Question about getting new Computer

[qaz156]

So I'm finally getting a new computer. Usually I'm not the type to wait around for new technology, but since I get a computer about once every 5 years, something finally made me think twice about purchasing now: 3 way SLI. Although the first board offered (reviewed at anandtech) isn't really a step up from the 2 way SLI boards, soon they will be releasing better boards sometime in the next year. The reason why I'd want one is to be able to upgrade my cards in the future to maximize the gaming life of the pc (with this initial purchase I"d prolly get just a single 8800 GT).

One reason to wait for proper 3 way boards is because I one day want to be able to play crysis. And I'm afraid that if I don't, then soon, with games like Crysis, I won't be able to play them except at low settings. What do you all think?

[Deadly_Nightshade]

This should be moved to Skeeter's Junkyard...

[Gorth]

Agreed. This is where the tech savvy people hang out.

[Bokishi]

3-Way SLI is only suited for the guy who has to have the very greatest at the very moment. You don't seem like that kind of person, since you only upgrade every 5 years. You're also going to need a 1.2KW PSU and you're going to have to sacrifice space for a nice sound card. Also, an 8800 GT is also not currently supported in nvidia's 3-way SLI plans (unless theres some news I havent heard yet).

 

What you should be concerned about is making sure there's support for Nvidia's next high end card, since one or two of those may blow away 3-Way SLI.

[Phoenix]

I'm also buy a new rig after 5-6 years. The last pc i bought is when WinXP just being released, and just last month i build my latest system.

 

On your case unless you're rich, SLI isn't a good value investment. For now either get the G92 8800GT 512MB or GTS version (cooler and queiter); or if you willing to wait for next month, nVidia would probably releasing the D8E (dual G92 in one card), or in April we would see the true next generation card G100 (Gefore 8900).

Edited December 24, 2007 by Phoenix

[WITHTEETH]

Bok is correct.

 

Don't buy SLI mobo and plan to upgrade to a new video card later because-

a: a single next generation card could blow 2 Cards in SLI mode out of the water.

b: buying one later when the next series is already out wastes energy.

c: cost, you could buy a top of the line graphic card each generation and still be high end.

[qaz156]

thanks everyone. That does help.

 

have any of you tried to play crysis?

[Bokishi]

I beat Crysis. It was pretty playable on my 8800 GTX SLI setup, but there were parts that lagged. And I wasn't able to max it out entirely by any means. However there's a patch coming out next year that's supposed to address performance issues.

[Phoenix]

I played on G92 8800GTS (at 1680x1050), and Crysis could gets average 20fps. You'll feel the slowdown in heavy fight scenes although nothing serious. But i'm coming from using old pc for years which playing games means always seeing slideshows. Anyhow even with 8800GTX/Ultra SLI - at least from some tech sites review, Crysis doesn't perform as smooth as butter either. Maybe it's the SLI driver problems or optimization issues. Hell, most games probably unable to take advantage of SLI system well. I believe only the next generation card (9800) could handle Crysis well on very high resolutions.

[Kaftan Barlast]

I played with my 7900GTX and i was able to play with everything at Medium + high texture and model detail, and get decent FPS.

 

 

I would get a top-of-the-line Geforce9800 now that theyre being released in february. SLi is IMO only useful if you're running a display with extremely high resolution like 2500x1600.