Quick question on SLI

[coshkara]

Recently built my first computer and didn't consider much as far as graphic cards went aside from I wanted to run SLI (a8n32-sli deluxe board) Went with a cheaper single card to make sure my first attempt wasn't too costly. XFX 6800 xt the card seems ok, haven't gamed with it yet aside from doom 3 but wondering what ideas you all might have as far as going 2 of these or a 7900 or similar.

PS. Am new to the forums and I know i have bad grammar so please bear with me if you can.

[Dr. V]

welcome, and never fear we're all supportive here! i'm sure you'll come to see that of us HLers.

2x7900GS would be an improvement, any of the other 7900 series would be a lot better.

i would recommend not WASTING money. this means if you played DOOM 3 on this one card, and love the performance, another one of those would make for only better performance.

don't forget that 7900xx(x) would be better, but only get them if you know u could benefit from it.

for comparison, how much did u get that 6800XT for?

[coshkara]

Payed 89.00 before shipping so it didn't seem so bad at the time. Same card now is 134ish and not sure why.

Also do you think 2 of the 6800's would run Vanguard until i can upgrade to a DX10 card?

[Dr. V]

probably on sale or something at the time.

well brand new its obviously more cost-effective to go with the 6800XT in SLI.

take a look at some benchmarks at AnandTech, or search around it never hurts to take a look at those. DOOM 3 is a very commonly used tool for video benchmarking.

also put your system in ur signature it really helps. just incase u go to "User CP" on top of the forum page, and then click "Edit Signature" on the left hand column.

a really nicely clocked XFX 7900GS from NewEgg >>
Newegg.com - XFX GeForce 7900GS PVT71PUDP3 EXTREME Video Card - Retail

and here is your card (im pretty sure) >>
Newegg.com - XFX Geforce 6800XT PVT42EUDE3 Video Card - Retail

the prices arent that different -- well worth the upgrade if we're talking one card. but you already have one XFX 6800XT, so would have to take into consideration 2 7900GS cards. that would run you $301.26 before taxes (and after mail in rebates, including shipping x 2), whereas one 6800XT added to yours would run you only $140.63 (before taxes and including shipping).

at this point its ultimately a choice of whether or not

a) you have the extra funds for the 2x7900GS (if you do 100% go for it, then sell the XT for profit or use it in another system for something)
b) if you dont have "extra", is it necessary for you to get the pair of 7900GSs

like we were talking about at this thread

Tech stuff moves too fast, LOL

upgrading is all about playing it smart!

[coshkara]

Quick test for sig

What else do i need to post as far as computer details?

[Dr. V]

2GB x 2?

4GB niceeeeee if im reading it right...anyway...

just decide ask questions, let us know keep us on tabs.

[coshkara]

Think its even possible to run Vanguard Soh on this system if no, what should i change?

it is 4gb total, sry about that was cheap good ram as far as i can tell atm.

[Panda Man]

Originally Posted by coshkara

What else do i need to post as far as computer details?

Preferably your peripherals, such as your hard drive.

Stix has this one nailed. I would like to throw my 2 cents in and would suggest holding off on going SLi, particularly with this aged card. Dual GPU solutions is over-rated IMO, you can get awesome visuals with just one card. If you want raw power now, drop a 7600GT or a 7900GT in there and that should get you by until DX10 develops (I'd say in about 6 months). Then shell out for a good DX10 card and your set.

Also, WELCOME TO THE FORUMS!

Edit - Vangaurd will run. Its not a question of whether it will run, its a question of how good it will look. Just play it and if your happy with the performance than your set! If not, upgrade

[coshkara]

Thanks guys for the info, if this setup will run Vanguard ill wait to upgrade if possible but dont want to buy the game if its not gonna work. If not has anyone had any luck with the 8800's on vista yet?

[Panda Man]

Originally Posted by coshkara

Thanks guys for the info, if this setup will run Vanguard ill wait to upgrade if possible but dont want to buy the game if its not gonna work. If not has anyone had any luck with the 8800's on vista yet?

You could download the demo and try it

The 8800's work on vista of course, but don't perform too well as the drivers haven't had enough time to develop. Give it at least 2 months to develop before considering upgrading to Vista.