Thoughts on upgrading GPU...

[testudoAubreii]

Hello,

I have a Gigabyte Windforce GTX 780 GHz Edition. I just upgraded to a 3 monitor setup for work. I didn't really think about gaming with 3 monitors (all 1080p monitors) in surround, but I tried it and it is something I may consider playing. Now, I was thinking about upgrading my GPU, but I came across a deal for the same Gigabyte GPU that I own...about $300. Should I go ahead and SLI? Are there still issues with certain games and dual card set-ups? Should I upgrade to a 980? I know we cannot tell the future or anything, but how long do you think 2 780's will be relevant, as far as gaming goes?

Thank you in advance for any and all help, suggestions and advice!

 

[sincreator]

Two 780's in SLI are more powerful than 1 GTX980, but you could probably get $200 or more used for your current gtx780. Then you could use that money to go towards the GTX980. I say this because if you intend on gaming with 3 monitors then 1 gtx980 will be fine for now, and then you can always SLI the gtx980 when you need that extra power down the road. 2 x GTX980 is A LOT stronger than 2x GTX780. Hope you understand what I'm saying, lol.

 

[testudoAubreii]

I do!

That is not a bad idea. How is the 980, though? I should be able to max everything out on games, right? I know that I cannot put games like Far Cry 4 and AC: Unity on Ultra with my 780 now.

 

[Rit_86]

I would suggest you to go ahead with SLI. Yes, some games are still a bit buggy with SLI's, but then you can always disable one card. Though the once mighty 780 is now somewhat overshadowed by the 980, the 780 is a beast on its own and at $300, a fantastic deal (the 970 is priced higher). Also, a dual 780 will push great performance for atleast 3 years to come and after that you can think of upgrading to a gpu which will be around 2 generations younger than the 980. Not to mention, a 780 SLI will destroy a 980.
So, there you have it

 

[sincreator]

I do!

That is not a bad idea. How is the 980, though? I should be able to max everything out on games, right? I know that I cannot put games like Far Cry 4 and AC: Unity on Ultra with my 780 now.

You may be able to with a GTX980, and don't forget that the GTX980 overclocks like a monster as well. Check out this side by side comparison of the 780 and 980: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/1036?vs=1351

Here is some benches with the GTX980 overclocked to the limits of air cooling: http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/msi_geforce_gtx_980_gaming_oc_review,26.html So this extra headroom could help as well until you add a second GTX980.

PS: Sli and xfire are broken in UBIsoft games. Well the multiplayer for FC3 and FC4 anyways. I've read there are also issues with Unity, and I've also read it is an issue within the game engine itself not the drivers from Nvidia/AMD. So yeah, one faster card might be the better option. Especially if you can get a decent dollar for you GTX780.