1x7950GX2 vs. 2x7900GTX < Important!

[[Dr. V]]

my new build consists of a 7950GX2 card which is AMAZING, but i need some help.

next week im getting a DELL 30" Widescreen Monitor, and it is recommended for BEST performance to have a HIGH END SLI set up.

now, since 2x7950GX2 or 2x8800GT(S)(X) is out of the question, the next runner up is 2x7900GTX (and im not going crossfire here - my board is nForce4 for a reason - ASUS P5N32-SLI SE Deluxe).

how do they compare? reviews have given odd answers, mixed opinions and reactions and what. i need to know ultimately, crunching down to SHEAR GAMING AND MEDIA POWER -- and overall BEST performance with that monitor and other hardware in the computer (core 2 duo, that motherboard, 2GB ram) -- which is better -- 1x7950GX2, or 2x7900GTX.

now once that is determined: 256MB or 512MB? 512MB make enough of a difference?

either way i can trade my 7950GX2 for 2x7900GTX with very minimal cash added.

please let me know folks. thanks a lot!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

[fps justin]

none of the above. one 8800GTX.

if not, choose two 7900GTX.

think of the 7950GX 2 as two 7900GTs in SLI.

EDIT: In order of: (betterness?)

2 x 8800GTX
2 x 7900GTX
1 x 8800GTX
1 x 7950GX 2
1 x 7900GTX

I'm not sure where the Quad SLI fits in there. LOL

I'm also not sure where the 8800GTS comes in either. I'm guessing between the 7950GX2 and the 7900GTX though.

[[Dr. V]]

hmm i was thinking that myself to be honest with you.

in terms of 8800GTX im gona wait for the new wave of hardware to come out, and not to mention the new DX10 hardware, then imma jump on the DX10 bandwagon - its not time yet...not for me anyway.

all opinions taken into consideration!

im hoping for this to become quite the discussion and/or debate.

im not sure ATi is good enough at this point for example 2x1900XTX vs 7900GTX...

thanks!

[garetjax]

Originally Posted by ST!X

my new build consists of a 7950GX2 card which is AMAZING, but i need some help.

next week im getting a DELL 30" Widescreen Monitor, and it is recommended for BEST performance to have a HIGH END SLI set up.

now, since 2x7950GX2 or 2x8800GT(S)(X) is out of the question, the next runner up is 2x7900GTX (and im not going crossfire here - my board is nForce4 for a reason - ASUS P5N32-SLI SE Deluxe).

how do they compare? reviews have given odd answers, mixed opinions and reactions and what. i need to know ultimately, crunching down to SHEAR GAMING AND MEDIA POWER -- and overall BEST performance with that monitor and other hardware in the computer (core 2 duo, that motherboard, 2GB ram) -- which is better -- 1x7950GX2, or 2x7900GTX.

now once that is determined: 256MB or 512MB? 512MB make enough of a difference?

either way i can trade my 7950GX2 for 2x7900GTX with very minimal cash added.

In the January 2007 issue of MaximumPC, they reviewed an nVidia 8800GTX. I would highly reccomend that you take a look at this issue, and turn to page 30 and read through till page 32 for some good solid information about this card.

Here's how it compares to some of the other DX9 cards you listed, as quoted from MPC:

"In fact, a single 8800 GTX proved to be faster in every benchmark than a single Radeon X1950 XTX, GeForce 7900 GTX, or GeForce 7950 GX2. It also delivered better benchmark results than two X1950 XTXs running in CrossFire and a pair of 7900 GTXs in SLI."

Now, with that said, here is what I would do. I would save the money that could be spent on two 7900's in SLI or one 7950. Instead, I would invest my money in one 8800. That way, you can "future proof" your rig, and take advantage of DX10 once Vista comes out. Either way, you will ultimately upgrade to Vista, which offers DX10 support, and when that happens, you will already have a video card that supports DX10. This way you won't have to shell out more money to upgrade from your DX9 7900 or 7950 videocard; you will already have the 8800 ready to rock and roll with DX10 tech once its released.

You've pretty much made it known that you value graphic power very highly. This is one way where you can maximize that graphic power per dollar spent in the long run. And besides, if you decide to go SLI in the future, getting the money for another 8800 shouldn't be a problem since the pricepoint should be lower by then.

[[Dr. V]]

yea man that list is accurate!

Quad SLI would either be before or after 2x8800GTX < quite hard to tell. your take on the 8800GTS is correct.

see that comparison is what i needed! i knew that order made sense, but now its just the whole thing of getting 2x7900GTX for my 7950GX2 - and maybe some cash on my part.

or a 8800GTX which in an odd fashion i'm considering all of a sudden.

i just dont want to have the new wave of DX10 hardware to be way better for the same price as the 8800GTX's now...

[polobunny]

Originally Posted by fps justin

[...]
EDIT: In order of: (betterness?)

2 x 8800GTX
2 x 8800GTS
2 x 7900GTX
1 x 8800GTX
1 x 7950GX 2
1 x 8800GTS
1 x 7900GTX
[...]

It fits there. ;D


Unless you don't know, 7900GTX are not "available" anymore. Can't find any? That's because the 8800GTS is the same price and it's better.

[[Dr. V]]

yea the 7900GTXs are scarce now because they are out of production, but people are still selling them.

thing is ppl selling the 8800GTS are understandably asking more than those selling their 7900GTXs because of the "beterness" of the 8800GS...

at the same time, i wanna try to make a trade for a 2x8800GTS or 1x8800GTX based on everything i've seen now...

or if it comes down to it, 2x7900GTX.