SLI to get by, or just go for 6 series?

[jmachej]

Hello,

I've recently put together a new build using the following components:

CPU - I7-3770K
MB - Z77 Sabertooth
RAM - 8gb G.Skill Sniper 1600
Zalman CNPS9900 MAX cpu cooler
video card - GTX 570
180gb Intel SSD
power supply 650w BFG
Antec 900 case

My question is:
I'm considering buying an additional GTX 570 (for around $200) to SLI until the 7 series is released (and skipping the 6 series altogether). Or would it be better to simply sell the GTX 570 and use that money to buy a GTX 670? The way I see it the price would be about the same, and from what I've seen two GTX 570's would outperform one GTX 670 in most things.

Thoughts, recommendations?

 

[clutchc]

That PSU would be really pushing it for 2 GTX 570s. The 570 will require 219W maxed out. That relates to about 18.25A on the +12V rail for each card. With 2 20A +12V rails, you will be running the PSU at near 100% with the other +12V components. When gaming, you will probably get re-boots or shut downs. Besides, the PSU only has 2 PCIe power cables... a sure sign it wasn't intended for 2 cards that require 2 power cables each.

 

[Sumukh_Bhagat]

GTX 570 is enough for this year. So, wait till next gen arrives.
It will be a waste to buy another GTX 570, it is a powerful card to play games of this gen and the next. But as you want to upgrade your pc, you should wait and get the next gen cards.

 

[CaptainTom]

GTX 570 is enough for this year. So, wait till next gen arrives.
It will be a waste to buy another GTX 570, it is a powerful card to play games of this gen and the next. But as you want to upgrade your pc, you should wait and get the next gen cards.

I agree completely. +1

 

[Deemo13]

I'm actually getting 2 570's for 300 lol.

Clutchc, just noticed you had 2. How do they run?

 

[Ironslice]

Is a GTX 570 not enough for you? I wouldnt' buy anything and wait for the GTX 770.

 

[amuffin]

You can always overclock.......

 

[clutchc]

I'm actually getting 2 570's for 300 lol.

Clutchc, just noticed you had 2. How do they run?

As Sumukh_Bhaga referenced earlier, I could probably have stayed with a single 570 and been fine. But, with both cards, even the most demanding games play at high frame rates at max settings at 1920x1080. BF3 maxed out, Max Payne 3 maxed out, etc. My i5-2500K isn't even O/C'd anymore, and the cards are running on X8, X8 slots.

My biggest sigh of relief was when I discovered that micro-stutter is a non-issue with these higher-end cards. Could be that Nvidia has good drivers, I suppose.

I keep longing for one (or 2) of the newer Nvidia or AMD cards, but always end up with the same answer; Why?

 

[jmachej]

Appreciate the feedback everyone, I think I'll probably hold off on the second 570 (and new PSU) until I run into a game where I find the performance lacking. Otherwise I'll just wait for the 770.

Thanks all!

 

[Deemo13]

As Sumukh_Bhaga referenced earlier, I could probably have stayed with a single 570 and been fine. But, with both cards, even the most demanding games play at high frame rates at max settings at 1920x1080. BF3 maxed out, Max Payne 3 maxed out, etc. My i5-2500K isn't even O/C'd anymore, and the cards are running on X8, X8 slots.

My biggest sigh of relief was when I discovered that micro-stutter is a non-issue with these higher-end cards. Could be that Nvidia has good drivers, I suppose.

I keep longing for one (or 2) of the newer Nvidia or AMD cards, but always end up with the same answer; Why?

Thanks for the answer! Yea, I play at that resolution as well, but I find the GTX460 I have lacking, and I have a system that could use one. I was also worried about the microstutter, but it seems as if you do not have that problem. I will probably have to lower the O/C on my 2500K just to save power for the cards and my power supply, which is only a 750W (which has enough power and connectors to run the cards)

 

[clutchc]

Thanks for the answer! Yea, I play at that resolution as well, but I find the GTX460 I have lacking, and I have a system that could use one. I was also worried about the microstutter, but it seems as if you do not have that problem. I will probably have to lower the O/C on my 2500K just to save power for the cards and my power supply, which is only a 750W (which has enough power and connectors to run the cards)

I had a pair of HD 6850s before moving to the 570s. M-S was extremely bad in several games! So, I know what it looks like and what to look for. Not a bit with these 2 cards in any game. If you have a good quality 750W PSU, I don't think you'd have any issues with your 2 570s. Do you have any idea what the CPU is drawing in watts when O/C'd? I had mine at 4.2GHZ for quite awhile, but don't remember what the difference was on my Kill-a-Watt meter.

 

[Deemo13]

Well, when installing, I just put mine back to stock just in case. My power supply is a FSP, and Hardware Secrets gave it a good review. Its an 80 Plus Gold FSP power supply of 750W.

 

[clutchc]

Well, when installing, I just put mine back to stock just in case. My power supply is a FSP, and Hardware Secrets gave it a good review. Its an 80 Plus Gold FSP power supply of 750W.

I've read good things about FSP PSUs. With 720W of power available on the +12V rails, you should have no power issues with 2 570s and an O/C'd CPU.

 

[Deemo13]

Hmm, I might consider O/C'ing again then....

 

[cgner]

Wait for now, get another used 570 when next gen comes, then after that get get whatever will be out there One 570 is plenty powerful for todays games.

 

[jmachej]

Best answer selected by jmachej.