Is SLI/Crossfire better than single card mid-range?

[Lysander]

What the topic title says really.

I was thinking of getting a X1950Pro but would it be better to get, say, two 7600 GT's in SLI? Or two Sapphire X1600 XT's in Crossfire?

Both options are under £200. Do you think it would be worth it?

 

[achitophel]

Check the Benchies on Tom's Hardware etc, but I very much doubt it, especially when you consider that at least with one GFX card, you can always go crossfire later

 

[charltonfan1]

Get one X1950pro 256mb for £130 and bob is your uncle

 

[Lysander]

OK, thanks. That was the card I really wanted anyway Now I just need to find a Core 2 Crossfire board...

 

[achitophel]

I went with the Asus P5W Deluxe Wifi and have had no complaints

 

[Tute]

Okay, who really gives a toss if there's "no upgrade path"?

This is NOT a valid reason not to go Crossfire or SLi.

I wonder how many people buy into a multi-GPU solution then sit there with their good frame rates going "But I can't upgrade without selling both, OHNOES, sleep lost!"?

If you want SLi or Crossfire, and the performance would be better, then go for it. Scout around for benchmarks and decide for yourself!

 

[Minstadave]

I don't think there's ever really been a situation where 2 cheap SLI cards beats a single card of equivalent price has there? Never really seen the point of SLI/Crossfire unless you're rich and have two top cards. It just means twice as much heat, noise and power usage.

 

[ACESHIGH]

Get one X1950pro 256mb for £130 and bob is your uncle

Great choice.