Curse

Hengis · Sep 13, 2006, 12:35 PM // 12:35

It's time I got round to upgrading my PC.

I am thinking of an SLI graphics solution with 2x Geforce 7600gt cards.

I have read in the past though that Guild Wars has issues with running on SLI machines.

Can anyone running an SLI set up let me know what if any problems they have, or even if it works well.

Many thanks

One Swordsman · Sep 13, 2006, 12:53 PM // 12:53

Tbh 1x 7600GT will run Guild Wars fine on max settings, however if you want to spend a little more money I wouldn't go for SLi - get a single 7900GT (or a x1900GT/XT if you want an ATi solution). I personally have the Gainward Bliss Golden Sample 'Goes Like Hell Edition' 512mb 7900GT in one of my rigs, and it really does go like hell.

Many techies will tell you that SLi is pretty much not worth the money or effort.

Hengis · Sep 13, 2006, 01:09 PM // 13:09

A single 7900GT was my other option.. maybe I will just stick with that then.

My current 6800GT (AGP) runs GW maxed out, but I just felt like treating myself to a new rig :-)

Thanks for the rapid reply.

Hockster · Sep 13, 2006, 01:10 PM // 13:10

Don't waste SLI on budget cards. Get one decent one now and then you can SLI it later when needed.

gabrial heart · Sep 13, 2006, 03:13 PM // 15:13

I run 2 x1800xt's in crossfire, not sure about SLI, but GW runs perfect. There seems to be issues in general with some of the nvidia cards, moreso then I've seen with ati. Good thing about going ati in crossfire is you don't need a special board (SLI compliant) although the crossfire mobos do run a bit smooother then using the cables on a regular dual pci-e board.

Mushroom · Sep 13, 2006, 03:18 PM // 15:18

Myself, I would suggest you get a decent card now, and wait a few months before spending any kind of "big money" on video cards.

DirectX 10 is going to come out before the end of the year. You would be much better off waiting for these cards before you spend a lot of money on the current generation of cards.

One of the largest reasons why we are seeing such large price drops now is that none of the current cards are DirectX 10 certified, not DirectX 10 capable. They are dropping the price in order to clear out "old stock", in preperation for the next generation of cards that is about to hit the street.

And myself, I much prefer Crossfire over SLI. It is much more forgiving about "mixing and maxing" different cards from different manufacturers. SLI still has a lot of problems unless you get identicle video cards at the same time.

Domino · Sep 13, 2006, 04:00 PM // 16:00

My friend dropped a lot of money on SLI cards, and honestly... I can't tell the difference. Guild Wars has such low system requirements as it is, it's almost impossible to tell whether or not it's actually doing anything when the game NEVER slows down, except for network lag.

If you've got the money to spend, then go for it.

Serafita Kayin · Sep 14, 2006, 03:33 AM // 03:33

Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.

DX10 will not be out before the end of the year for the green camp, Red might spank them yet again. Even if they paper launch it it will be out faster. DX10 will not matter until next year.

As far as SLI and stuff, you can use the benefit of a Havok-compatible GPU physics in SLi or just enjoy other games better. There's lots you can do with SLi, including brag. I like it. I went CrossFire, though. YMMV.

Hockster · Sep 14, 2006, 03:42 AM // 03:42

DX10 means little if the game engine doesn't support it. GW just recently got DX9 support.

N E D M · Sep 14, 2006, 06:01 AM // 06:01

If you are running a 6800 gt I highly doubt you will see any improvement by upgrading as that card is way over spec already.
I run an old radeon 9200 agp and it runs gw at max settings beatifully.

Hockster · Sep 14, 2006, 06:07 AM // 06:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by N E D M

If you are running a 6800 gt I highly doubt you will see any improvement by upgrading as that card is way over spec already.
I run an old radeon 9200 agp and it runs gw at max settings beatifully.

I'd bet you'll revise that statement when you see GW on a good card.

kvndoom · Sep 14, 2006, 06:22 AM // 06:22

Absolute best bang for the buck right now would be one (or two) 7900GS cards.

http://techreport.com/reviews/2006q3...s/index.x?pg=3

The GS is at worst 5-10% behind a GT, but only 2/3 of the price. You are losing so precious little for the money you save. If I were building right now, I'd be all over this card.

Now as far as what GW really needs to run... I play just fine on a single 7900GT (where was the 7900GS 4 months ago when I needed it?!?) at 1680x1050 with everything maxed but shadows (not a detail I ever notice, so not worth the FPS hit). Unless you're driving a 30" monitor, it's doubtful you'll see any benefit whatsoever from SLI for Guild Wars. Other games coming out (or current games like FEAR) will see benefits, but don't bother with SLI just for GW.

Bowman Artemis · Sep 14, 2006, 09:00 AM // 09:00

True, if you're going to SLI, do it with top-of-the-range cards. Another thing to consider would be nVidia's semi-new 7950GX2s. Essentially standard SLi on one card, with the option to go Quad-SLi in the future. Also stops you having to buy a new mobo if you don't have one that is SLi-Capable.

majoho · Sep 14, 2006, 11:39 AM // 11:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hockster

I'd bet you'll revise that statement when you see GW on a good card.

Yeah that's true AT LOW RESOLUTIONS.

Try running it with everything maxed and 4xAA at 1920x1200 with your card - not everyone has a 14" CRT from 1995.

Hockster · Sep 14, 2006, 01:11 PM // 13:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by majoho

Yeah that's true AT LOW RESOLUTIONS.

Try running it with everything maxed and 4xAA at 1920x1200 with your card - not everyone has a 14" CRT from 1995.

What exactly are you talking about? Go back and look again. My statement was referring that someone claimed to run GW on a Radeon 9200 at max settings.