Anti-Aliasing worth a 2nd GPU?

[cowboydude99]

Hi,
I just upgraded to an MSI GTX 970 and while performance is great there are some things that aren't.

For example, if I turn on AA - SMAA x4 I will not get 60fps @ 1080.

I was wondering if a 2nd GTX 970 is worth the price to keep the 60fps while using the best AA available.

 

[frag06]

Hi,
I just upgraded to an MSI GTX 970 and while performance is great there are some things that aren't.

For example, if I turn on AA - SMAA x4 I will not get 60fps @ 1080.

I was wondering if a 2nd GTX 970 is worth the price to keep the 60fps while using the best AA available.

What games are you playing? In most games 2x MSAA is enough at 1080p.

 

[cowboydude99]

Tomb Raider
Watch Dogs
Crysis 3
Shadow of Mordor
Skyrim
Witcher 2

That is what I have installed right now...

 

[frag06]

Tomb Raider
Watch Dogs
Crysis 3
Shadow of Mordor
Skyrim
Witcher 2

That is what I have installed right now...

Take a look at these:
http://www.hardocp.com/article/2013/03/12/crysis_3_video_card_performance_iq_review/8#.UjE70hPn-Uk
http://www.hardocp.com/article/2013/03/12/crysis_3_video_card_performance_iq_review/9#.UjE8ExPn-Uk

It's Crysis 3, but it will show you some differences between MSAA, FXAA, ect.

I wouldn't buy another 970 for just AA. 2x MSAA will be enough with many games, but some like Crysis can require much more.

Two 970's aren't needed right now unless you're running 1440p, and even then one is enough with most games.

 

[cowboydude99]

Thanks for the comparison shots. Looks like for Crysis x4 is the best option. x8 would require too much power and x2 doesn't look right.

 

[frag06]

Thanks for the comparison shots. Looks like for Crysis x4 is the best option. x8 would require too much power and x2 doesn't look right.

No problem.

4x MSAA will look nice with Crysis at 1080p. You many not average 60 FPS, but it should be close. Many who play Crysis just use FXAA. It's only a small performance hit and still looks good.

Most other games should run at 60 FPS or higher with 4x MSAA, but many won't require that much AA to look good.

 

[cowboydude99]

Thanks. I guess I have to check each game and decide if I want 45fps or 60fps.

 

[frag06]

Thanks. I guess I have to check each game and decide if I want 45fps or 60fps.

Yes, try different settings and see what you like the best. Tomb Raider will look good with FXAA, and it is all you need. Watch Dogs can use 2x MSAA or 4x MSAA, depending on how sensitive you are to jaggies.

Look at the Guru3D review of the MSI 970. You should be seeing similar results (add a few FPS since they test at 1920x1200). If you aren't, let us know as you could have another issue.

 

[cowboydude99]

Good to know. That FXAA looks terrible in some games, but for testing purposes good idea.