Should I 3-way SLI or stick with 2-way?

chasem_94 · Feb 7, 2014

Currently, I'm considering upgrading my system with either two EVGA 04G-P4-3776-KR or two Gigabye GV-N770OC-4GD 770's and running them in 2-way SLI. As of right now I have two MSI 660ti PE/OC 2gb cards in 2-way SLI, and am also considering buying a third and putting them in a 3-way SLI. I'd have to buy a new mobo since my current one can only handle 2-way. I'm leaning toward the 3-way, since it's cheaper for me to do, but price isn't an obstacle for me. Which would option would provide the best performance improvements for me? I intend to play resource intensive games like Crysis, Farcry 3, Battlefield 4, ARMA 3 and the like.

Current hardware specs:
Windows 8.1
Intel i7-3770k 3.5ghz quad-core
AsRock Z77 Extreme 4 ATX LGA1155
Kingston HyperX 16gb(4x4gb) DDR3-1600 RAM
Samsung 840 Pro Series 256gb SSD
Toshiba 2TB 7200 HDD
2 x MSI 660ti PE/OC
XFX Proseries 850w 80+ Gold Certified Modular ATX PSU
Raidmax Vampire ATX Full Tower Case

St0rm_KILL3r · Feb 7, 2014

I THINK gtx 770 sli should be fine. You can sell your current gpus and buy two 770's which could be cheaper enough, so buy a new mobo and a 660ti. Your temps may also be affected with 3-way sli. So try to get 2 770s.

chasem_94 · Feb 7, 2014

St0rm_KILL3r :

If I go for the 770's, which variant of the two should I look at buying?

thdarkshadow · Feb 7, 2014

Due to the 660ti having slow memory and 3 way SLI scales poorly AND you would need a new motherboard 770s would be way better. But why not 780ti? It is generally better to get one high end hpu rather than two mid range

EasyLover · Feb 7, 2014

It is better to buy 770s or 780 rather than buying new mobo and 660Ti. 3 way SLI with 660Ti! Hmmm! You are playing on 55" TV i.e one display unit not multiple so why are you considering 4GB models and then SLI of two 4GB models? Save the bucks buy 2GB models. They would be enough for your SLI and gaming need.

This is not a time to buy new mobo as expectedly DDR4 is set to come out resultantly new DDR4 enabled mobos will be due as well. Better wait for that and stick with 770/780 SLI.

Why are you not considering 780 or even 780Ti?

St0rm_KILL3r · Feb 7, 2014

chasem_94 :

You should definitely try first for EVGA gtx 770. Get the superclocked versions if they are in the budget.

gameboy1998 · Feb 7, 2014

Sick with two SLI. SLI scaling is not good with 3 or more GPU.

I will personally to with a single powerful card rather than cards. I recommend going with a single 780Ti or 780.

chasem_94 · Feb 7, 2014

EasyLover :

I am planning on using multiple displays sometime soon once I can get a bigger desk for them. I did think about it, but I saw that those cards were upwards in the $600-$800 range for good models. Eventually once I have a better paying job I'll probably go all out SLI with higher end cards but for right now I want to try to keep it simple.

chasem_94 · Feb 7, 2014

gameboy1998 :

So which models of either would you recommend for me?

gameboy1998 · Feb 7, 2014

A EVGA Super clocked GTX 780

EasyLover · Feb 8, 2014

chasem_94 :

EVGA 780Ti classified. This single GPU is enough to fulfill your gaming requirements.

chasem_94 · Feb 8, 2014

EasyLover :

Looked at some reviews, that thing is absolute overkill for me. I only run a 1920x1080 TV monitor, reviews say that it's good for things like 1440p. If I could afford it I would definitely buy it though. Anyone want to recommend anything from the 770 or 780 line that isn't overkill and expensive?

gameboy1998 · Feb 8, 2014

780Ti is definitely overkill for 1080P gaming.

A GTX 780 will definitely get you PC for the upcoming graphic intensive games like Thief or Watch Dogs. I will recommend the EVGA Superclocked 780 Again.

BlankInsanity · Feb 8, 2014

sorry to barge in but.. Why are you guys suggesting getting a new motherboard? not sure what 'new' motherboard he could get seeing as the 3770k is socket 1155 and only thing really better in the ASUS Maximum but thats in the $300 era.

So could I ask.. Why does he need a new mobo? Cause I plan on getting another 770 soon and I got the same MB, Asrock Z77 Extreme 4

gameboy1998 · Feb 8, 2014

BlankInsanity :

Because I believe the motherboard doesn't support 3 way SLI and the OP originally considered 3 Way SLI.

BlankInsanity · Feb 8, 2014

gameboy1998 :

According to their website it says supprots Quad SLI/Crossfire that being said there's only 2x 3.0 PCIE slots so my best bet is you can get dual sli to achieve quad, youll need an expander of some sort

EasyLover · Feb 8, 2014

chasem_94 :

EasyLover :

Looked at some reviews, that thing is absolute overkill for me. I only run a 1920x1080 TV monitor, reviews say that it's good for things like 1440p. If I could afford it I would definitely buy it though. Anyone want to recommend anything from the 770 or 780 line that isn't overkill and expensive?

Ok. Then you may consider using EVGA GTX 780 DUAL/FTW/ w /EVGA ACX Cooler version. If still it is TOO OVERKILL for you then dear go for EVGA GTX 780 SC. Btw there is a difference of $20 in the prices of these cards

Happy Hunting!

gameboy1998 · Feb 9, 2014

BlankInsanity :

gameboy1998 :

According to their website it says supprots Quad SLI/Crossfire that being said there's only 2x 3.0 PCIE slots so my best bet is you can get dual sli to achieve quad, youll need an expander of some sort

I didn't suggest it! Someone else did! I'm innocent

Should I 3-way SLI or stick with 2-way?

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