New System Being Built

[jadamselectroncis]

Okay here's what I'm wanting to do...

I got the following hardware:

MOBO:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131361

CPU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103471

RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227289

GPU:
2x nVidia GeForce 7800 GT OC (will upgrade soon)

PSU:
Okia 600W Power Supply (will upgrade soon)

I am trying to decide on either SLi or Crossfire. I love nVidia cards, but I'm starting to like some of the ATi cards starting to come out. I am curious to know what everyone thinks. I also would like to know the PSU requirements for going dual, triple, or quad SLi or Crossfire.

 

[smithereen]

That motherboard only supports Crossfire - you shouldn't be able to run SLi on it! If that's what you have, spend your budget on 48X0 series cards, and try to keep the total number of discrete GPUs to a minimum.

That PSU should be good for up to two 4850s. You *should* be able to handle two 4870s or a 4870 X2, but I wouldn't run it. I'd try and get 800-850W, but that might be overkill.

 

[jadamselectroncis]

in the context of "discrete" GPUs what do you mean?

 

[jadamselectroncis]

also, the mobo listed DOES support SLi for a lot of people I know have been doing SLi for a while now with it

 

[smithereen]

Neat. I never knew that.
I mean try and keep the gpu cores to a minimum.

 

[jadamselectroncis]

I thought having more graphics cards would make my video gaming better... I am sorry but it's been nearly 2 years since i built a computer so this new technology is something i'm trying to familiarize with

by the way, i'm thinking about going back to ATi anyway. the last ATi i used was the ATi Radeon 9800 Pro (hahaha) and I hated it, but I'm hearing good things about the ATi now (even tho I absolutely love nVidia)

 

[smithereen]

It would! But one $300 card usually beats two $150 cards, largely because support for SLi and Crossfire is often sketchy, and usually nonexistant for 3- and 4-card systems, although it's getting better. Try and spend your budget on one or two cards. 4870s and 4890s look real good right now.

 

[jadamselectroncis]

okay cool i really appreciate the information

 

[smithereen]

Glad I could help. Let us know if you have any other questions.