to SLI or not to SLI?

[Phalanx01]

Ok so like I posted before I am planning on getting one of those new ASUS A8N SLI bridge boards, because of that I naturally have to replace my older FX5900 with new PCI-e cards. Question is, which PCI-e cards are best for me?!

Keep in mind that I (think) need 2 cards, and a budget of about 700 Euro (max. 800 Euro) is at my disposal. Have all other hardware pieces including WORKING mems (rare these days) as well as all other fancy stuff like sound card and all.

I've always been more of an Nvidia then an ATI fan but if it is better to buy ATI cards, then so be it. As long as I have a decent system for once.

My expectations are that I can run Half Life 2 in FULL detail with best effects, including fog, fancy lights you know that sort of thing.

But what is all this I keep reading that SLI can also work with one card at PCI-e 16x and 2 cards at only 8x? Anyways help me out here guys, this is totally new tech to me. Thanks!

Is it a bad thing if there is smoke coming out of my case?

 

[Ned_Flanders]

I didn't read you full post because I'm lazy.

But for SLI mobo's you don't need 2 cards at first. You can buy one, and buy one later when you can afford to.

___________________
<A HREF="http://www.moviewavs.com/MP3S/TV_Shows/Simpsons/flanderssong.mp3" target="_new">Audio Sig</A>|<A HREF="http://img113.exs.cx/img113/3772/c3othgrichpls.jpg" target="_new">Bored...me?</A>

 

[Phalanx01]

Wicked, just did some reading and it seems only Nvidia cards can handle SLI for now.

Still depends on what setup gives most performance however. Not much use to buy 2 cards when only 1 card can be faster...

Is it a bad thing if there is smoke coming out of my case?

 

[RichPLS]

Certainly not if that single card is cheaper than two...

<pre><font color=red>°¤o,¸¸¸,o¤°`°¤o \\// o¤°`°¤o,¸¸¸,o¤°
And the sign says "You got to have a membership card to get inside" Huh
So I got me a pen and paper And I made up my own little sign</pre><p></font color=red>

 

[spitoon]

Just my opinion, but I would probably buy a top of the line 6800 (GT or Ultra) that is SLI capable, and then wait 8-12 months and get another one, hopefully cheaper than they are now. You're going to get some kick a$$ performance out of the single one for now, and then upgrade when games get a bit more taxing on your hardware.

 

[cleeve]

The most compelling reason to use SLI is the 6600GT.

Buy one now, buy one later when they're cheaper and get 6800GT performance... all for less than a 6800GT costs now.

________________
<b>Radeon <font color=red>9700 PRO</b></font color=red> <i>(o/c 332/345)</i>
<b>AthlonXP <font color=red>3200+</b></font color=red> <i>(Barton 2500+ o/c 400 FSB)</i>
<b>3dMark03: <font color=red>5,354</b>

 

[Phalanx01]

Ordered in a 6600 card, MSI brand. Now I just have to RMA my older board tomorrow and wait 4 days for the new ASUS mobo. Hope the Kingston mems I ordered also fit in that mobo without too much trouble.

Thanks for the advice guys!

Is it a bad thing if there is smoke coming out of my case?

 

[cleeve]

6600GT, right?

Because a 6600 non-GT can't use SLI...

________________
<b>Radeon <font color=red>9700 PRO</b></font color=red> <i>(o/c 332/345)</i>
<b>AthlonXP <font color=red>3200+</b></font color=red> <i>(Barton 2500+ o/c 400 FSB)</i>
<b>3dMark03: <font color=red>5,354</b>

 

[AMD101]

by a 6800GT or ultra now and then in like 10 months buy another one when they are like 200 bucks.