Anti-Aliasing worth a 2nd GPU?

cowboydude99

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Aug 21, 2013
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Hi,
I just upgraded to an MSI GTX 970 and while performance is great there are some things that aren't.

For example, if I turn on AA - SMAA x4 I will not get 60fps @ 1080.

I was wondering if a 2nd GTX 970 is worth the price to keep the 60fps while using the best AA available.

 
Solution


No problem.

4x MSAA will look nice with Crysis at 1080p. You many not average 60 FPS, but it should be close. Many who play Crysis just use FXAA. It's only a small performance hit and still looks good.

Most other games should run at 60 FPS or higher with 4x MSAA, but many won't require that much AA to look good.

frag06

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Mar 17, 2013
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What games are you playing? In most games 2x MSAA is enough at 1080p.
 

frag06

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Take a look at these:
http://www.hardocp.com/article/2013/03/12/crysis_3_video_card_performance_iq_review/8#.UjE70hPn-Uk
http://www.hardocp.com/article/2013/03/12/crysis_3_video_card_performance_iq_review/9#.UjE8ExPn-Uk

It's Crysis 3, but it will show you some differences between MSAA, FXAA, ect.

I wouldn't buy another 970 for just AA. 2x MSAA will be enough with many games, but some like Crysis can require much more.

Two 970's aren't needed right now unless you're running 1440p, and even then one is enough with most games.
 

frag06

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No problem.

4x MSAA will look nice with Crysis at 1080p. You many not average 60 FPS, but it should be close. Many who play Crysis just use FXAA. It's only a small performance hit and still looks good.

Most other games should run at 60 FPS or higher with 4x MSAA, but many won't require that much AA to look good.
 
Solution

frag06

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Mar 17, 2013
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Yes, try different settings and see what you like the best. Tomb Raider will look good with FXAA, and it is all you need. Watch Dogs can use 2x MSAA or 4x MSAA, depending on how sensitive you are to jaggies.

Look at the Guru3D review of the MSI 970. You should be seeing similar results (add a few FPS since they test at 1920x1200). If you aren't, let us know as you could have another issue.