8800GTX/Ultra SLI With A Single PCI-E 16X Controller: Pointless?

[2wenty4our]

So I wouldn't get ultimate performance running two ultras on my A8N-SLI, so what would beat two 8800 Ultras with only 16X available, if anything?

How far back would I have to go to have an sli config which just maxes out my 16X, or would I be better off sticking with just one of these GTX/Ultra cards?

I mean, in laymans terms, how much of 16X would one GTX/Ultra take up? Say it was 10X percard, then I'd only be losing 4X. I know it won' be as simple as this, but much would I lose out?

 

[2wenty4our]

But if I tried to make the most of my current setup using two non-8800 in SLI mode, they wouldn't even compare to one 8800GTX or even a GTS would they?

 

[2wenty4our]

Personally aside the issue of PCI-E bandwith, you should be aware that any Socket 939 CPU will hold back a single 8800 series card, in lower resolutions let alone two of them in SLI. If you have that kind of money available to buy two 8800 series cards, ditch Socket 939 and go Core 2 Duo

Mul

So my FX-60. both cores overclocked to 3.0Ghz, will bottleneck a single 8800 card? D'oh, would be a way of putting it mildly!

My outlook is to max out this existing setup. I mean, is the loss in performance from having a S939 worth spending money on a new mobo (price of my current mobo still holds at around £100), new cpu (don't even ask what my fx60 cost me), new ram (currently have 2GB PC3200 dual channel).

I think that's all I'd need to change but for the performance I' get back on the 8800s would it be worth buying all this new kit?
Obviously the upgradeability and 2x16X PCI-E ability would be great, but like I say, I'm trying to optimise my current system with a new graphics card.
If the 8800 bottlenecks, would a lowering performing card in theory, be able to perform to the same level as the 8800 in my system? Would a GeForce 7 series on my current mobo be too much of a step back?

 

[2wenty4our]

I currently have a 6600GT, was told this bottlenecking my whole PC performance.

I could sell my existing equipment I suppose, but I'm aware that AMD Barcelonas/Phenoms (whatever they're called, whatever socket they need AM2+?) and nVidia 9800s may be on the cards soon, of course there's no dates though, as always.

I guess I could keep my Thermaltake Tsuami Dream case for a new motherbaord, and my current 680W PurePower wouldn't go amiss with a new setup either.

Hmm, decisions. Other than ebay, where's the best place to sell 2nd hand electronics, that's sell NOT buy, don't want to break the rules or anything.