Maximum PC

Hey ok here's my question: Would it be better to have two in SLI GTX 260 Core 216's or a single 460,470, or 480. Im just curious...I play a few games, but mostly TF2 on my monitor(19in) I plan to get a new monitor and I also do some CAD and 3D Modeling tasks

Only do SLI 260s if you already have one. Otherwise it is a waste of money.

460 is a good value other wise.

I already have a 260 Core 216....its alot better than my 9600 that i used to have..thanks

GTX 480 > GTX470 = SLI GTX260 Core 216s > GTX460 > GTX260 Core 216

I would sell the GTX260 you have now and just get a GTX470/480...but dont bother upgrading at all if your new monitor is going to be less than 1920x1080.

Not sure if im going to upgrade my monitor in the near future.....maybe black friday? and i'll look into it. the 470 seems good if i can find one cheap, and im running p55 chipset so i'll have 8x/8x if I run SLI. At what resolution will that start affecting performance? (im running at 1440x900 now) with one GTX 260 Core 216

With GTX260s... I doubt it would affect performance at all until you got to something like a 30" monitor... at which point the limited frame buffer would cause more problems anyway.

I mean the 8x/8x...but thanks

If you don't upgrade the 19" display, you're already way overpowered and need nothing new at all. What is it...1440px? You're already running 35-40FPS and would see the same thing by spending $350 on a GTX460 or SLI'ing another GTX260. These things are frame pumpers, and you simply don't have a screen that's hard to push for even a 9800 series.

The 8x/8x isn't a concern for the P55 either. It's PCIe 2.0, so that's the same as 16x/16x for PCIe 1.1. It's a lower number, but same bandwidth...so don't worry about it.

Ok, thanks for the help all. If i was to get a new monitor, which would be good? im trying not to spend too much money, and any input would be welcomed. Thanks in advance

I'm biased on Asus lately, so this is probably my 100th recommendation for the 23" VH236HL-P in the last 2 months. I run that one as the center and 2 VH236H's hard mounted to the sides.

I love screens with actual stands, and it's worth the little extra cash for the -p model. I never understood 3" tilt stands where you just look down on them on the common desktop. You get the most enjoyment with your eyeballs at the same level as the center of the screen.

I've been a huge Samsung fan in the past, but I've seen nothing new from them to go back lately. Others I like are Hanns-G and Acer. We're not talking high accuracy units here either. Just great average TN panels...if that makes sense. If you want accuracy along with resolution/real estate, then you're paying 3x the amount easily for the same size. Just trying to shut that idea down before the $650 24" screen suggestions start rolling in.

(psst...if you fold that GTX260 for team 11108 and accumulate some points, there's hidden sections of the forums you may qualify for. In there, you find many deals on....well, there's no trouts in there; just pure fresh blackened Swordfish)

hahaha thanks for the recommendation...swapping my gtx260 and i7-860 to 11108 from 111065....but im leaving my 9400gt, 7850, and Laptop folding for 111065. Those three probably equal what my 260 can do in a day. Again, thanks for the monitor recommendations

Welcome to the team

now post in the folding@home section at the bottom







Ted

ugh, im still new to this....where/how do i associated my maxpc account with my folding name

Actually, SLI'd GTX260s are closer to the GTX480 in performance than the GTX470. Mine are are about 5-10% faster than the 480(at stock) with the clocks I'm running at. 650/1512/2000. I unlinked the core and shaders clocks otherwise my clocks would be 650/1350/2000 and performance would be inbetween.

Ok....im picking up mixed opinions.....If i can find another GTX 260 Core 216 for cheap, should i do that? if not, i should use a 460-470?

On a 19" screen, no. On a 23" screen? No. The GTX260 is already asking you for more screen. Adding another is still asking for a LOT more screen, which isn't nailed down yet.
You're already in the 40FPS range at 1440px with a tough game.

For folding, why not? They're fairly inexpensive, put out 6.7K-8.4K ppd, and are a pretty good points booster. And if you move to a huge 30"+ screen or perhaps three big screens, you're ready for 'em.

I fold too....extra points never hurt...do they?

Nope, more points never hurt and NEITHER DOES MORE FPS!

If you're craving more performance, yes, you should definitely try to pick up a second 260 on the cheap.

Ok guys thanks a bunch to all! I bookmarked those monitors and im gonna check them daily to see when one goes on sale.