460GTX question

[saphirekosmos]

Hi I am thinking of upgrading my video card from my old 9800GT to one of the 400 series cards. I was going to go with a 470 since it seemed like the best bang for the buck, but then I heard about the 460s. From what I read they seem to be the best bang for the buck right now. I am thinking of getting 2 and then SLiing them. Maybe even OCing them too. What I am wondering is it it worth it? Should I just fork out the extra cash for a 480 or 470? I mean I'd like to save as much money as I can, but am willing to go there if I need to. What do you guys think? Also what brand would you recommend, I was looking at the EVGAs but I don't know too much about the companies to be honest.

 

[Timop]

What CPUs do you have? Your Resolution?
460SLI ALOT more powerful compared to your 9800GT and it might just be too much for your system.

 

[itouchedyou]

2 460's in SLI are cheaper and often just as powerful if not more than a 480. You're probably going to have to get a new PSU though, 650W should be the minimum if you're getting 2. check that your motherboard runs 2 of the PCIe lanes at at least x8x8, not x16x4. as for what barnd, evga is always good. if your resolution is less than 1900x1200 you probably won't even need two tbh

 

[17seconds]

In general, most reviews are showing that two 460 GTX's in SLI is the faster setup versus a single 470 or 480, and they do it with less heat and noise for less money.
http://www.guru3d.com/article/geforce-gtx-460-sli-review/

Tweaktown even has a review showing that two Gainward 460 GTX 1GB in SLI can beat an ATI 5970 dual gpu card.
http://www.tweaktown.com/articles/3460/gainward_geforce_gtx_460_1gb_goes_like_hell_glh_edition_in_sli_overclocked/index.html

There is a lot of variety in the GTX 460's available from different vendors, including different memory amounts (768 MB, 1 GB, or 2 GB), different clock speeds, and different custom cooling options. It would be good to shop around. If you are in Europe, get a Gainward GTX 260 2GB model. If not, check out this roundup of cards, which shows EVGA, MSI, Gigabyte, Zotac, and Palit all near the top:
http://www.guru3d.com/article/geforce-gtx-460-review/1

 

[saphirekosmos]

Damn. Knew I forgot something. >__< Here are my specs:

CPU: i7 920 OCed to 3.6 GHz
MOBO: ASRock Extreme - pretty sure I can do 3 way SLI with 16x16x8 on it.
PSU: Corsair 750 ATX. Should be enough for SLI 460s no problem.

Hmm Well I have two monitors one at 1680x1050 and the other at 1920x1080. I tend to play most games on like 1080 since it is my native resolution on my good monitor.

I will be using them for both gaming and for 3d Modeling/rendering/photoshop/animating etc. I want these cards to last for as long as I can. Hopefully 2+ years if I can. I mean my 9800 has lasted me 2 or 3 years now.

 

[Timop]

Then go for it, sell the 9800GT if you can but you can use it as a PhysX card if you cant. You'll see a noticeable improvement and should be able to max out most games on 1080P.

You can even consider a third monitor if you are interested.

 

[itouchedyou]

your system would be perfect for the 460's in sli. you'd have a high-end graphics set up which will definitely last you 2 years, unless you're a hardcore enthusiast >.<

just make sure the airflow in your case is good, because the top card can get quite high temps if there isnt much of a gap inbetween them! i wouldn't even bother keeping the 9800GT as a dedicated physx card, but thats just me lol