2 X 256mb vs 1 X 512mb card

[bagman]

Hi there
I currently am running a 7800GTX (256mb) with an AMD 64 4000+ and 2gb of PC3200 RAM
I'm thinking of adding another 7800GTX to enable SLI.
My question (and it might sound overly simplistic to all of you) is would 2 X 256mB cards running in SLI mode be equiv to 1 X 512mb card ?
Another factor to consider is the single 512mb card would run in 16XPCIE whereas the 2 X 256mb cards would be stepped down to 8XPCIE.
Would that make any difference ??

cheers and many thanks for your advice

 

[bagman]

Thanks guys for your reply
I have a 19" LCD so screen res is 1280 x 1024
Do not intend to upgrade monitor any time soon
So it would seem a 512mb would be a waste of money ? i.e. would not see the true benefits of that card using the above screen res ?

My thinking was that using the 2 x 256mb cards in SLI would give me slightly better FPS over a single 256mb. Is my thinking wrong ??

cheers and thanks again

 

[bagman]

Once again, many thanks for replying.

So just to get this clear in my head..... based on the fact that I am not upgrading my 19" LCD anytime soon, a 512mb card would be a waste ??

2 x 256mb cards are going to give me higher FPS in most games, but not necessarily higher textures ??

So if I've read yu guys right, 2 x 256mb cards are better than 1 x 256mb card for an increase in FPS if I intend to remain in 1280 x 1024 ??

cheers and thanks for yur patience

 

[bagman]

Thanks for yur advice speeduk

If this is the case - upgrade the CPU to balance out your system.


If I was to install another 7800GTX it would be with my present CPU which is a AMD 64 4000+.
In your opinion, would that combination ( AMD 4000+ and 2 X 256MB cards) work well ??

cheers