Sli or New

[bobby86]

I bought a PNY 8800gt "xlr8" card thinking I would SLI in the future. Now that I'm ready to upgrade can I get suggestions on SLI or a new card. The timeline for the spending is 2-4 weeks; but I am patient (SB). My budget for the upgrade is variable (500-1000); but I also had a few plans for the budget (eg. upgrade and/or laptop and/or htpc).
Any upgrade would require, at the least, mobo, cpu, gpu, power supply only, with the desire to update memory, add a monitor, and Windows 7. I have a Gateway case, and a generic beige mid tower, and a new case is desired; but not needed.
I'm sure this question has been answered; but I ask again to keep in mind the different options I'm considering. If I go SLI, do I have to buy the same brand (difficulties finding xlr8 8800gt).
I've been reading for weeks, have a good idea of options; but really respect the advice from wiser/more experienced posters.
Thanks for the time,
bobby

 

[Rustyy117]

Hey bobby, Welcome to the forum!

I would advise you skip the 8800GT SLI. There are several drawbacks of 8800GT SLI compared to alternative options such as
High Power consumption
More power usage = more heat
Takes up alot of space inside your case
Uses 2 x PCI-E Lanes
No DX11 support
Potential SLI issue's (may or may not occur)

You mentioned 500-1000, what currency is that?

I take it that the budget is for a new SB motherboard, CPU, GPU and powersupply?

We need alittle more infomation before making a good recommendation, What games will you be playing and at what resolution will you be playing them at?

 

[bobby86]

Wow, Tyvm for such a quick reply. Sorry for being too general; but it is because the options are wide open atm. Budget is in USD and not firm. I could go as high as 1500; but like everyone else, more spent here takes from there -) I haven't been gaming in years, and currently the only gaming is done by my oldest, which is WoW. Not too demanding of a game; but I have the budget, and younger children, so I would like to go higher end (not enthusiast level) rather than lower. I'm not afraid of overclocking, and as such have looked at Black Edition cpu's for obvious reasons. Another thing I'm looking at is Htpc but I understand that would limit case size. I doubt our non-cpa (family accountant) probably would tolerate a full tower in the living room lol I'm attracted to the option of gaming at higher resolutions on the living room LCD. Thats another wish list; but for another place/time.
Yes the budget is as you mentioned; but I would add a new monitor as ours is only 19", not hd, lcd with damage streaks running down from the top.
You could consider the budget $1000 usd for what you mentioned, and I could just add a nice monitor to it. FYI I'm not stuck with SB; but it is looking good atm.
Thanks again, and any other questions would be answered quickly.
Bobby

 

[bobby86]

Oh and after reading card suggestions for February, I'm looking hard at the HD6850. That looks like a sweet spot to me.
Bobby

 

[Mousemonkey]

A single GTX460 is on par with an 8800GT SLi setup, that said I've had no issues with my 8800's over the years.

 

[Rustyy117]

I've tried to find SB CPU's and Mobo's on newegg and Tigerdirect but haven't had much luck so I'm affraid my recommendations are in £££

Mobo http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-317-GI&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=1906

CPU: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-368-IN&groupid=701&catid=6&subcat=1275

PSU: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-038-BQ&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=1083

GPU: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-114-MS&groupid=701&catid=1914&subcat=1341

With the current coversion rate that works out at about $1080 which is over budget and without a CPU cooler, however the prices include VAT (Value added tax) of 20% which doesn't apply in the US (I don't know how much you get taxed on goods in the US).

 

[bobby86]

Mouse, now that you mention it holding onto the 8800 and building a second system has also been thought of. It's definitely an option and with my components wouldn't be much more than I'm already looking at.

omg...I like that setup. I could of course overclock the 2500k to get better performance w/o the added cost.

Ty both for the advice.
bobby

 

[bobby86]

Best answer selected by bobby86.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey