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☖ Forums → Discussion Forum → SLI question
SLI question
2009-12-11, 8:39 AM #1
Okay, so with Mass Effect 2 coming up, I'm considering buying either a new video card, or adding another 8800GT to my setup. Not sure which would be easier/better. If I do decide SLI. do they have to be identical cards? Same manufacturer, memory, ect? I know the XFX card of mine is hard to find now... naturally its been discontinued.
Quote Originally Posted by FastGamerr
"hurr hairy guy said my backhair looks dumb hurr hairy guy smash"
2009-12-11, 8:55 AM #2
Old school voodoo2 sli had to be same exact card, including memory, manufacturer, etc. I haven't done SLI since then, though.
2009-12-11, 9:01 AM #3
Yeah but that was 3dfx's old design... not sure how nvidia may have changed it.
Quote Originally Posted by FastGamerr
"hurr hairy guy said my backhair looks dumb hurr hairy guy smash"
2009-12-11, 9:06 AM #4
IIRC the cards can be different to a point - i.e. you can run another 8800GT of a different make, but not a 9800GT/etc.
woot!
2009-12-11, 9:07 AM #5
SLI still has to be the same model, and any extra VRAM will go to waste. Manufacturer doesn't matter anymore.

Of course, you would be MUCH better served by just replacing your card. SLI is never a good upgrade path.
2009-12-11, 9:21 AM #6
Any suggestions? Mass Effect 1 was tough enough on my system, I can't afford any major upgrades right now...
Quote Originally Posted by FastGamerr
"hurr hairy guy said my backhair looks dumb hurr hairy guy smash"
2009-12-11, 9:25 AM #7
Better question would be what you're willing to spend.
2009-12-11, 10:14 AM #8
Probably not more than $150.
Quote Originally Posted by FastGamerr
"hurr hairy guy said my backhair looks dumb hurr hairy guy smash"
2009-12-11, 10:53 AM #9
I was going to recommend a GTX 260 or a 4890, but it looks like prices have not moved in the last few months...if anything they've gone up!
woot!
2009-12-11, 11:17 AM #10
I guess I can just play it on the laptop. It's running a 9800M series with a better processor.
Quote Originally Posted by FastGamerr
"hurr hairy guy said my backhair looks dumb hurr hairy guy smash"
2009-12-11, 11:23 AM #11
An ATI 5750 is the best you're going to do at $150, which while better than your 8800GT, isn't terribly better.

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3658&p=5

Those are where the benchmarks stand.
2009-12-11, 11:35 AM #12
Hmm, doesn't really look that useful...
Quote Originally Posted by FastGamerr
"hurr hairy guy said my backhair looks dumb hurr hairy guy smash"
2009-12-13, 5:25 AM #13
SLI is more a pain in the arse than a way to speed up your graphics.
At least it was when I wasted my money.
Sorry for the lousy German
2009-12-13, 6:53 AM #14
yeah personally I wouldn't recommend SLI, the few folks I have known who use it have had issues at one point or another.

I'd think a little ahead, start saving and move over to one of the newer generation cards from ATI or the higher end Nvidia ones if you can find one cheap.
People of our generation should not be subjected to mornings.

Rbots
2009-12-13, 6:56 AM #15
A 5850 would be niiiiice. Save some $$. :D
woot!
2009-12-14, 1:06 AM #16
http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1741039
woot!
2009-12-14, 5:32 AM #17
hmm, I think im going to wait until mass effect 2 actually shows up at my door, then I may order one of these.
Quote Originally Posted by FastGamerr
"hurr hairy guy said my backhair looks dumb hurr hairy guy smash"

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