Starting an SLI setup...

[Shyatic]

Well, not exactly just yet

I am going to upgrade my motherboard and processor, but I'm going to buy an SLI motherboard so I can make use of the technology when I'm rich enough to have two video cards. However, I wanted to buy a decent video card I can use until I get a second one to complement it. Right now, I have an ATI 9800 Pro AGP, which will obviously be sold or whatever... I'd like a step up from the 9800 but I don't want to pay more than $250 or so... it gets too pricey too fast

What would be my best bet in that category, and what kind of speed bump would I get from it?

Thanks a bunch!

 

[MobiusPizza]

$250 gets you a 6600GT... Which is not meeting your requirement.

I would not recommend SLI unless you have $700+ to spend on graphic card EVERY time you upgrade. (See notes 1)
Base on your $250 budget for 1 graphic card I would recommend you to save the money of buying 2 such graphic card ($500) to buy a more powerful high-end card

Notes 1:
This is because SLI is not as economical as a single card setup. A Next generation GeForce 7 having twice the performance of a single GeForce 6800 Ultra can be emulated by two GeForce 6800 Ultra cards.

It's roughtly the same price investment. But with 1 GeForce 7 you have all the new technology and features, less noise and heat in your system.


The only advantage of SLI here is that you can have the performance of GeForce 7 now because 6800 Ultra are available. So if you have more than $700, you can get 6800 Now, then do the same next year or so for GeForce 7

Unless you are really rich I see no reason for doing that.

Getting a $300 good graphic card and get the same mid-high end $300 card next year to get the best features is the most wise option.

 

[Crusty]

Originally posted by: AnnihilatorX
$250 gets you a 6600GT... Which is not meeting your requirement.

I would not recommend SLI unless you have $700+ to spend on graphic card EVERY time you upgrade. (See notes 1)
Base on your $250 budget for 1 graphic card I would recommend you to save the money of buying 2 such graphic card ($500) to buy a more powerful high-end card

Notes 1:
This is because SLI is not as economical as a single card setup. A Next generation GeForce 7 having twice the performance of a single GeForce 6800 Ultra can be emulated by two GeForce 6800 Ultra cards.

It's roughtly the same price investment. But with 1 GeForce 7 you have all the new technology and features, less noise and heat in your system.


The only advantage of SLI here is that you can have the performance of GeForce 7 now because 6800 Ultra are available. So if you have more than $700, you can get 6800 Now, then do the same next year or so for GeForce 7

Unless you are really rich I see no reason for doing that.

Getting a $300 good graphic card and get the same mid-high end $300 card next year to get the best features is the most wise option.

Newegg

 

[KoolDrew]

I don't recommend SLI thinking you will add another cared later. SLI is for people who ahve a lot of money to blow and want to SLI two high end cards. 2x 6600GT's in SLI would be stupid when you can buy an X800XL which would perform similair and be way cheaper.

I would just forget about SLI and get a X800XL

 

[Shyatic]

Why can't I just buy the SLI motherboard, and get a good PCI-X card in a single slot? When time comes that I have a couple extra bucks lyin around, i will buy both cards (high end ones) and replace the single one. I am *not* buying TWO of any card for the initial SLI setup... it's just going to be a single card, around $250. Sorry if I didn't explain further.

Thanks!

 

[Shyatic]

On a quick re-read, I can see why your advice makes sense... it's likely that I would make better use of the single card more quickly than I would getting two outdated cards and putting them into the machine. ATI X800XL is what I should go with then? Let me know... I don't want to spend more than $300 or so.

Thanks!

 

[Shyatic]

Just noticing that the 6800 is around $300 as well. I am not sure what to get in this price range. Let me know!

 

[imported_Kensai]

6800 = Junk unless it can be unlocked.

 

[RussianSensation]

X800XL PCIe for $270.
SLI is a total waste this late in the game unless you plan on going with G70. Geforce 6800GT costs $360 for PCIe (total ripoff).

 

[imported_Kensai]

Just noticed, Newegg has Leadtek refurb 6800GT for 210+1$ shipping. Get it!

 

[Shyatic]

Originally posted by: Kensai
Just noticed, Newegg has Leadtek refurb 6800GT for 210+1$ shipping. Get it!

Better than the X800XL?

Thanks!

 

[Shyatic]

Nevermind... that's AGP. Won't work well on a PCIe mobo