GPU for brand new build: Go SLI or Not?

[Apd41785]

I'm building my first homebuilt PC, and I'm not certain whether I want to go with the SLI capability or not. My original plan was to get 1 8800GTS 640MB now and then get a second later (in a couple of months) and run them in SLI. But now I'm thinking maybe just going with 1 8800GTX now and abandon the SLI capability altogether (get a P965 or P35 mobo instead of 680i). The PC will be used mostly for gaming, and I think the one GTX will perform better than 2 GTS in SLI (especially since I won't have the 2nd GTS for a couple of months).

My other thought is that when I want to get the second card, the next gen will be here (in time for Christmas). I'm almost certain one of those will outdo any GTS SLI setup. I'm thinking that SLI is really only worth it if you can afford to get both cards at the same time, so you're not trying to play catch-up with technology.

Also, I'm planning on installing Windows XP SP2 to start, with the intention of going to Vista later, when there are fewer problems and more DX10 games. I appreciate any thoughts/advice/suggestions. Thanks!

 

[Dahak]

Get the 8800GTX for now and get a second 8800GTX a little down the road.This way you'll have all the performance you need now and more at a later date when you might need it.Think about it ok,2,that's two 8800GTX's in SLI.Nothing would beat it.LMFAO.I wish I could afford 2 8800GTX's myself as I would have them already.Goodluck.

Dahak

AMD X2 5600+ @ 2.8ghz(stock)
M2N32-SLI DELUXE MB
2 GIGS DDR2 800 RAM
THERMALTAKE 850WATT PSU
7950GT KO(WAITING FOR MY OTHER TO COME BACK FROM RMA)
ACER 22IN. LCD
SMILIDON RAIDMAX GAMING CASE
80GIG/250gig SATA2 HD's
XP MCE

 

[zhaf]

From my point of view SLI is only good if you game at crazy high resolutions or gaming on multiple monitors. Gaming on one monitor on standard resolutions (up to native 24" resolution in my standards), one 8800GTX would be enough. All other SLI under 8800GTX isn't worth the money IMO.
But then again I don't own a 8800 card and I don't use SLI... this is just my opinion.

 

[IcY18]

If you feel as though you're going to upgrade soon enough to the next gen of gpu's coming out then just get a 8800GTS, if you don't think you will get a 8800GTX. In either case do not plan on going SLi unless you game at resolutions above 1920x1080.

 

[Mousemonkey]

Sli whilst not compulsory to use is still IMHO a worthwhile option to have available to you should a matching card drop into your lap in the future (as happened to me 8) ) and as it does make a difference regardless of resolution (i.e. lower than 1920x1080) 19" monitors still have a place in our lives.