GTX 970 SLI for 4k?

[aarondr]

I'm currently using my GTX 970 (Nvidia Reference from BestBuy) and recently upgraded my monitor to 4k. 4k is stunning and works ok with quite a few titles w/ AA off. I know we've seen some reviews at 4k, and with the 3.5GB RAM fiasco - I'm debating on getting another to SLI. I've never noticed significant stutters and consumed 98% of VRAM. I'm using a Corsair Air 240, Xeon E3-1231v3, and a 750w 80+ Gold Thermaltake PSU (no overclocking with this build). I've had to back down the resolution on FarCry 4 (4k is sub 30fps, 1440 works ok), and Crysis 3. Dark Souls 2 runs like butter, even with HBAO+ on (although AA kills it). I'm temped to just wait a generation or two - but GPU development feels like it's slowed down the past few years. Should I go for it?

 

[SubZeroFlsh]

I am also wondering if I should buy a 1440p monitor, is the 3.5VRAM an issue? I have the strix 970.

 

[aarondr]

I am also wondering if I should buy a 1440p monitor, is the 3.5VRAM an issue? I have the strix 970.

I think you'd be fine for a 1440p even with one card. There are certain games that struggle, but many work flawlessly with 1440p. 4k w/ 2xGTX 970 cards is where I'm unsure of the longevity.

 

[-Lone-]

If you mean if you would be okay with new games coming out for 4k, then I think you should just wait for another new GPU. Games will only move forward and increase just like technology. I don't think they would work backwards, so if it is 4k you're aiming at, I would get whatever card that's coming out for more VRAM. If it was just 1080p or 1440p, then you would be okay, but not for 4k, requires much more to run it at the settings people wants to run it at.

 

[xxxlun4icexxx]

I'm currently using my GTX 970 (Nvidia Reference from BestBuy) and recently upgraded my monitor to 4k. 4k is stunning and works ok with quite a few titles w/ AA off. I know we've seen some reviews at 4k, and with the 3.5GB RAM fiasco - I'm debating on getting another to SLI. I've never noticed significant stutters and consumed 98% of VRAM. I'm using a Corsair Air 240, Xeon E3-1231v3, and a 750w 80+ Gold Thermaltake PSU (no overclocking with this build). I've had to back down the resolution on FarCry 4 (4k is sub 30fps, 1440 works ok), and Crysis 3. Dark Souls 2 runs like butter, even with HBAO+ on (although AA kills it). I'm temped to just wait a generation or two - but GPU development feels like it's slowed down the past few years. Should I go for it?

No, do not go for it, specifically because of the VRAM issue. Even that 500 MB is pretty crucial when it comes to 4k, and a 2nd 970 would be wasting money. If it was a 980, then I'd say go for the SLI. If I was in your position. I'd wait for a card with additional vram. There are some games that have just come out (such as evolve) where on my 3 980s I have to turn settings down because the VRAM would exceed 4GB. Just wait and you'll thank us.

 

[Vici0us]

For 4K you should at least have X3 GTX 980's. Better yet would be having X3 R9 290X 8GB.

Since GTX 970 can basically use 3.5GB it seems like a bad idea to SLI it for 4K. For one.. it would't have enough VRAM and it's not enough power for 4K.

GTX 970 is best for 1080P. Even my R9 290's use over 3.8GB in some games @ 1440P.

 

[bembene]

hey, I read that with dx12 when u sli the vram ads up. So this would make it 7gb of fast vram?
Maybe wait couple of weeks until dx12 hits the markt and see what test show...
Greez

 

[aarondr]

Well, that's a good point bembene - today's games get close to maxing out vram. But will tomorrow's games w/ DX12 support effectively manage SLI/Crossfire RAM? This is a tough one. I'm about ready to just wait, as the single GTX 970 does an ~ok~ job with some settings turned down and w/o AA. This would be a much easier decision if these cards weren't so pricey (reference card is $380).

 

[-Lone-]

It won't be solely about VRAM, you would need a card with faster speed/performance to get to the fps you desire. Take the 290x 8GB for example, between 4GB and 8GB, there is only like 3 fps difference. Also not every game will work very well with CFX/SLI, like Dragon Age: Inquisition, when that happens, you'll be forced down to 1 card again and lose the performance and bumped down to like 20-40 fps and lowered settings. So you'll be better off with going with the new cards. For 4k, get the strongest single card you can in case CFX/SLI doesn't work at all or very well, then you'll still be able to get the fps that is at least playable.

 

[aarondr]

I've always been of that mindset -Lone-. SLI works great with most AAA titles, but in the age of bad console ports, it's never a guarantee (although anyone else feel like we're finally moving back to being a platform taken seriously again?) At the end of the day the cards aren't there yet. Of course I've always wanted to do a multi-GPU setup since my high school days and the Voodoo 2 SLI setups just for the heck of it. I've never been able to justify the expense, and no single card does 4k well today - so part of me is using my new 4k monitor to 'justify' it to myself . Either way, games still look great at 1080p and 1440p on the same monitor.

I saw newegg had a 295x2 for $600 the other day. My poor 750w PSU wouldn't handle that card though (sadly). I have a hard time selling my GTX 970 and getting a single GTX 980 given current prices. I'd be stretching what my rationale mind would allow me to spend with the SLI setup. So I'll probably just sit on my 970 for a year or so - and enjoy it for what it is. Maybe I"ll just go nuts and get a 2nd one and you guys can make fun of me