Deciding on SLI

[Teclis2323]

Dear Anandtechers,

When I put together my current box about 9 months ago, I dropped a little over $300 into it, and came out with an A4 3800+, Asus A8N-E, 2GB RAM, etc. etc.

Well, lately I've been playing EQ2, and I'm wondering if it would befit me to purchase an SLI motherboard and put another 7600GT into an SLI Array. I know, I know! I should buy an 8800 or something - that's what everyone tells me.

I'm not looking to do that. I don't want to drop near $300, as I am a huge gamer by any means. What I'm wondering is:

Will a second 7600GT in an SLI Array significantly boost my performance?
Will an SLI array be supported and taken advantage of by most games?

I don't want comparisons to other cards or advice on which high-end card to purchase. My motherboard is dying anyways, and I think I'm going to have to get a new one. If I do, I will make sure it's an SLI motherboard. That's the entire reason behind this inquiry.

I appreciate any advice.

 

[MarcVenice]

Sell the mobo and the 7600gt perchance ?

 

[deadseasquirrel]

It's not easy finding 7600gt SLI benchmarks these days. But firing squad did some a year ago or so.

It depends on what games you play and what resolution you play them at, but SLI can help achieve better framerates in many cases.

However, there are MANY cards between your 7600gt and an 8800-series that do not cost $300 and would be a better upgrade for you than 7600GT SLI.

Also, why do you feel your motherboard is dying?

Your best bet is a used 7900-series or an x19-series. There are likely PLENTY on both ebay and our For Sale forums here with all the people upgrading to 8800s.

 

[Teclis2323]

Well, if my motherboard dies, I'll have to buy a new one, so selling both and buying a whole new setup doesn't really do me any good. I've been having problems with my bios and southbridge, although I'll give it more time.

The question is not whether i'll sell this stuff and get a better card. The question is contingent on my motherboard dying or beginning to really die, in which case I will need a new one. If that happens, should I get a second 7600GT and put them in an SLI array?

 

[Noema]

Don't waste your money on SLI 7600GT.

I doubt they are faster than even a single 7900GT.

 

[BFG10K]

Mid-range SLI is a total waste of time. Buy a faster single card solution.

 

[Cheex]

Originally posted by: BFG10K
Mid-range SLI is a total waste of time. Buy a faster single card solution.

Ditto. :thumbsup:

 

[Teclis2323]

Sounds good, guys. I agree - by the time I spend the money, a single 8800GTS or even an 8600GTS would destroy a 7600GT SLI.

Time to build another system? hrm...

 

[MegaVovaN]

Thirded - SLI sucks, buy powerful card.

 

[PCTC2]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Teclis2323
Sounds good, guys. I agree - by the time I spend the money, a single 8800GTS or even an 8600GTS would destroy a 7600GT SLI .

Time to build another system? hrm... </end quote></div>

Barely? If at all? A single 7950GT beats out a 8600GTS solution.

7950GT beats out 8600GTS SLI