Graphics 480 GTX SLI

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by Bugste81, 25 Apr 2011.

  1. Bugste81

    Bugste81 Stephen

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    I've recently upgrade from 2x GTX 280's in SLI to a single 480 GTX. I've noticed with the Direct X 11 bells and whistles turned on there's noticable slow down. I've got a Dell U2711 Monitor and run everything at the max settings and an Antec 1000 Watt power supply. My question is should I get a second GTX 480 and run them in SLI? I was pleased with the GTX 280 Results. Just uncertain as to the temps, noise, overclocking ability and power draw.
     
    Bugste81, 25 Apr 2011
    #1
  2. mucgoo

    mucgoo Minimodder

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    a 480 would be slower than 2 280's

    temps-depends on your cases airflow mainly
    noise- bit noisier than a single one
    a 1000W psu will be fine
     
    mucgoo, 25 Apr 2011
    #2
  3. mrbungle

    mrbungle Undercooked chicken giver

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    What game are you getting slow down in?
     
    mrbungle, 25 Apr 2011
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  4. Teelzebub

    Teelzebub Up yours GOD,Whats best served cold

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    As you can see from my sig I have two 480's in SLI and the same monitor, I play all games at the max possible settings and they play brilliantly.

    The temps / noise is down to just how good the airflow of you case is the better the aiflow the lower the temps and the slower the fans will run and the less the noise.

    Mine never get over 75c and the fans at around 70%
     
    Last edited: 25 Apr 2011
    Teelzebub, 25 Apr 2011
    #4
  5. Deders

    Deders Modder

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    Is it enough of a slowdown to make the games unplayable? is it just certain games?
     
    Deders, 25 Apr 2011
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  6. meandmymouth

    meandmymouth Modder

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    My answer is go for it!
    The PSU is plenty powerful enough and 480's are less than £200 so it's worth a shot
     
    meandmymouth, 25 Apr 2011
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  7. Bugste81

    Bugste81 Stephen

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    Well I've got a Antec P180 with bits hacked out of it and the side off which doesn't help with the noise. I'm running the 480 GTX overclocked at 830MHZ and the fan set at 80%. There's 4 Sharkoon 120mm fans in there with 2 pointed at the card. Dirt 2 is the game I've noticed most slow down with Direct X 11 enabled. The thing I'm concerned about is there won't be any gap between two cards and the top card getting that bit hotter.
     
    Bugste81, 25 Apr 2011
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  8. meandmymouth

    meandmymouth Modder

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    Start by running both at stock speeds and see what the temps are like.

    Are the 2 fans pointed at the card from the front of the case or side?
     
    meandmymouth, 25 Apr 2011
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  9. Bugste81

    Bugste81 Stephen

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    The Front. Tempted to stick the side back on and cut a hole over the graphics and stick a fan there. What would the safe maximum temp be for a GTX 480 without gatting worried?
     
    Bugste81, 25 Apr 2011
    #9
  10. Pete J

    Pete J Employed scum

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    If you can have at least a slot gap between the 480s, I'd go for it!
    They can handle their heat. Thermal limit is 107C, so as long as they're under 100C they'll be fine. When I had 480s, the primary GPU ran at 98C.
     
    Pete J, 25 Apr 2011
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  11. shadow_boxer

    shadow_boxer Minimodder

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    Yeah, I'd say go for it too. Should be an excellent setup. Just ensure reasonable case airflow and you can always tinker with fan speeds to keep them cooler (or quieter). 480's in SLI should last you a quite a while.
     
    shadow_boxer, 26 Apr 2011
    #11
  12. [PUNK] crompers

    [PUNK] crompers Dremedial

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    98c?! incredible. personally I wouldn't want anything inside the case at that temp, but if it holds it then i guess theres no complaints
     
    [PUNK] crompers, 26 Apr 2011
    #12
  13. Tangster

    Tangster Butt-kicking for goodness!

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    Custom made heatpipe leading to a mug warmer or a grill?:D
     
    Tangster, 26 Apr 2011
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