SLI 7900GT KO or go 8800GTX?

[fjell_strom]

Well, Boys,

This is my first post. Hope I'm not completely ignoring another thread which answered this...

Basically, here's what I got

Core 2 Duo e6600 running at 3,6 Ghz
Corsair XMS DDR2 2Gigs
680i SLI nForce Mobo
EVGA GeForce 7900 GT KO
be quiet! PSU 450 Watt

My question: What upgrade will give me the biggest 3D graphics performance boost overall?

Another 7900 GT KO to tap into SLI capability? (And new PSU)

Or a swap out for a 8800GTX? (Still need a new PSU?)

What are the considerations and things to keep in mind?

Cheers, fjell

[SoloCamo]

Welcome to TechIMO!

Personally I'd opt for the 8800gtx as i've never liked SLI as a solution, and much prefer to use a single card. Less heat, less power draw, and supported by all games.

What are the specifics of your psu? As in make/model, amps on the +12v rail(s)?

[fjell_strom]

Thanks for the quick feedback. I have the chance, you see, to give my present card back and put the purchase price towards an upgrade...so, the price of going either 7900 for SLI or "brand new" 8800GTX is nearly the same. Nice deal done by EVGA.

PSU Specification:
Be Quiet! - Dual Rail - Straight Power - BQT E5-450W - Black
3,3V: 30A, 5V: 30A, 12V: 30A, 12V1: 25A, 12V2: 18A, -12V: 0,5A, 5VSB: 2,5A

[Ultima]

I'd get the 8800GTX as well.

You have 2 12V lines, 1 is 25A and the other 18A.

It should work with the 8800GTX, but to be sure I'd redirect the cables in such a way that the 8800GTX would be on it's own on the 25A line and all other things like hd's, opticals and such on the other 12V line.

Then your system should be able to pull it off I think.

[pullmyfoot]

i would do a more reliable PSU if i were to get that 8800. what brand is your PSU now? i lousy quality PSU can fry your stuff.. and you have very nice stuff.. and go for the 8800. its probally as powerful or more than the 7900s in SLI anyways

[fjell_strom]

Well, Boys,

Damn - I can't take the first 7900 GT back as I'd hoped and put the purchase price against an 8800GTX. The offer is only good from certain suppliers, and mine isn't on the list!!

So, it looks like its 7900 GT KO SLI time. Now, my only question is, can this PSU pull it off: http://geizhals.at/deutschland/a213910.html

Or will I have to buy a something stronger?

Cheers for all the responses and comments, fellas.

fjell

[SoloCamo]

It might be able to pull it off, but it's going to be a close call if it does.

Considering you've got a heaviliy overclocked cpu, and are stable with one gpu, I think it's a decent psu. However, SLI is just a burden on any system, and to be honest, personally I wouldn't take the risk.

[nwo75200]

A single 8800GTX beats quad 7900s from what I've heard.

I would definitely go with the 8800GTX for serveral different reasons:
-DX10 compatible
-384 bit RAM (vs. 256-bit)
-764MB of RAM (might not make a huge difference at this time, but it might come in handy a year or two down the road)
-SLI is awful... You do not double the performance, but yet you double the power consumption + heat.
-Like I said... a single 8800GTX beats the quad SLI 7900 card that nvidia has.

[carl33p]

Get the 8800GTS.
The GTS and GTX price difference is not justified by performance.

The 8800GTS will perform better than 2x 7900GTs and will consume less power.
Its also your cheapest DX10 option ATM.

[pullmyfoot]

just sell the 7900 and get yourself a nice 8800