970 SLI or a single 980

[Jamama]

Sorry if this has already been posted but i couldn't see it.

What would be better 970 SLI or a single 980?

I've seen reviews on other sites and its a bit mixed. some saying SLI doesn't work in games might aswell have one card, some say its amazing.

 

[TheGentry]

Id wait for the special black edition of the 970 clocked 1400hz

 

[rtho782]

SLI works in most games.

970 is 90% of the performance of 980.

If SLI doesn't work in 20% of games, for 20% of games you get 90% performance, for the other 80% you get 180% performance, compared to a single 980.

Averaged out, that's 162% performance.

If you are on 1080p60, I'd probably just get one 970 and be done with it. 1080p144 and up probably 970 SLi.

 

[Drangueos]

What resolution do you play at?

But I would go 970 SLI anyway, I already had SLI and Crossfire.
Most of the games work and never had major problems, all problems I had, not many, I could fix with a quick google search.

 

[Jamama]

I'm running at 1080p but 144hz.

I'm looking at getting 2 of these:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-352-AS

 

[rtho782]

I'd be tempted by these: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-004-GX&groupid=701&catid=1914&subcat=1010

I don't think the Asus cards are worth an extra £125 for the two.

You have the option though as the PCIe spacing on your motherboard means they will be able to get air with open coolers, but blowers mean venting out the back.

For the money of the Asus cards, I'd probably go for these:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-041-IN&groupid=701&catid=1914&subcat=1010

Seem to give amazing cooling performance. I wish I had those coolers on my reference 980s.

 

[Jamama]

That Inno3D looks huge, I'm not sure if ill fit 2 on my motherboard

 

[rtho782]

It's still 2 slot and you have 3 slot gap on your motherboard. The length in your case could be an issue I guess?

All are going to be similar stock performance, and to be honest my 980s clock about as high as I'd want them to clock with the reference cooler. Most 3rd party coolers should be cooler and quieter, or there is no point in them, so the choice really is looks and if you want an open cooler or a blower.

If you are going to be pushing the cards to the overclock limit, there is probably a bit more to think about, but any pair of 970s is going to be a massive upgrade for you.

 

[Jamama]

Ordered 2x 970's ... all i need is a sli bridge now... can you recommend one that will fit between the gaps

 

[Nocky24]

Id wait for the special black edition of the 970 clocked 1400hz

Never a big fan of these cherry picked cards unless you're after crazy overclocks and do a lot of benchmarking. My 970s hit 1480MHz with ease on stock volts and not the greatest asic quality ever (69%/70% each).

@OP - I would check which of the regular games you play support multi gpus fully and make your decision based on that. Mine are running great

 

[rtho782]

SLi bridge should have come with your motherboard.

If you've lost it, they are all identical there is no performance difference some are just prettier.

If you grab a flexible one it's easier. You can get them for a couple of quid at online auction sites.