Widescreen Gaming Forum

Currently I am running two 8800GTX cards in SLI and a 8400GS card for SoftTH. I know rumor has it that SoftTH doesn't like SLI, but it works even though I haven't extensively messed around with benchmarking.

Is it time for a video card upgrade? Should I sell the 8800GTX cards (I see them going for about $100 each on ebay) and get maybe a 9800GTX+ ($155) or a GTX 285 or 295? Is something else coming out soon?

My specs follow:

MOTHERBOARD: MSI P7N Diamond LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI ATX
CPU: Intel BX80570E3110 Xeon E3110 3.00GHz 1333MHz FSB 6MB L2 Cache LGA775
VIDEO CARDS: Two EVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB 384-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI
(also a MSI GeForce 8400 GS 512MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 for SoftTH)
MEMORY: Patriot Viper 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)
POWER SUPPLY: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX ATX12V / EPS12V 750W
HARD DRIVE (MOSTLY OS):
Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD 150GB 10,000 RPM SATA 1.5Gb/s Hard Drive
HARD DRIVE (STORAGE): Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3750330AS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA-300
OS: Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Ultimate for System Builders Single Pack DVD

Something else is always coming out soon :lol: but other than that, today is a good day to... upgrade.

Just forget the 9800, it has nothing a 8800 lacks really. Nvidia's GT200 is good for you !

Of the 3 cards in your list, only the GTX295 is a worthy upgrade. Two 8800GTXs beat a single 9800GTX+ easily and are more or less on par with a single GTX285, but are no match with a single GTX295. So, if you want to upgrade now, go with the GTX295. Actually a single GTX295 might be the highest that you should go. Anything higher (eg GTX285 SLI) might put the bottleneck to your CPU.

Nvidia's next top of the line GT212 (40nm) will come out in Q2, according to earlier news. Also, the GT300 (supposedly to be as revolutionary as when the 8800GTX first came out with the G80) is also scheduled to come out in Q4 this year.

If you are not happy with the 8800GTX SLI, get the GTX295 now. But if you are still somewhat satisfied with the two 8800GTXs, then wait for the GT300 and save money now because by then, I suppose you need to upgrade your CPU as well.

As he often is, p is right. You have a fairly good setup now. When you upgrade it, go big and match it with an equally preforming CPU.

I agree with the posters above. If your setup can make it, then keep it.

Keep in mind the timeline as well. The 8800GTX vs. the GTX285 doesn't bring anything new exept more memory and SP's. More performance, but same architecture (smaller die on the GTX285).
The GT212 and GT218 are rumored to be same as well, only smaller die, faster memory and more SP's and such.
GT300 is bringing in new features like DX11 and also with a new architecture.
Traditionally, new cards from Nvidia have a high pricetag at launch. GTX280 had a pricetag of $650.
Go for a GTX295 or similar if you need a performance boost now. It will set you back some $$$, but you'll have better performance. Or wait until the GT212 comes down in price after launch.
If the GT300 comes out in Q4, it means year 2010 perhaps before the prices have normalized. You might want to keep an eye on the GT300 as the "lasting upgrade". :)

If you are willing to consider ATI, rumor has it their soon to come (supposedly April) 4890 will have GTX285 performance for around $250. Of course that remains to be seen though.

It's just a matter of answering this question: Are your games already that slow/unplayable with your current GPU? If so then it's good to upgrade. If not really, then you can wait.

SLI 768MB 8800GTX's...Wth man, is there something you CANT run?

Honestly I don't see why...but hey my machine nears ancient for this forum...

Considering 2 gtx is about equal to 1.01 times a single gtx in performance, that point is moot.

Considering 2 gtx is about equal to 1.01 times a single gtx in performance, that point is moot.

And at that, My single 88GTX is really starting to show its age.