View Full Version : Quad-core and SLI
buteobuteo
06-13-07, 10:17 AM
I'm in the process of selling my house and (hopefully) will have some spare cash to upgrade to a better PC. The system I'm looking at has an Intel Quad-core processor and two GeForce 768mb 8800GTX SLI cards. I'm wondering if a system like this would present any problems/conflicts with SH4.
AVGWarhawk
06-13-07, 10:25 AM
Let see, this set up could launch the Space Shuttle....I think SH4 will run just fine. A lot of guys have this type system. Games runs maxed!
SteamWake
06-13-07, 11:08 AM
Uhhh SH4 doesent even 'take advantage' of a dual core.
Bilge_Rat
06-13-07, 11:23 AM
probably total overkill for playing games, but why drive a Honda when you can afford a Porsche.
johnny chimpo
06-13-07, 11:59 AM
Might have problems with vista, then again who doesnt.:rotfl:
Let see, this set up could launch the Space Shuttle....
LOL:rotfl:
You would be fine for SH4, but you could also wait alittle while till the newer cards come out. a few months and that set up will fall into mid-low range as is the harsh way with computers :nope:
SteamWake
06-13-07, 01:36 PM
Even better wait untill after the holidays and get em on sale :smug:
I'm in the process of selling my house and (hopefully) will have some spare cash to upgrade to a better PC. The system I'm looking at has an Intel Quad-core processor and two GeForce 768mb 8800GTX SLI cards. I'm wondering if a system like this would present any problems/conflicts with SH4.
Sounds like thats going to give off quite a bit of heat, im not a hardware expert but ive heard of problems with the Quad Core overheating even whens its idle. Plus with 2 Graphics cards im sure it will add to the heat given off aswell. Make sure you have it sufficently cooled:up:
FIREWALL
06-13-07, 02:53 PM
Let see, this set up could launch the Space Shuttle....I think SH4 will run just fine. A lot of guys have this type system. Games runs maxed!
Alot of guys must of been selling their houses too!!!:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
ReallyDedPoet
06-13-07, 03:04 PM
I'm in the process of selling my house and (hopefully) will have some spare cash to upgrade to a better PC. The system I'm looking at has an Intel Quad-core processor and two GeForce 768mb 8800GTX SLI cards. I'm wondering if a system like this would present any problems/conflicts with SH4.
Get a motherboard that can handle a quad at a later date, for now go with a dual-core. When you are ready to upgrade down the road, there will be more games for quads, plus the quad-core will be cheaper :yep:
RDP
AVGWarhawk
06-13-07, 03:50 PM
Let see, this set up could launch the Space Shuttle....I think SH4 will run just fine. A lot of guys have this type system. Games runs maxed!
Alot of guys must of been selling their houses too!!!:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Yeah, the guys from NASA are selling them;)
FIREWALL
06-13-07, 03:56 PM
Let see, this set up could launch the Space Shuttle....I think SH4 will run just fine. A lot of guys have this type system. Games runs maxed!
Alot of guys must of been selling their houses too!!!:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Yeah, the guys from NASA are selling them;)
Ahhh :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
...as far as SLI goes.
I have an SLI machine running dual 6800's... I don't know that I can recommend it. Honestly, I almost see it as more gimic than anything. I guess some games are designed to take advantage of it but as far as playing SH4:
1) I don't really see a huge noticeable difference in performance so doubling the cost of the graphics cards didn't give me too much bang for the buck.
2) When you're in SLI mode you're dictating that both cards focus on a single monitor. I usually find it far more useful to have dual monitor support.
3) Although nVidia offers a system setup manager that (theorhetically) is supposed to allow you to manage and save different configurations; I've found that in actual practice it's clueless on recalling my settings when trying to convert from SLI mode back to dual or quad monitors. Which makes converting from SLI back to multi-monitor support enough of a pain that I seldomly use SLI.
4) Power hungry... you'll need a beefed up power supply! ...and the box will get hot with both cards chuggin. The good news is, the fans on mine add to the emersion factor when I'm playing Flight Simulator X. :lol:
Although SH4 may not benefit at all from it... If I were building a new machine, I'd be looking for multi-core CPU's, preferrably 64bit to take advantage of the next generation of Vista, directx 10 and so forth, and I'd probably snoop around again to see if anyone's gotten any further along on the concept of a dedicated physics processing card (as opposed to installing a second graphics card.) The big slowdowns you'll see in SH3 & 4 are almost always around the explosions when the tiny pieces start flying... that's where a physics card would really help.
GnarPow
06-13-07, 05:30 PM
^^^ Your dual 6800s are extremely dated... I wouldnt judge SLI based on them...
As for FPS just get 1 single 8800 and they go through the roof... I average well over a 100 FPS at all times in this game with no issues whatsoever. I cant imagine what dual 8800s will be like down the line.
As for quad core... that is a huge waste of money... Its like shooting a deer with a .50 cal... Go get a E6600 and saved yourself a ton of money down the road for upgrading that... I'd worry mainly about your Motherboard and Graphics card purchase at this time. With both of those you can upgrade everything else later on to match.
Steel_Tomb
06-13-07, 05:55 PM
Let see, this set up could launch the Space Shuttle....I think SH4 will run just fine. A lot of guys have this type system. Games runs maxed!
ROFL, I think you could play crysis maxxed out with that rig never mind SHIV!
^^^ Your dual 6800s are extremely dated... I wouldnt judge SLI based on them...
As for FPS just get 1 single 8800 and they go through the roof... I average well over a 100 FPS at all times in this game with no issues whatsoever. I cant imagine what dual 8800s will be like down the line.
As for quad core... that is a huge waste of money... Its like shooting a deer with a .50 cal... Go get a E6600 and saved yourself a ton of money down the road for upgrading that... I'd worry mainly about your Motherboard and Graphics card purchase at this time. With both of those you can upgrade everything else later on to match.
...extremely dated? That's a bit harsh. Couple years old, but 6800 ultras are still decent cards. I guess I build my machines with the idea that I'll be able to live with em for 5 years.
Since I've been using SLI for a couple years I feel justified in weighing an opinion. based on my REAL experience. I wouldn't waste my money again on dual cards... unless I really feel like I need to keep all 4 of these monitors. You'll be down $1700 and two years from now someone will be calling your rig extremely dated.
...and my comments about forcing you to operate on a single monitor and the dysfunctional nVidia configuration manager software are still going to be valid regardless of 68's vs 88's.
I'm in the process of selling my house and (hopefully) will have some spare cash to upgrade to a better PC. The system I'm looking at has an Intel Quad-core processor and two GeForce 768mb 8800GTX SLI cards. I'm wondering if a system like this would present any problems/conflicts with SH4.
There would be no problems or conflicts really with the game, however the cost of a system you described might be a problem especially if you consider how little increase in performance you get for spending a lot more. $$$-$$$$
For SH4 that would be overkill. The performance increase between say a Core 2 duo and Core 2 Quad or Extreme is not really worth the extra bucks (thats what I think), especially with a game that does not take advantage of the multiple cores. It is worth it if you do video/picture editing.
It is cheaper to build your own gaming pc then pay the markup of the seller. I was going to buy my computer but I decided it was best I build it and save over $ 1500 and I put that money towards my new car fund.
If you do buy a system with Vista make sure the card supports DirectX 10, ATI 2900HD or the GeForce 8800 series which you mentioned. Buddy of mine just got the ATI. The card was worth it, amazing stuff.
I would really not recommend a SLI configuration. The extra 2-20fps (my experience) does not justify the additional cost. ($500-$800) Diff MB and Card.
My Configuration...
Core 2 Duo E6700
Intel D975XB BX2 Motherboard
4X1GB OCZ Plat Revision 2 DDR2 800MHZ (previsouly 2GB)
Raid 5
Ati X1950XTX PCIE X 16
22in Benq WS
buteobuteo, sincerelly, what is the purpose of this thread???
you came here to say something like "hey, lets go hunting elephants with my new m1 tank, then we could make some practice with my new F22 shooting down some spitfires. But I'm still wondering if such systems like these would present any problems/conflicts.... BTW, did you see those photon rockets I put in my wheelchair? arent they loooovely?" :88)
Come on. You know the answer beforehand.
SteamWake
06-13-07, 08:09 PM
buteobuteo, sincerelly, what is the purpose of this thread???
you came here to say something like "hey, lets go hunting elephants with my new m1 tank, then we could make some practice with my new F22 shooting down some spitfires. But I'm still wondering if such systems like these would present any problems/conflicts.... BTW, did you see those photon rockets I put in my wheelchair? arent they loooovely?" :88)
Come on. You know the answer beforehand.
Isint it obvious.
Midlife crisis computer envy :88)
Why not scrap the new PC idea and just get a Harley?
Canonicus
06-13-07, 09:24 PM
buteobuteo, sincerelly, what is the purpose of this thread???
you came here to say something like "hey, lets go hunting elephants with my new m1 tank, then we could make some practice with my new F22 shooting down some spitfires. But I'm still wondering if such systems like these would present any problems/conflicts.... BTW, did you see those photon rockets I put in my wheelchair? arent they loooovely?" :88)
Come on. You know the answer beforehand.
Isint it obvious.
Midlife crisis computer envy :88)
You are soooo right!, mate :rotfl:
Lt. Staumeier
06-14-07, 02:30 AM
Actually, his question is completely and utterly justified. The fact that his processor can handle the game and the graphic card is obvious. However if Quad Core or SLI is going to be an issue is not.
SHIV doesn't benefit from multiple cores, so having anything above Dual Core is a waste of cash. (Go for a 2.4 GHz AKA the 6600). So, HyperThreading is all you can hope for unless they patch it to use dual cores (like they did with S.T.A.L.K.E.R.)
SLI is likewise something that has to be supported by the game, if not, it's simply not worth the cash, because the mediocre performance increase isn't worth it.
And since SHIV supports neither multi-cores or SLI, I say that rig is just way over the top. SLI is for extreme gamers. ONE 8800 GTS will be enough for SHIV ANY day. Got one myself and I can run it in 1680x1050 with 4x AA and 8x AF. Easy. So ONE 8800 GTX will be MORE than enough. And to get some power from the processor, get the E6600 2,4 GHz Core2Duo. More than enough.
At least that's my opinion. Don't go with the hype. SLI is dead. There's too little support for it, and too much cash to be spent to build a solid base to encourage game designers to add support for it.
Mr.Elendig
06-14-07, 05:41 AM
I woudn't buy a quad core now, since the next gen ones (will probably be out late this year, or early nex year, are going to be a heck of a lot better. (the figures are 15-30% on the same clock speed)
buteobuteo
06-14-07, 08:41 AM
Thanks for all the advice guys. I have decided after reading all your posts to opt for E6700 2.67Ghz Dual core + a single 768mb 8800 GTX.
One more question, XP or Vista.
buteobuteo,
Sounds like a much better plan, at least from a cost benefit standpoint. I am considering doing something similar with a Core 2 2.4 and a 640MB GTS (should be plenty horespower for SH4 at 1/2 the cost). Total for a new system is expected to be about 1100 USD.
I would go with the XP. From what I understand, Vista has some cool bells and whistles but there is no real performance increase and XP is a tried and true product (i.e. the bugs have been worked out). If you enjoy being a beta tester for MS then I would go with Vista.
probably total overkill for playing games, but why drive a Honda when you can afford a Porsche
Hit a little close to home....I used to own a porsche, now I drive a honda (minivan at that). It is amazing what you will do for your kids :D
SteamWake
06-14-07, 10:01 AM
Thanks for all the advice guys. I have decided after reading all your posts to opt for E6700 2.67Ghz Dual core + a single 768mb 8800 GTX.
One more question, XP or Vista.
Personally I would go with XP as hardware manufacturers havent really come up to speed with drivers for vista as yet.
Also I see a lot of CTD reports here and the great majority of them are vista users.
You can always upgrade in the future.
GnarPow
06-14-07, 10:09 AM
Thanks for all the advice guys. I have decided after reading all your posts to opt for E6700 2.67Ghz Dual core + a single 768mb 8800 GTX.
One more question, XP or Vista.
You will be extremely satisfied with that I am SURE... I have a E6400 with a 8800 GTS Superclocked and it runs everything awesome at max settings... your system would kick way more ass Im sure.
And screw vista until at least SP2... I am waiting until I need it for DX10 games and then I am going to get it.
Donavan
06-14-07, 05:31 PM
I have a dual-core, with SLI twin 7900's. I get flickering graphics on occasion. I just keep reloading the game (2 x's usually) and eventually I get normal graphics. I run max resolution and when needed time compression over 3000 x normal. No sweat.
XP-pro, DX-9c, latest drivers.
My system never has any problems except with SH4, just occasional flickering. Hope that helps somehow.
jackattack
06-14-07, 09:17 PM
buteobuteo,
Seems like you've made a decision. As a quad core owner QX6700 w/ a single 8800 GTX I wouldn't go quad core unless you're going to do lots of video encoding and heavy multitasking. Quad core is amazing if you are putting your minidv tapes on dvd, for example, or doing other video projects. I'm also a musician and use my pc as a home recording studio and quad core helps some w/ that software but not as much as w/ video.
Bottom line - if you are using your PC for everyday tasks, business, games, etc. do not buy quad core yet. I love the multitasking benefits of quad core but it's overkill if you aren't doing heavy multitasking ... Still, it is aweseom - I can burn a dvd, have adobe photoshop open, itunes open and play a game at the same time w/o any slow down. The axiom "software gets slower faster than hardware gets faster" does not apply to quad core - for once you will be a year or two or more ahead of software.
I use XP and am holding off on Vista until they come out w/ SP1 and until Cisco VPN comes out w/ Vista drivers. (Make sure your current hardware is compatible w/ Vista - many companies haven't released stable drivers).
BTW - I sold my car before I upgrading - wasn't cheap
Also, cooling - you need an aftermarket cooler (Zalman 9700) for a quad core chip. With good air cooling it stays cool ...
Thanks for all the advice guys. I have decided after reading all your posts to opt for E6700 2.67Ghz Dual core + a single 768mb 8800 GTX.
One more question, XP or Vista.
Good choices. XP is proven Vista is not. If your building your system try pricewatch or newegg they have the best prices on all pc components. Pricewatch is a website that basically monitors the web for prices on a specific product you select, it has no favorite store. A E6700 goes for around $315 online see how much you pay if you go to a retail store. Also the price difference between a 8800 GTX and 8800 Ultra is not much at all 10-40bucks!. Go with Ultra and savor the extra 63mhz core speed and the extra 260 mhz of memory speed. I am sure it will give you better performance for not much more $. I found that shopping online saved me $$$, so you can say im sharing the wealth.
One more bit of advice many will benefit from. I highly recommend you look into the Asus Striker Extreme or the ABIT IP35 Pro motherboard. Both are fast and are good overclockers, especially the abit.They both support the latest Intel dual core processor coming, the Penryn, which has a 1333mhz system bus. Based on a limited number of reviews out about Penryn, it smokes the current processor out there.
I'm in the process of selling my house and (hopefully) will have some spare cash to upgrade to a better PC. The system I'm looking at has an Intel Quad-core processor and two GeForce 768mb 8800GTX SLI cards. I'm wondering if a system like this would present any problems/conflicts with SH4.
I have an Intel QX6700 quad core running Vista with no problem. THe biggest improvement you will see in the sim world will come from the 8800 Nvidia video card. It made a marked difference when I put SH4 on my new system. Everything loaded faster and moved much smoother. WOrd of advice, Haunt the Nvidia site as the Vista drivers for the 8800 are being updated on a regular basis.
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