9800Gx2 or 9800GtXsli

2x9800gtx sli will deliver higher performance. But since a 9800gtx only perform slightly better than a g92 8800gts, you can get 2x g92 8800gts sli for almost as good performance for around $200 less.

This model comes with factory overclocking plus a free game. As it is, it's still slightly slower than 2x 9800gtx, but faster than one 9800gx2.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814127325

i will be getting a Q9450, evga 780i, and G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin 1066

You could do a few things, get the 2 9800GTX's and hope they last 2 years,

get one 9800GX2 now and if you can, get another later, or lastly get a

9800gtx or cheaper and get one of the next series graphics card when it

comes out. It all depends on what you feel like doing as far as upgrades

go. You definately won't even need a 9800GTX to run games for at least

another 6 months (excluding crysis)

the 9800 GX2 can be overclocked to 9800 GTX Frequencies. the 9800 GX2 is basically 2 down clocked 9800 GTXs

yes but remember the 8800 GTS 512 doesn't have a tri-sli future lol but yes its true they are basically the same card

The 98GTX is the top solo performer therefore would be the one to go with in a 3-way and not two SLI setup. 9800GX2 is just 2 88GTX utilizing 1GB of VRAM instead of 768 you are given in an SLI setup. I think that the 9800GTX is obviously designed for tri-sli market and therefore cancels out the 512 GTS.

the 9800 GX2 is just 2 9800 GTXs down clocked I'll say it again haha

you can also say that. Its the same, they run on the EXACT same video card board. I oced my 9800 GX2 to match the 9800 GTXs soo I'm happy

I rather get a single GX2, SLI two 9800 GTX's seems to be more waste of electricity. Who cares if you get an extra 5 FPS, thats not even worth it.

Quad sli? In one year a single gpu card would likely match your sli solution. Those things move way too fast for sli/crossfire to make sense.

And how much do 2 ultras cost? And when did it first came out anyway? I'm pretty sure it's less than a year ago.

yup no1 said they weren't good cards I just didn't feel like waiting for 2 9800 GTX so I got the GX2 and oced it to GTX amounts

EVGA has a lifetime warranty and a step-up program. They'll also honor their warranty if you overclock the card or change the cooler.

Frankly, I went EVGA and hope the G200 arrives in time to take advantage of the step-up program. Even if it doesn't, bah, it'll push the price of the 9800GTX down enough to SLI them.

I chose EVGA for some of the reasons other people mentioned: Step Up Program (not voided by overclocking!), Warranty, Customer Service. As also mentioned, there is little if any technical differences between the brands. There are some exceptions like Palit, though, who add their own cooling systems. I ordered my EVGA's from from Newegg and there was a $30 drop in between the first and second...I should have waited.

MSI also add much needed dual slot coolers to their 8800gt and 9600gts models. Their OC model of g92 8800gts also comes with factory volt modding, but only stock cooler. The 8800gts stock cooler is good though.