First Build: GTX 970 SLI, or 295x2?

[Jules_GB]

I'm building a gaming computer over the summer and I want to get the most performance. I have built my computer on PCPartPicker (http://pcpartpicker.com/p/bqPmK8), and before I started buying parts, I just wanted to run a last check on my build. I will be gaming at 1440p.

Should I stick with what I have: two, Gigabyte G1 970's, or should I get a single, 295x2. What have your experiences been with SLI? Is SLI a bit much for a first build (i.e., drivers, etc.)?

 

[Vosgy]

the 295x2 is a crossfire card, both GPU just happen to be in one, it has the same sli/crossfire issues as any multicard setup.
My experience with SLi GTX 570's was nothing but simple, it is not as bad as some people would have you think.

 

[Gam3r01]

What resolution are you planning on using?

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/NVIDIA/GeForce_GTX_970_SLI/20.html

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Two 970s soundly beat the 295x2 at 1920 and below. The trade blows at 2560 res with the but if your are overclocking, the 970s have a lot more headroom and, IIRC, the 970s overclocked take 17 outta 18 games in TPUs test suite over the 290x OC'd.

At 4k the 970s will battle to a draw overclocked in most games but the 290x will excel in some. Crysis for example does way better on the 290x but does worse on Crysis 3... the 290x crashes and burns for some reason on Woffenstein NO

Keep in mind that you need an extra 200 watts for the PSU isf ya go 295x2

 

[Jules_GB]

What resolution are you planning on using?

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/NVIDIA/GeForce_GTX_970_SLI/20.html

I will be gaming at 1440p.

 

[Gam3r01]

At 1440p the 295x2 starts to edge out 970 in SLI in some games, but its very close.
That being said, that is in regards to stock configurations, you can OC the 970s better, while drawing less power and producing less heat.

I would take the SLI at that resolution, if you think a single 970 isnt enough for you.

 

[krells]

What resolution are you planning on using?

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/NVIDIA/GeForce_GTX_970_SLI/20.html

I will be gaming at 1440p.

I would just stick with the two 970's. If you did switch to the 295x2 I would get an 850w psu minimum. In my experience the SLI drivers have been pretty stable.