2x256 graphics vs 1x256

[nbat58]

Hi Guys,

Your help is greatly appreciated, Which would work better:

1 x 256 mb Connect3D X800GTO ViVo, 256MB ATI, pcie or
2 x 256 mb XFX Geforce 6600 eXtreme 2xDVI NVIDIA 6600, 512MB, pcie

This would be used in an ABIT AN8 SLI NVIDIA nForce4 SLI, ATX, PCIe mobo, a AMD Athlon64 3200+ S.939 BOX 512kB, 200 MHz,0,09u "Venice" or AMD Athlon64 3700+ S.939 BOX 1024Kb,200 MHz 0,09u San Diego and 2 x 1024MB DDR DIMM PC3200/400 MHz Infineon 3rd, CL3.

The cpu in either cases would be overclocked (advice on cpu also would be appreciated), the pc would be used mainly for video capture, converting, editing and burning and the occasional game.

Many thanks for all your help.
Regards

[fatlazyhomer]

SLI doesnt add memory. Its still gonna be 256mb

[scrandman]

Unless the 6600s are GTs, then I think the X800GTO will be the better all round performer.

[steven975]

even still, the 6600GT lacks the memory bandwidth to really excel at higher resolutions with FSAA.

[richardd43]

Skip the 2x6600 and get a single 7800GTX, you will be much happier. I say this because I have both setups.

Running bench checks my 6600GTs in SLI mode are slower than the single 7800GTX.

[fatlazyhomer]

Skip the 2x6600 and get a single 7800GTX, you will be much happier. I say this because I have both setups.

Running bench checks my 6600GTs in SLI mode are slower than the single 7800GTX.

No crap its faster, its twice as expensive!

[richardd43]

Not twice as expensive as 2 6600GTs.

[fatlazyhomer]

6600gts are going for 132$ a piece. So thats 264$ for 2. A 780 is 450$. Its not exactly twice as much, but its damn close.

[fatlazyhomer]

my mistake, im looking at the 128mb version of it. The 256mb version is 189$. Your still about 100$ away after tax and thats nothing to scoff at unless your loaded. But for about 380$, you can get a 7800GT and have about 80$ left over. Its still gonna be faster than the 6600GT setup and easier on the wallet. But if he doesnt even need the performance, why not just settle for the X800 and save a few hundred bucks?

[highoctane]

Yup, given the choice go with the 7800gt, evga units can be had for around $300 and you can stepup through evga for 90days if you like.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130247

[scrandman]

The above is all fine and good, but the 6600s he's talking about are non-GTs. I think its this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150123

Retails at $117 on newegg. Kinda knocks the 7800GT out of the picture.

[fatlazyhomer]

well then go X800.

[S202]

I would get a 6800GT, because there price has dropped. Also u can buy another one later and put them in SLI mode. The 6800GT cost a little bit more, but i think its worth it.

Maybe this benchmark i googled will help u.

http://www.digit-life.com/articles2/gffx/nv40-2.html

[nbat58]

I was actually talking about the 6600 non GT's, I think I will get either the X800GTO 256 MB or the 6800GT 256 MB. I will only get one and then at a latter date when prices drop, I will add a second.

Is there a difference between manufacturers when I decide which one to go for?

Brilliant thanks for all your help guys.
Bye for now!!

[steven975]

not really. Most of them are made in the same factory right alongside one another. the only difference is what color solder mask the board reseller specifies and what cooler is ordered.