video card dilemma

[metalhead]

I have a 7600GT and I want to purchase another one to hook up in SLI of course. Now I found the card at micro center. http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0253745

But on Newegg's website they have a 7950GT for 180. I don't want to buy the 7950 and be stuck with a useless 7600. So what I'm wondering is if I should just buy the other 7600Gt and will there be any features not present on the 7600GT that are on the 7950GT.
Here's the link to Newegg.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814143090

and here's a comparison of the two. The 7600GT has the multi-gpu enabled on it.
Thanks

[proof]

Don't get either unless you really have to. Wait for a few months, nVidia have a new lineup, that should bring all the prices down. I think im correct, wait until a pr0 arrives

[metalhead]

what kind of lineup? If it's the 8 or 9 series then forget it because I don't have vista or plan on getting it.

[proof]

I think its the 9xxxx series, but i could be wrong.

[C.T.E.]

It's the 9 series. G92, I think.

[metalhead]

But isn't the 9 series for vista?

[C.T.E.]

But isn't the 9 series for vista?

Yes. It is. Although if you ever want DX10 games you will have to go Vista at some point. I doubt they will crack it(DX10) for XP if they haven't yet.

[metalhead]

yeah i don't really feel like buying vista now

[metalhead]

so no one answered my question about whether or not SLI would be better for the 7600GT

[dmclone]

I have an 8500gt fanless. Not very good for games but super quiet and cheap.

[MATRIX 2]

so no one answered my question about whether or not SLI would be better for the 7600GT

no you would be better off without sli. The performance increase is small, not worth the cost of another card.

[metalhead]

Thanks for your help Matrix 2. Your answer basically summed it all up for me.

[softtack]

Short Answer: The 7950GT outperforms the 7600GT in SLI.

7600GT SLI in Green


7950GT in Green


The performance differences between the two vary by the tests but generally, the 7950GT will outperform 7600GTs in SLI. It's all within a few FPS though.

My advice, wait until the 9 series is released and pick up a great deal on a good 8 series card.

[metalhead]

Thanks softtack. Where did you find those charts?

[softtack]

The graphs are from AnandTech's reviews of the 7900GT and 7950GT. They have benchmarks from other games as well.

[metalhead]

thanks i think i'll check out that website

[Appolyons]

so no one answered my question about whether or not SLI would be better for the 7600GT

Matrix basically summed it up as well as those charts that were posted. The purpose of sli is to be able to have two solid cards...like some of the guys already said, that GT wont make a significant dent in more recent/future games. Now, you may not concieve right now of getting Vista, and you very well may not for quite some time...having said that tho, I'd still go for the 8800 lineup.

In rough numbers (only because I dont know where you shop or what deals you might be able to find that i cant right now off the top of my head), a 7950 will run you in the neighborhood around 250 dollars. An 8800 gts will run you about 300...maybe 350 pending on brand. This is the reason why I wouldnt recommend another GT...a single 8800 would probably blow the two gt's out of the water. Fifty bucks is definately worth your money.

In the end, your call, I just woke up so forgive my grammer. Just note, if you go 8800, just make sure you got a good amount of room in your chassis and try and have some decent airflow. This line doesnt run like the g7 lineup...it can get pretty hot. However, I dont think a gts will give you any problem with a decent air-cooled system.

Furthermore, and I'll end with this, you have no reason to wait for the next line of cards unless and ONLY unless you want a price drop. Otherwise, I'd say just get it now...no reason to wait. I'm running 2 ultra's OC'ed with Vista 64...anything about compatibility issues has long since been solved. Sure I drop every now and again but I expect that...I wouldnt worry too much about that side. Right now, you can get some great deals on these cards, I recommend you go for it.

[metalhead]

Thanks Appolyons. I'm probably just gonna go with a 8800GTS 640MB by EVGA from Newegg. It's around 380 but i'm willing to spend that much.

[MATRIX 2]

Thanks Appolyons. I'm probably just gonna go with a 8800GTS 640MB by EVGA from Newegg. It's around 380 but i'm willing to spend that much.

If you can wait 1-2 months (november) try to do so. Nvidias G92 cards will launch= massive 8800 gts/gtx price drop.

[metalhead]

Yeah I take back what I said because I found out about the future release of the 9 series.

[skeets]

Thanks Appolyons. I'm probably just gonna go with a 8800GTS 640MB by EVGA from Newegg. It's around 380 but i'm willing to spend that much.

your moniter is a big factor when you decide to go with sli. if your resolution is 1280/1040 or less then theres is no point at all in getting sli as your just using your cpu more, over that res then your gpu starts to work. then also is your psu powerful enough to run 2 cards, your cpu faster enough to transfer data between the 2?? its not a question of changing your card, i seen so many users upgrade there card and then go onto forum ( not this one) and moan because it does not work?

do your homework before any upgrade

hope that helps

[Appolyons]

If you can wait 1-2 months (november) try to do so. Nvidias G92 cards will launch= massive 8800 gts/gtx price drop.

Eh, it equals price drop...not massive. If you want to use the word massive, you go to intel processor chips...those prices drop almost 5 bucks weekly.