[Graphics Cards] Decision to replace?

iantosca

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Aug 18, 2009
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Hello Everyone,

I currently run the following setup:

Intel Core i7 920
Evga X58 SLI motherboard
6GB DDR3 1333mhz
2x GTS 250 1GB
Asetek LCLC - I know it's like air but it works on temps
Samsung SyncMaster 2343BWX 23" (2048x1152 resolution 16:9 ratio)

I am going to play RIFT and currently even in SLI on high settings (not ultra) I get somewhere around 30fps. I want to run it on ultra.

I am assuming my processor and my ram is ok and can only assume my cards are the problem? Basically, I just want to know what a solid DX11 card that I could upgrade to that would beat my 2x GTS 250 1GB cards significantly and allow me to play RIFT on max.

The recommended settings on RIFT says to use 1 GTS 250. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to spend $500 so aside from that I'm open to all suggestions. I want to make sure that the card I buy will be solid for awhile.

Thanks in advance.
 
Solution
GTS 250 is a weakish card, even two of them in SLI will be considerably weaker than a GTX 570, especially assuming Rift likely is not very good at making use of SLI set ups. But remember, there are still a few more beta weekends to go with more performance boosts to be done to the game.

asteldian

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I thought the min requirement was 250, the recommended was a GTX 460.

Anyway, I use an i5 750 and a 5850 and the game is anywhere from 30-50 FPS on default settings at 1920 x 1080 (no idea what the default settings are).

In general MMOs have never been very good with SLI or XFire and I assume Rift is no exception. Bear in mind though that there was a large performance leap from Beta 3 to Beta 4 and likely will be more before release.

I personally always like to have more than recommended settings because they will never allow for high/ultra settings. With that in mind, the minimum card I would go with is a 6870 ($220 with rebate), but ideally if you can afford it and want plenty of power for games in the years to come I would be looking to get a 6950 (about $300) or GTX570. The 8950 being able to power up to a 6970 makes it a great buy I believe
 

iantosca

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I was looking at the GTX 570. Do you think with my setup it would be ok? I am not thinking of running that card in SLI for the moment. I just wonder if the performance boost from the 2x GTS 250 to the single GTX 570 would be worth it.
 

asteldian

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GTS 250 is a weakish card, even two of them in SLI will be considerably weaker than a GTX 570, especially assuming Rift likely is not very good at making use of SLI set ups. But remember, there are still a few more beta weekends to go with more performance boosts to be done to the game.
 
Solution
The GTX 570 would absolutely rock your GTS 250's. LOL You could get away with a GTX 470 and still beat your 250's.

Two GTX 260 Core 216's in SLI is equal to a GTX 470 performance wise. Assuming the game scales well with SLI. And the GTX 260's will easily beat a 250.

As asteldian noted, for an MMO you probably want one single powerful GPU as they usually are designed for gamers who don't build uber SLI machines.
 
Just a comparative example (yes only one game):

GTS 250 OC vs GTX 260 Core 216 OC
image013.png


Consider that it takes two GTX 260's to equal a GTX 470:
http://www.guru3d.com/article/geforce-gtx-570-review/15

Far Cry 2 DX10 1920x1200 8xAA
GTX 570 = 85FPS (17% faster?)
GTX 470 = 71FPS

Far Cry 2 DX10 1920x1200 4xAA
GTX 260 Core 216 = 49.1FPS (30% faster)
GTS 250 1GB OC = 34.4FPS

So yes, the GTX 570 is a good upgrade.
 

ibn gozzy

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I would agree with jerreece. The GTX570 would be a huge upgrade. I just replaced 2 9800GTXs in my sons' computer with one GTX260 and used one of the 9800GTXs as dedicated PhyX and it was quite an improvement. Not quite the same comparison, but my 9800GTXs (Black Editions) were highly OCed. Now if a 570 is faster than two GTX460s The you're looking at an upgrade that'll keep you going for a while. Hope this helps.
 
You would be going from a low-mid range DirectX 10 card from several years ago to the second best DirectX 11 card of today. A huge upgrade that would match up nicely with your other high-end components. I assume your power supply is on par with the rest of your system?
 

iantosca

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Thank you for all of the great information. It took me a few days to get back. I have a quality 1000w PSU. I didn't skimp because I always wanted to make sure I had enough juice.

I finally OC'd my Core i7 920 to 3.35ghz. It's high enough for me. I may take it to 3.6ghz but I'm only running 1333mhz memory, so it's a little tougher. I don't really need any more than I have now so I'll just hang it up for now. I think that will improve gameplay as well.

I went ahead and got the GTX 570 SC card. I love EVGA. I tossed out both GTS 250's. They are packaged up in my closet now. I heard that keeping one in would be pointless as a PhysX card and that it may actually make my setup worse redirecting anything to that card with a 570 hooked up.

I also have 6 120mm fans going now. I have the NZXT Zero 2 and I ended up putting 2/4 door fans outside the case because the grill from the Asetek LCLC got in the way. Right now everything is running really cool.

The RIFT beta is next Tuesday so I am going to really test it out at that time. I don't really have any games to get a good read on the card with now. The card barely fit in my case.