2 GTX 275s to tide me over until new GPUs come out and drop a bit?

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fornarmr

Gawd
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Sep 5, 2007
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I posted in another thread that I had a dead ultra, leaving me with only one. Would it be smart to grab 2 GTX 275s to run in SLI while I wait for the new nvidia cards to come out and drop a little in price? I figure that might give me 6 months use out of these new cards?

Also, I am on a 680i A1 so I think I should still be okay with GTX 275s. Also, in terms of powering these things, will the same power cords I have for the 8800 ultras work for the GTX 275s?
 
If you're set on not grabbing a HD5870, two GTX 275s should work in your setup.
They require two 6 pin connectors, so yes your current connectors should work.
 
I am not opposed to a 5870 if it is better than dual GTX 275s at 1920x1200 w/ AA and all that.

Actually, here are my specs... seeing if 2 GTX 275s would be better than 2 8800 ultras with my setup.

evga 680i SLI A1
QX6850 @ 3.33ghz
arctic freezer 7 pro
4gb 1066 ram
dual 8800 ultras (if I get another ultra to replace the dead one)
 
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I F@H on my hardware, but if all I did was game... a HD5870 or two would be in my system now.
I'd read through [H]ard's HD5870 review among others and I think you'll see a HD5870 makes alot of sense in your case... pun intended. :p

P.S. The HD5870 can always be sold.... go XFX HD5870 for their warranty later if the GF100 draws you back to nVidia.
 
2 GTX275 is a GTX295, which is +- as fast as a 5870. The 2 GTX275s will cost at least 440 on newegg, a 5870 is 380 (and a couple are in stock at the moment). Do what you want.
 
fornarmr said:
Would it be smart to grab 2 GTX 275s to run in SLI while I wait for the new nvidia cards to come out and drop a little in price?
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I guess that depends on what you mean by smart.

To me, smart is waiting until a company is backed into a corner (i.e. NVIDIA, after the 5770 is released), and then taking it for all it's worth. I don't think a GTX 275 should be selling for more than $150 a short time from now. Smart would be spending the minimum amount of money and getting the maximum performance. Smart would be upgrading with an eye to the future, especially if $400+ is involved. So, given my narrow definition:

1. My first choice, in your situation, would be a 5870. And I'm not a "get the big, new one" parrot. The level of performance you are looking for clearly warrants it, and if CF or SLI is a favorable option for you, I think buying one card would give your system more room to stretch its legs in the future.

2. My second choice would be two 5770's (when they are released). According to hints from reliable sources, the 5770 appears to be a GTX 275 killer, priced around $160. I don't think you will find a better value if you are inclined to buy two cards at once.

3. NVIDIA has been beaten to the punch, and will likely be kicked around for a few months. Still, they haven't budged on their price points. In my opinion, it looks like the sky is about to fall on them, and they are trying to bail video cards at (relatively) inflated prices while they still can. I wouldn't be the one to do them the favor.

But that's just me. ;)
 
Are you against buying used?
If you are not then grab a GTX280 or so, they are going cheap right now and wait.
At 1920x1200 mine had no issues playing the latest games. The only reason I had to upgrade to a 295 was because of 3D Vision and my plans to get a 60" DLP. Drawing the same image twice is not going to be easy for a GTX280 at 1080p.
Regards
 
Well how about this... I am getting $8,000 from the IRS for being a first time home owner... so money isn't an issue.

Now what are the opinions? No, I am not going to get a new build quite yet, going to wait on the new Nvidia lineup.

so... 2 GTX 275's? I am probably not going to go ATI.
 
Actually yes, i concur with the second hand 280GTX would do fine till 300 series for a fill in.
 
I don't think a single GTX 280 is better than two 8800 ultras... don't have the benchmarks to back that up but I am sure I've seen that before. I am not upgrading my rig for another 5-6 months so I need something to hold me over at 1920x1200 at full eye candy.

Note the $$ comment above too.
 
fornarmr said:
Well how about this... I am getting $8,000 from the IRS for being a first time home owner... so money isn't an issue.

Now what are the opinions? No, I am not going to get a new build quite yet, going to wait on the new Nvidia lineup.

so... 2 GTX 275's? I am probably not going to go ATI.
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Not sure what you want us to say. I think 90% of [H] users will tell you that is a bad idea. You are paying more and getting less. But it seems clear that you know what you want. So why ask? ;)

$500 X295 >>>>>>>>>>
$400 5870 >>>>>>>>>*
$260 5850 >>>>>>>
$325 X285 >>>>>>
$160 5770 >>>>
$225 X275 >>>>>

* Equal to X295 in some benchmarks.

Does that look smart to you?
 
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TheQuestian said:
Not sure what you want us to say. I think 90% of [H] users will tell you that is a bad idea. You are paying more and getting less. But it seems clear that you know what you want. So why ask? ;)


Does that look smart to you?
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I was about to say the same thing, don't ask a question if you already have the answer..
 
I'm not - I am just trying to play devil's advocate and make sure I am weighing all options. I am definitely considering everything people are saying.
 
I agree.
It seems you want us to just back up your current line of thinking and not so much offer advice.
Oh and you can get 295 used as well in the $350 or even $300 range with some luck.
Regarding 280 vs 8800gt, I think minimal fps is going to be much better on the 280 but dont quote me on that just yet. Still, the increased performance is not going be huge I think.
Anyway , it seems you already made up your mind.

PS
Look here http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/nvidia_geforce_gtx_280_260_performance/page13.asp
It seems the SLI ultras beat the 280s but unfortunately without a minimum FPS that test is pretty worthless.
 
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Yes two GTX 275s will out perform two 8800 Ultras and run cooler @ idle/use less power and give you GTX 295 range performance.
Have you read through [H]ardOCP's review on the 5870? At least check that out to make sure you are more informed on what's available.
 
I am very unfamiliar with ATI in general so that's why I am not sure about making that move. I don't know anything about their software and all of that and aren't there problems with some games not allowing AA with ATI cards? I have just become so familiar with nvidia programs like nHancer and all of that to where I almost don't want to switch over for that reason.
 
fornarmr said:
Well how about this... I am getting $8,000 from the IRS for being a first time home owner... so money isn't an issue.

Now what are the opinions? No, I am not going to get a new build quite yet, going to wait on the new Nvidia lineup.

so... 2 GTX 275's? I am probably not going to go ATI.
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well if your not wanting to to to ATI then two GTX275 is probably your best bet, the price point on a GTX285 is just stupid enough that I wouldn't buy it regardless if I was rolling in it or not. get a pair of the doubled memory ones if your looking to buy high.

really I can't say much against brand loyalty (my last four cards have been green) but I am not use to downgrading for it. a 5870 would probably serve you better here. nvidia is likely to be some time before they have general availability in retail. I don't have an issue with a dual card setup if it gets you more then what a single will get you for your money but I am not seeing it here.
 
Valset said:
well if your not wanting to to to ATI then two GTX275 is probably your best bet, the price point on a GTX285 is just stupid enough that I wouldn't buy it regardless if I was rolling in it or not. get a pair of the doubled memory ones if your looking to buy high.
Click to expand...

As a hold-over, two GTX260's make more sense imo. Not that I think going SLi as a temporary solution makes much sense!
 
If money is no object, and NVIDIA is the name of the game, why not just get a GTX 295? For the ± $25 difference, you lose the heat and the noise of an SLI setup, performance would be nearly identical, it would likely hold its value longer and be easier to sell when the time comes. Also, if you get the irresistible urge for more performance, you still have room for an upgrade. Then again, I'm sure Fermi will be here by then.

Probably.
 
TheQuestian said:
If money is no object, and NVIDIA is the name of the game, why not just get a GTX 295? For the ± $25 difference, you lose the heat and the noise of an SLI setup, performance would be nearly identical, it would likely hold its value longer and be easier to sell when the time comes. Also, if you get the irresistible urge for more performance, you still have room for an upgrade. Then again, I'm sure Fermi will be here by then.

Probably.
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GTX 295s require a 6 and 8 pin connector right? I only have 2 6-pin so I don't really want to be changing any of that.
 
I am going to in 5-6 months, but I want to be able to hold myself over until then.
 
I would not spend $400+ for outdated technology. It's not a wise investment.

If money is no object, and NVIDIA is the name of the game, why not just get a GTX 295?
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Why would you waste so much money for a 'holdover' video card setup?

The 275/285/295 series are vastly overpriced for the performance that they bring to the table at this point.
If you're getting 'holdover' cards go best bang for the buck.
If you MUST have a Geforce card, just WAIT until Nvidia cuts their prices to be commensurate with the performance levels.
 
vjcsmoke said:
The 275/285/295 series are vastly overpriced for the performance that they bring to the table at this point.
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Yeah, this is how I feel, too (see my earlier posts). I was just trying to help, regardless of whether or not I agree with the thinking. The OP's top choice right now is SLI 275's . . . which would cost more than a GTX 295. But apparently, money is no object in this thread.
 
I am only concerned because I have a few games on my list coming up in the next few months that my 8800 ultras most likely wouldn't be able to handle with the eye candy. I have not gotten through 10 minutes of ghostbusters because my system can't handle it all that great and batman: AA is a little slow, enough to be annoying to play.
 
fornarmr said:
I'm not - I am just trying to play devil's advocate and make sure I am weighing all options. I am definitely considering everything people are saying.
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it is obviously that your option weighing techniques are flawed. You asked for your best option and it has been relayed to you. Going Nvidia right now will not fetch you the best price/performance available (not even close) yet you are insistent. Do what you want but you are going to get the short end of the stick if you play brand favorites
 
Get the 5870.

The Nvidia cards are overpriced right now. Looking solely at gaming performance (not SLI, PhysX, CUDA, etc.), they cost more and are slower. There may be price drops once ATI's cards are readily available, and definitely when the GT300 cards come out. That means you'll be buying high and selling low. I know you aren't that concerned about money, but you asked about smart, and that's the exact opposite of it. Unless GT300 is so mind-blowingly awesome that it causes ATI to shrivel up and die, you'll most likely get more of your money back selling a 5870 than selling a pair of GTX275's. Plus it's cheaper initially.

I think you're in a great position to try ATI. They're a much better value at the moment. You're planning to upgrade your system soon, so you can switch to something that supports Crossfire if you find that you like the 5870. If you don't like it, you're planning on upgrading to a GT300 in a few months anyway.

If you really want to stay with Nvidia, the GTX260 is a much better deal (about half the cost of a GTX275) and is still an upgrade over what you currently have. If you have a Fry's nearby, you can get the BFG 260 OC 896MB for $130. That's saving almost $200 on a pair.
 
I can't believe you guys. No one is going to step up and support this guys crazy ideas?


OP dude, sure you can buy newer, faster and cheaper products like such and such. Or you could buy cards from Nvidia like whats its name that make more sense. But what you really want is two GTX275.


You know how sexy those two cards would look in your case.


I know you dream about them sometimes. Come on, just do it!
 
needmorecarnitine said:
I can't believe you guys. No one is going to step up and support this guys crazy ideas?

OP dude, sure you can buy newer, faster and cheaper products like such and such. Or you could buy cards from Nvidia like whats its name that make more sense. But what you really want is two GTX275.

You know how sexy those two cards would look in your case.


I know you dream about them sometimes. Come on, just do it!
Click to expand...
LOL.
 
needmorecarnitine said:
I can't believe you guys. No one is going to step up and support this guys crazy ideas?


OP dude, sure you can buy newer, faster and cheaper products like such and such. Or you could buy cards from Nvidia like whats its name that make more sense. But what you really want is two GTX275.


You know how sexy those two cards would look in your case.


I know you dream about them sometimes. Come on, just do it!
Click to expand...

I am going to treat this as serous for a minute, sure. hell I have actually thought of putting together a tri 8800GTX system for the hell of it, I know its not better them my current card but it was still king for a long time. and brand names mean a lot to some people. sometime you just don't want to support the other option (my next card is almost certainly going to be a ford, the sole remaining none socialist car company)

but its hard as hell to recommend it to someone else. you usually go with the logical option
 
Have you even looked in to how much detail you would really loose to make the games playable on the setup you have now?

Even if I spent 8+ hours a day 7 days a week gaming I can't see getting enough extra entertainment from the games to justify the upgrade.

Given everything you said I really think you should give serious thought to the XFX 5870. If I am not mistaken the XFX cards have a double life time warranty so if you find you don't like the ATI drives and CCC you should be able to easily sell it with out taking much of a loss. You can keep one of you 8800 cards for Physx.

Granted someone has to buy up these cards and I know for a fact that you could do worse things with that 8k.

But it's still a bad investment. Also this is [H]ard forum last I checked. And in my opinion there isn't anything hard about you upgrade choice. Take off the green security blanket and learn something new. You may even find you prefer the grass on the other side.
 
Valset said:
I am going to treat this as serous for a minute, sure. hell I have actually thought of putting together a tri 8800GTX system for the hell of it, I know its not better them my current card but it was still king for a long time. and brand names mean a lot to some people. sometime you just don't want to support the other option (my next card is almost certainly going to be a ford, the sole remaining none socialist car company)

but its hard as hell to recommend it to someone else. you usually go with the logical option
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Brand loyalty is hilarious :rolleyes:. Hypothetically, if there are 3 nearly identical options that offer the same quantity and quality of features for the same price, then brand favoring would become a rational factor. To play favorites and show your "loyalty" when there are cheaper, faster, and better options available will put you in a bracket of people who either crazy, mentally challenged, or stupid.

Nvidia and ATI have never offered to babysit my child for me. They have never stepped offered to help me deliver non-parishables to the needy in my community. Neither Nvidia nor ATI have personally touched my life with their kindness and their loving smiles. Why? Because they are companies. Companies make a product for consumers so that they can make money. Nvidia and ATI don't give a shit about your child, the needy in your community, or even you. All they care about is making a product that people want to buy so that they can turn a profit. Thats it.

Products are to be purchased according the measure of their merit, not because you are fond of the green or red emblem that they use to represent their company. They both make good products and the quality of their products is easily measured. There is no room for subjectivity because they are both designed primarily to do the same thing, they render graphics. Nvidia's GTX 285 did this better than ATI's 4870. ATI's 5850 does this better than the 285. The proof is evident and concrete.

You have no personal reason or stake in a company (unless you own tons of their stock or happen to work for them). They do not care what your name is or where you come from as long as you buy there product. What reason do you have to devote your loyalty to them?

Oh well, some people cannot be reached
 
edifyingkarma said:
Brand loyalty is hilarious :rolleyes:.
Click to expand...

Good thing you brought this up. It reminds me of people who blindly buy from newegg even when the product in question is 1) cheaper elsewhere 2) has far superior return policies elsewhere 3) Other posters will attest to safer shipping packing.

They quote newegg prices as "oh the market price is going up." and start complaining about the prices...as if nobody else exists.
 
edifyingkarma said:
Brand loyalty is hilarious :rolleyes:. Hypothetically, if there are 3 nearly identical options that offer the same quantity and quality of features for the same price, then brand favoring would become a rational factor. To play favorites and show your "loyalty" when there are cheaper, faster, and better options available will put you in a bracket of people who either crazy, mentally challenged, or stupid.

Nvidia and ATI have never offered to babysit my child for me. They have never stepped offered to help me deliver non-parishables to the needy in my community. Neither Nvidia nor ATI have personally touched my life with their kindness and their loving smiles. Why? Because they are companies. Companies make a product for consumers so that they can make money. Nvidia and ATI don't give a shit about your child, the needy in your community, or even you. All they care about is making a product that people want to buy so that they can turn a profit. Thats it.

Products are to be purchased according the measure of their merit, not because you are fond of the green or red emblem that they use to represent their company. They both make good products and the quality of their products is easily measured. There is no room for subjectivity because they are both designed primarily to do the same thing, they render graphics. Nvidia's GTX 285 did this better than ATI's 4870. ATI's 5850 does this better than the 285. The proof is evident and concrete.

You have no personal reason or stake in a company (unless you own tons of their stock or happen to work for them). They do not care what your name is or where you come from as long as you buy there product. What reason do you have to devote your loyalty to them?

Oh well, some people cannot be reached
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that would depend one ones point of view, a company that treats me well will get my business, even if its a little more (and for me that is not nvidia, its BFG) when its practical. (btw I am not really a green fan anymore, and if you called me that in thread Sirus was in there would be a flame war :D)

as for loyalty (a little strong for me, I tend to have preferences) would I pay more for a company I like? yup. New egg has always done me well (I still will not buy a monitor from them though) and so has tigerdirect. I am not going to some no name vendor to save a few bucks then have to deal hassles afterward if there is a problem.

and while we are at it lets look at it this way if all else was equal or even say in nvidias favor here (say GF100 isn't a gaming lemon) and I can get more bang for the buck with them should I still not consider the following?

a fucked up price ad system they imposed on all the vendors
Constant and outright deceptive renaming practice that is deliberately designed to be misleading
refusing to ever come clean about the mobile chip issue
attempting to screw the owners of the above with a work around the warranty bios patch (they don't carry all the blame for that by any means to be fair)
milking the customer excessively given the opportunity (not blaming them for making their money but they take it to far)
disabling their cards if you use a competitors
and other shitty business practices.

you can do what you like, I prefer to vote with my wallet. to be honest that only to a point though. for instance I like BFG and would have loved to have bought my next card from them, even at a premium, but unless they pick up ATI pretty quick that is likely going to be a XFX card
 
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