a buy right now and if you want a dead-silent HDCP card that can perform along the lines of an X1900, it is the card for you.

If noise isn't an issue for you and you'd rather have the ATi feature set, the X1950XT is a great choice. Either way you'll be happy.
 

Captante

Lifer
Oct 20, 2003
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The X1950XT is considerably faster then the 7950GT in just about all games & benchmarks, plus supports HDR & AA which 7 seris Nvidia cards cannot & aside from better aspect ratio control of LCD moniters for Nvidia, ATI drivers have the edge lately too.

The XFX passive-cooled 7950GT is the only mid-range Nvidia card I'd even consider right now & then only if silence matters more then performance & value.
 

jshabouk

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Apr 26, 2004
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Let's say for argument's sake that I was willing to hold off purchasing the video card portion of my new system build until dx10 comes out.

1) When is it supposed to be released?

2) How long will it take for the price of dx9 cards to come down enough for it to be worthwhile to get a geforce 8000 series (or 2 in SLI) versus a 7 series?

3) If I were to shift gears and go to a 1 video card system, what mobo would you guys recommend? (I realize this is the video forum, but it kind of applies since it would change the PSU and mobo config).

Thanks VERY much!
 

betasub

Platinum Member
Mar 22, 2006
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Originally posted by: jshabouk
Let's say for argument's sake that I was willing to hold off purchasing the video card portion of my new system build until dx10 comes out.

1) When is it supposed to be released?

dx10 is Vista-only compatible. Don't even start planning on this unless you are going to be running Vista. With the OS now being available and the DirectX10 expected to follow soon, you'll still be waiting on dx10 apps (read non-dx9 games) for several months

2) How long will it take for the price of dx9 cards to come down enough for it to be worthwhile to get a geforce 8000 series (or 2 in SLI) versus a 7 series?

The Geforce 8 series cards will handle dx10 if you are running Vista, so they're not only dx9 cards.

3) If I were to shift gears and go to a 1 video card system, what mobo would you guys recommend? (I realize this is the video forum, but it kind of applies since it would change the PSU and mobo config).

Not my area of expertise, but obviously you wouldn't be limited to the (more expensive) SLi motherboards.

 

jshabouk

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Apr 26, 2004
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Thanks! Another quickie... I am pricing out dual evga 7950GT's for SLI (assuming I stick with them) for $200 each after rebate. If I go with this, would I see a significant increase in performance over a single 7950GT for games like star trek legacy and marvel ultimate alliance (which are new games)??? Or would it be that when you get to that level of card (7900), it will not show. I am also not sure if I am going to upgrade my monitor. Is there a point at which that could become the limiting factor in performance gains from SLI?

Thanks very much!
 

s44

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 2006
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Your hangup on SLI is giving you nothing but trouble. For $400 the 8800GTS is an infinitely better buy.
 

raven2005

Junior Member
Dec 20, 2005
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Originally posted by: s44
Your hangup on SLI is giving you nothing but trouble. For $400 the 8800GTS is an infinitely better buy.

I agree. If you are going to spend $400 (and that's after rebates) on two cards, you have two potential headaches and two drains on your PSU. For a little more, get an 8800GTS. I would like one of those myself. Pick your price point.

Budget ~$125: 7600GT (what I have and best bang for buck over the last year)
Low-mid ~$200: 7950GT
mid ~$250-300: x1950xt
Not so smart ~$400: two 7950GTs in SLI
high ~$425-450: 8800GTS
insane ~$550-600+: 8800GTX
 

jshabouk

Member
Apr 26, 2004
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Ok! Now I feel like I am making progress!!!!!! Thanks guys!!!!! Here is a comparison of 4 8800GTS Cards on Newegg with rebates, bringing them under $400.

NewEgg Comparison

1) Can you guys offer advice on which may have an advantage over the others, whether it be package contents, brand reputation or "magical" features no mere mortal may know???

2) Will the 8800GTS be able to sustain itself for a few years for both DX9 and DX10 since technology changes so fast? After shelling out $400 for a video card, my wife may not be too keen on me shelling out more cash for this system! ;-)

3) Since this card is powerful enough to pretty much eliminate SLI, can you please make a suggestion for a PSU and Mobo that will not kill my budget? Trying to spend <$75 for PSU and <$200 for Mobo, but I will entertain other prices if they aren't outrageous. This will complete my system specs!

Thanks much!
 

Cookie Monster

Diamond Member
May 7, 2005
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So the 8800GTS will outblast the 7950GT SLI especially in the IQ department. Angle independent AF, CSAA up to 16xAA, HDR plus AA and DX10 compliant.

It will consume similiar power usage, but the 8800GTS will have a silent cooler. Its similair sized with the 7950GT as well.

Performance will be similiar, and better on the 8800GTS on shader intensive games like oblivion.

For the motherboard i will suggest
Asus P5N-E SLi 650i $144

And PSU
SeaSonic S12 Energy Plus 550W $129
 

jshabouk

Member
Apr 26, 2004
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Thanks for the suggestions. Is there a NewEgg comparable PSU for the same price range? Also, does it make a difference if I go with a 680i mobo versus a 650i? Does Asus have a 650i board with wifi? I am trying to avoid putting any additional cards in my system.

Thanks.
 

s44

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 2006
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I believe this is the same PSU as the Enhance.

I think the only significant difference between 8800GTSes is likely to be warranty.
 

jshabouk

Member
Apr 26, 2004
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I'm going to go with the XClio as s44 suggested above. Thanks. And it should have no problem running the 8800 and other stuff? The Amps should be ok on the 12V rail? I read somewhere that the 8800 needs 20 something amps.
 

40sTheme

Golden Member
Sep 24, 2006
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Originally posted by: Kromis
Originally posted by: Insidious
Originally posted by: jshabouk
The X1950XT is ATI, right? is it faster/better than Nvidia?

yes/no

Hah! I like that answer!

Same here! Faster + better image quality (if not by much in the latter, it's adaptive AA is far worse, though), but ATi's drivers SUCK ASS. Hands down. But that card is the best in the 200 250 range.