1x GeForce 8800GTX vs. 2x GeForce 8800GT

[thisismyusername001]

I'm putting together a PC with an EVGA nForce 680i mobo and an Intel Q6600 CPU. Since the 8800GTX graphics card is nearly twice as expensive as the 8800GT, would it be better to buy one 8800GTX or two 8800GT?

[Parker]

From what I have heard, the 8800GT is pretty close to the GTX and Ultra.
The GTX and Ultra is better with higher resolutions though.
I'd say get two 8800GT's though, as they'll beat one GTX or Ultra.

But then, I'd wait and check out the 9800GTX, that'd be a way better deal.

[RA1D]

hello and welcome to HL!

to answer your question, two 8800GT's in SLI would provide you more performance than a single 8800GTX. with that said, a single 8800GT should give you plenty of graphics power depending on your needs.

[Quakindude]

No one can tell you the best graphics setup without knowing the resolution you will be gaming with. Until we know that, there's really nothing to recommend.

SLI is only good for two things.

1. Displays greater than 24" LCD's.
2. Bragging rights.

SLI isn't worth the headaches and PITA if you're only using a 22" monitor. I run a Dell 24" 1920x1200 screen and an older 8800GTS 640 runs that just fine.

If you're using anything below 1920x1200, get an Intel based board and a single, high end video card.

If going above 1920x1200, consider the 780i over the 680i. The 680i just isn't worth the money for a chipset that cannot support anything CPU wise above a Wolfdale. This is the Dual core Penryn CPU. The Penryn Quad's aren't supported by the 680i.

[Hitman]

Yup Quake is right. SLI is worthless unless your running very high Resolutions on a Very large monitor. Then you also have to keep in mind once you go over 24" the response time on the larger monitors is slower (over 30" IIRC), pretty much defeating the purpose of SLI.

[Stormcrow]

The 8800GTX is the "older" G80 core, while the 8800GT is on the new G92 core, same as the 9800GTX. The 8800GT has only 112 shaders and less ROPS then the 8800GTX but it can still almost match it when overclocked a bit (G92 can reach some insane speeds).
My personal recommendation is to ditch both of them, and that 680i board if you haven't bought it yet. I have the same board, and while it can be an exceptional performer, its more of a pain in the ass then anything else to get to it that point. Board aside, I would spring for the "new" 9800GTX which is right around the corner, it's practically just a 8800GTX on steroids and one of those should be enough to crank out good FPS on any resolution. SLI is complicated and can be a real headache inducer due to drivers, games, and whatnot as Quakin touched on and is really only good for benchmarking or super high resolutions.

[Bokranator]

This may be a tad off topic but parker have you tried using your 8800gt to feed hd audio? and do you have the akimbo cooler on it?

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by Bokranator

This may be a tad off topic but parker have you tried using your 8800gt to feed hd audio? and do you have the akimbo cooler on it?

The Private Message system is a useful little feature of the forums too, don't forget about it

[Parker]

Originally Posted by Bokranator

This may be a tad off topic but parker have you tried using your 8800gt to feed hd audio? and do you have the akimbo cooler on it?

Nopers, I don't use HD Audio.....
I've got the single slot stock cooler, which will soon be replaced by a Tt DuOrb.
I'd highly recommend the 8800GT right now though, good card, good price, excellent performance.