Graphics 8800gt 256mb SLi vs 8800gts 512

Similar price, but wildly differing results!

My dichotomy is this, the power of the 2x 8800gt would be far greater than that of the 8800gts 512, but the driver support for SLi is still in some programs sketchy to say the least. Do I choose the reliability but comparatively poorer performance of the 8800gts 512 over the raw but unsupported power of the 8800gt 256mb in SLi? Your input is greatly appreciated, kthnxbi!

Dr_evil288

 

From what I've read, the 8800GTS 512 overclocks a lot better than the 8800GT ans also has more shader processors. Also, the 8800GTS 512 would be better for higher resolutions.

All in all, the choice is dictated by the application/needs.

 

256Mb is not really a large amount of VRAM. Don't forget that in SLI, 256 + 256 != 512.
The second 8800GT will only give you ~30% return in framerates AFAIK.

Go for the GTS.

 

I agree, but still open to other options. Thanks for your quick response!

 

sli has been an e-penis for a long time now, the cost of two 8800GT will set you back a minium of £260 (OcUK for a pair), where as a 8800GTS 512Mb is appox the same, not to forget if you want that e-penis then you can grab another 8800GTS 512 at a later date as prices fall.

how ever the i am not sure on how well the HD3850 performs but one can be picked up for sub £100 and that aint bad money spent, considering the DDR4 versions retail just over £120....

 

Video RAM isn't additive in an SLI configuration; each GPU has access to 256Mb. Restrictions/limitations of a single card still apply to them in SLI; the performance increase is due to load splitting (parallel processing) which allows the data to be more quickly processed, resulting in higher FPS.

 

I knew the != (not equals) was gonna get me in trouble.

 

although I know the ! is not in programming, I just didn't expect it here.

 

I always look at sli as an upgrade path, get the best single card you can afford at the time. Then in year 18mths when you notice your performance starting to drop off get on ebay and get another for half (or less) what your paid of the original. Or sell the one you've got and get the next best single card you can afford.

So in answer get the 512 gt if you run a high res or get the 256 if you don't.
/over simplification.

 

I was confused aswell...

i agree with Steveo, i think it is something you should consider later down the line, buy one 8800gts 512mb card now, and then once the 9-series come out you will see the price drop alot, and be able to whack another one in the for a good performance boost. Especially as, by that time, the SLi driver support should be much better.

I think buying a single 8800GT 256mb is a waste of money, when you consider how poor the results are in comparison to it's bigger brother, for only slightly less money... And having two in SLi only just out performs one GT512mb. Get a single 8800gts 512mb.


Sam.

 

You're always better buying one faster card than two slower ones IMO. SLI works by sending all tasks to every GPU in the configuration and then there is a broadcast from the CPU that tells which GPU to do which frame - "you do this one, you do the next" - you'll be able to turn textures (and probably AA) up higher on a single 8800 GTS 512, even though the raw framerate will be higher on the two 8800 GT 256 cards.

 

Opinion Seconded.

Lets not forget that the 8800GTS 512mb can generally be found for around £200 (now that the GT's stock availability is back in check) and the 8800GTX as low as £230.

8800GT 256mb in SLi wouldn't get my vote over either of those cards and would cost more than either.

 

Cheers for all your help, just one last question. Should I wait until Feb. as the long rumoured 9xxx series is due to come out OR should I just spend my Christmas cash on the 8800gts 512?

 

Iff u not in desperate need i would wait for the new series to come out,the 8800gts will be concidered old serie in about 12 month anyway , its ridiculous how fast displaycards gets out of date to give place to new series concidering the price