General Question

Beastlicker's avatar

Should I SLI or buy a completely new card?

Asked by Beastlicker (145points) June 8th, 2011

Watching E3, I have noticed a lot of games that will be coming out by the end of the year (such as Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim). The problem is, my video card is running a little old and I assume it will not be able to run these games at the best performance.

My main question is this: I have an nVidia 9800GT. Would I be better off purchasing a second 9800GT and running an SLI setup, or purchasing an nVidia GTS 450?

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

5 Answers

Lightlyseared's avatar

SLI isn’t really worth the effort.

But if you’re buying a new card I wouldn’t get less than a Nvidia GTX 460. Also if you have an older CPU, AMD’s GPU s tend to do better than nvidias.

nicky's avatar

Whats ur budget? I have a single 460 and it works absolutely fantastic on my build. From what newegg says, a 460 isnt as painful a price jump as you’d think… what are ur specs (just curious) :p

DeanV's avatar

I’m looking at a GTX 560 right now, and they’re actually incredibly reasonable in price for what you get.

What kind of games are you looking at playing other than Skyrim? The Battlefield series (what I’m waiting for) have always been very CPU intensive, so make sure your CPU isn’t a problem as well.

jerv's avatar

I am with @Lightlyseared; SLI generally isn’t worth it unless you already have a huge power supply and a cooling system that allows your case to double as a dorm fridge.

Furthermore, I think a single 460 is probably your best bet. The 560 is decent, but not quite as good a value unless you find one on sale.

Lightlyseared's avatar

Sapphire have just released a limited number of HD5850’s that are cheaper than a GTX460. That’s probably the way to go.

Answer this question

Login

or

Join

to answer.

This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.

Your answer will be saved while you login or join.

Have a question? Ask Fluther!

What do you know more about?
or
Knowledge Networking @ Fluther