GTX 1080 SLI overkill for 1920x1080 gaming?

ambam · Jul 27, 2016

I'm currently using two GTX 680 (2GB) in SLI in a computer that I build about 3 1/2 years ago.

Currently, I am in the process of building a new PC that will have two-way SLI GTX 1080 (8GB).

Is this overkill for gaming on ultra settings/1920x1080/max AA-AF?

There are only a few games that I can't play at absolute maximum settings without slow and jittery framerates. Tom Clancy's The Division, the new Doom, Fallout 4, and a few others.

mrmez · Jul 28, 2016

Definitely.

Unless you want to run 144hz/fps and have zero drops and have it do so for a few years.

ambam · Jul 28, 2016

I'm assuming that the cause for slow performance in some games is because of a lack of video memory? Each of my GTX 680's only has 2GB of VRAM each.

Would that observation be correct?

mrmez · Jul 28, 2016

Would be, especially if it's intermittent.

J_E_D_70 · Jul 28, 2016

I'd say its a waste. With that money to spend, would say you'd be better served by a single 1080 and a shiny new 1440p, 144hz monitor.

Chugalug_ · Jul 28, 2016

ambam :

Two GTX 1080s will definitely be overkill for 1080p, even at 144hz.
I suggest picking up a 1440p 144hz monitor such as the Acer XB271HU, which sports an IPS panel, G-Sync, a slim bezel and an overclockable 165Hz refresh rate.
If you feel you need it after this, get another 1080, although I think that as long as you're hitting at least 60fps maxed out it's perfectly fine as long as you have G-Sync, this is a personal choice.
Amazing monitor with very little backlight bleed and IPS glow, picked one up with my 980ti last year, and I have no regrets.
G-Sync, or Nvidia's new Fast Sync are perfect for this, as they smooth out frame rates, making your experience much better, especially at 1440p where maxing everything in some games can sometimes get you low frames.

angelo143 · Jul 31, 2016

Yes it is way overkill for 1920x1080p . A 970 can do the job at max settings with 50 fps. A 1070 is also overkill . But... These cards performs better at 4k than 1080p . For example with a 1070 at witcher 3 with 1080p you should get around 65fps but at 4k you should get around 35fps. If you play only 1080p you should be good with a 970 or 980. But if you play at 144hz you should go for the 1070. Do not buy two 1080 it's more than overkill . It's waste of money.
Hope this helped

Jamsy_ · Aug 30, 2016

I don't think it's overkill if you want more fps. Gaming at higher than 60 fps and maxing AA is better than playing at 60fps or lower at 1440p in my opinion.

rcald2000 · Aug 30, 2016

+ambam It depends. Common knee-jerk response says that even a single 1080 may be "overkill". This would be the prevailing opinion if you're only looking to play The Division, Doom, Fallout 4 in ultra settings. But once you play titles with extensive use of mods, then the term overkill goes out the window. In addition Asus is preparing to release two new ROG Swift 1080p g-sync displays at 180 and 240 Hz. There is no graphics card on the market IMO that is overkill for that. Also, what FPS are you seeking and what is your monitor model #? If you don't want jittery frames, then you should consider a g-sync display.

Without you providing any additional information, I'd think that you'd be better off buying a single GTX 1070 and a new display. In the $700 range, I personally like 1440p @ 165 Hz displays and wide screen 3440 x 1440p @ 60 Hz displays. Obviously the Predator X34 would be preferable (3440 x 1440 @ 100 Hz) but it costs $1,200.

My recommendation: Start a new thread in the systems forum (or graphics card forum) stating your current PC specs (including power supply manufacturer and model # and displays). Then state that you're considering building an entirely new rig, and what your budget is and where you plan to buy the components. The two GTX 680's can be sold on Ebay for at least $100 each, the proceeds of which brings you half way to a GTX 1070. You initial question is difficult to answer without knowing your full specs and also what FPS you're seeking.

ambam · Sep 1, 2016

rcald2000 :

+ambam It depends. Common knee-jerk response says that even a single 1080 may be "overkill". This would be the prevailing opinion if you're only looking to play The Division, Doom, Fallout 4 in ultra settings. But once you play titles with extensive use of mods, then the term overkill goes out the window. In addition Asus is preparing to release two new ROG Swift 1080p g-sync displays at 180 and 240 Hz. There is no graphics card on the market IMO that is overkill for that. Also, what FPS are you seeking and what is your monitor model #? If you don't want jittery frames, then you should consider a g-sync display.

Without you providing any additional information, I'd think that you'd be better off buying a single GTX 1070 and a new display. In the $700 range, I personally like 1440p @ 165 Hz displays and wide screen 3440 x 1440p @ 60 Hz displays. Obviously the Predator X34 would be preferable (3440 x 1440 @ 100 Hz) but it costs $1,200.

My recommendation: Start a new thread in the systems forum (or graphics card forum) stating your current PC specs (including power supply manufacturer and model # and displays). Then state that you're considering building an entirely new rig, and what your budget is and where you plan to buy the components. The two GTX 680's can be sold on Ebay for at least $100 each, the proceeds of which brings you half way to a GTX 1070. You initial question is difficult to answer without knowing your full specs and also what FPS you're seeking.

My other system specs are the following.

Core i7 7770K Kaby Lake
16GB DDR4 RAM
ASUS MAXIMUS Z200 ROG
Seasonic 1,000W Platinum PSU

rcald2000 · Sep 1, 2016

Well ..... okay than....
The solution is simple. Buy a single GTX 1080. My preference would be EVGA, just in case Nvidia decides to release a GTX 1080 TI, you'd be able to take advantage of their 90 day step-up program. If the single GTX 1080 is insufficient for your needs, then buy a second one.

Chugalug_ · Sep 1, 2016

Ditto.
By the way, you have the 6700k, not the '6770k' as you call it. Kaby Lake desktop processors aren't releasing until next year.

ambam · Sep 1, 2016

Chugalug_ :

Right now I'm using the 3770K Ivy Bridge.

Did Intel dump the #770 name for their flagship CPU's?

Will the flagship Kaby Lake be named the 7700K and not the 7770K?

Chugalug_ · Sep 1, 2016

No way to know until they release.

Atterus · Sep 2, 2016

Personally, if you like convenience, steer clear of a SLI setup until you really need it. I'm running two 770 4GB and while they play nice with most games, occasionally they get in fights with weird things (Fallout 4 it was the flares, Deus Ex it was shadows and not the kind everyone had issues with). Driver support for SLI is horrible across the board. SLI is good for an extra bump, but a single card solution is more stable from my experience, you don't have to wait on drivers to update for you. A 1080 would keep you happy for a long time at 1080 res.

Overkill is not always smarter. In a years time it will all be obsolete anyways. I've been running a 2nd gen processor that still keeps up with the modern stuff. Save that money for games or a new TV or something.

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GTX 1080 SLI overkill for 1920x1080 gaming?

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