Hey all! I recently upgraded my setup with a completely new PC. Here are the specs:
Dell 630i
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 processor @ 2.66 GHz
NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI mobo
4GB DDR2 RAM (4x1GB chips, manufacturer = Elpida)
NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT 512MB
Integrated Audio using a Realtek HD Audio driver
Also, I run the signal out to a 32" Toshiba TV monitor. In order to have the PC desktop fill the screen, I have to set my display resolution to 1360x768 @ 85 Hz (native for the TV is 1366x768 @ 60, but that doesn't work properly).
So. I'm loving the computer, but it's holiday time and I think I could do better in the graphics department. I suppose I could get a sound card instead, but the integrated audio has been working fine for my purposes. So my question is whether it would be a better idea to pick up a second 8800 GT 512MB and run in SLI or scrap my first 8800 GT and replace with some other card. I was thinking maybe the GeForce GTX 260; the would be about the right price range for the high end of what I'm willing to spend.
I should also mention that I don't plan to screw around with Overclocking or anything like that. I have nothing against getting a pre-OC'ed card, but I don't know enough about the process to feel comfortable doing it on my own. I've read that there are some issues running in SLI mode with NVIDIA's 650i mobo, so I've been leaning more towards a single card solution. Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thanks!
Dell 630i
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 processor @ 2.66 GHz
NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI mobo
4GB DDR2 RAM (4x1GB chips, manufacturer = Elpida)
NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT 512MB
Integrated Audio using a Realtek HD Audio driver
Also, I run the signal out to a 32" Toshiba TV monitor. In order to have the PC desktop fill the screen, I have to set my display resolution to 1360x768 @ 85 Hz (native for the TV is 1366x768 @ 60, but that doesn't work properly).
So. I'm loving the computer, but it's holiday time and I think I could do better in the graphics department. I suppose I could get a sound card instead, but the integrated audio has been working fine for my purposes. So my question is whether it would be a better idea to pick up a second 8800 GT 512MB and run in SLI or scrap my first 8800 GT and replace with some other card. I was thinking maybe the GeForce GTX 260; the would be about the right price range for the high end of what I'm willing to spend.
I should also mention that I don't plan to screw around with Overclocking or anything like that. I have nothing against getting a pre-OC'ed card, but I don't know enough about the process to feel comfortable doing it on my own. I've read that there are some issues running in SLI mode with NVIDIA's 650i mobo, so I've been leaning more towards a single card solution. Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thanks!