Is it worth another 670?

[RS1no2047]

Ok, so I just bought an EVGA 4GB GTX670, and have started playing some skyrim on it (absolute max settings [except no game-controlled AF], nVidia's 16x AF, transparency AA, ambient occlusion, all that jazz) at 5980x1080 with bezel correction. I notice the game doesn't get much above 30fps, which i think is fairly playable. The problem is when I'm looking out at the landscape, I only get fps in the low 20s.

The reasons for me getting a 670 should be pretty obvious, but I have 2 major concerns before I make my choice.

1. Future resistance and DX11. Just how long before two 4GB 670s in SLI can't play the newest games on max settings? When is DirectX 12 likely to make my graphics cards obsolete? I'd hate to buy another one an figure out that I can't play some games in 2 years.

2. Micro-stutter. I know it isn't a huge problem on nVidia GPUs, and even less so on the higher-end models, but I want to know if it's noticeable, especially when playing at ~6.5MP.

Also, should I wait until the 660 Ti comes out to see if prices drop?

Any input is appreciated.

 

[stickg1]

Is vertical sync disabled?

 

[quilciri]

1. We haven't even gotten to dx11.1 yet. AFAIK, all dx11 cards will support 11.1

2. Microstutter is a problem with ANY 2 card setup. It tends to be more noticeable at lower framerates. Nvidia isn't any better off than AMD with regards to microstuttering.

If you want a multi-card setup without noticeable microstutter, you need 3+ cards. Microstutter is only a serious issue with 2 cards.

670 prices aren't likely to drop due to the 660 ti. they *may* drop in response to the catalyst 12.7 drivers and AMD price drops, however.

good luck!

 

[bystander]

With that resolution, I think 2 670's would be a good idea, however, you will still be better off turning down a couple settings, because even ~35ish FPS is too choppy in my opinion. No matter what graphics setup you get, there will always be a few settings that can't be maxed and give respectable FPS.

1) We have no way of knowing when a new DX version will come out, but we know XP came with a new DX version, Vista came with a new DX version, and so did Win 7. DX versions typically come with every new OS Microsoft releases, but we know that Win 8 will be the first exception. The odds are good that Win 9 will bring the next new DX version, and it'll likely be in 3 years if you base it on the typical life cycle of a Windows version.

2) I have never noticed micro-stuttering in games and I run 680's in SLI and have run Crossfire. Though I have noticed recently that Batman AC tends to not run very smooth, even at 60 FPS. At least the cutscenes. If this is microstuttering, it's limited to only 1 game I own.

 

[RS1no2047]

2. Microstutter is a problem with ANY 2 card setup. It tends to be more noticeable at lower framerates. Nvidia isn't any better off than AMD with regards to microstuttering.

If you want a multi-card setup without noticeable microstutter, you need 3+ cards. Microstutter is only a serious issue with 2 cards.

According to the article here on Tom's hardware, SLI isn't nearly as plagued by this issue as CrossFire.

Is vertical sync disabled?

I play around with it both in SkyrimPrefs.ini and the nVidia control panel. It never seems quite smooth during landscape scans (where i look around off a mountain or something).

 

[RS1no2047]

Best answer selected by RS1no2047.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey