Graphics Card Upgrade SLi Ideas?

[Sean Grenyer]

Hi

I currently have an SLi motherboard with a single 256Mb 7900GS Graphics card.

This works fine but I'd like some improvement. But I'm not sure of the best option - do I

1. Install another 256Mb 7900GS to run in addition to the first (not sure if FS9 or FSX will use the SLi setup to full effect?)
2. Dump the 7900GS and get a 512Mb (or bigger) 8800GTS instead.

Also does the second graphics card on a SLi motherboard have to be the same as the first?

Thankfully I can afford either option.

Your thoughts would be most welcome.

[Celtman]

Hi,

I think I know the answer to this  ;D someone correct me if im wrong please

FS9 (not sure about FSX) does not use SLi setup to full effect, and your graphics power will actually be lower with two than one, as the game does not recognize SLi (at least this is what happens on CoD2 and Battlefield 2)

I would say dump the 7900GS and go for a 8800GTS (320Mb Version), as then you'll have DX10 capability, and your card speed *should* be faster (again, someone correct me if im wrong).

Also, when setting up SLi, both cards have to be the same model (e.g. in your case both have to be 7900GS). Not sure if they have to be same make (e.g. BFG or Asus, etc.)


Hope this helps

[richardd43]

There is always controversy about this. I run FSX in quad mode and it makes quite a difference. What celtman said is basically true about the program not handeling all of the features of SLI. If you can get another 7900 dirt cheap it will be some improvement but not what you would expect.

I agree with the 8800 suggestion, It is faster and will have DX-10 when it becomes available.

Also, Nick posted that the new ATI 2900s will be out in the next few weeks and should be a tremendous bang for the buck.

[Ashton Lawson]

definately the 8800 suggestion.  its a better card, because a) its faster than two of ur cards in SLI, and b) its DX10 (unless ur running on XP).

besides, adding another one of ur cards in SLI, is only useful if you want to run FS9 at a higher resolution.

[Gunny04]

If you buy the 8800GTS get the 640MB version, the 320mb isn't going to cut it with the hard high hitting DX10 games from what I can tell. It would be a waste of money I think personally.

Gunny

[congo]

I agree, the 8800 is a waste unless you need better stock performance now.

You might try an overclock on the 7900GS, you never know your luck.

I have the gigabyte 7900GS and the overclocking potential is extreme, awesome card for the money and it responds very well to overclocking. So give it a try, you might be able to get close to or even exceed 8800 performance in some DX9 apps. Better and cheaper cards will be available soon enough.