SLI Really Worth It?

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  1. Posts : 117
    Windows 7 [64-Bit]
       #1

    SLI Really Worth It?


    I am trying to figure out if picking up another GPU to run in SLI is really going to be worth my time and/or money.
    While playing video games I usually run capturing software in the background. I usually switch between Fraps and Bandicam. When I start to record in game footage my FPS will usually drop down to the low 20's. When I am not recording I average 35-55 fps. My question is, if I decide to run another card in SLI will I notice FPS improvements during normal gaming sessions and/or when I'm capturing footage.
    By the way I am running at 1920x1080p resolution.
    Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.


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  2. Posts : 12,364
    8 Pro x64
       #2

    Depending on the game/SLI profile driver support - yes, you will notice a definite improvement.

    There will be a few games here and there that won't benefit that much, or will cause glitches due to lack of game engine/driver support - but for those that are supported your framerate will increase and allow you to potentially run at even higher settings.

    SLI (or multiple cards in general) are not glitch free and can cause headaches of their own; but when it works - it works well. If you've already got a 550ti, it would be worthwhile grabbing another one.

    As for recording, you should see some improvements in certain titles. Fraps pretty much halves your framerate when recoding as is (as you've noticed) so an increased framerate will also result in smoother recording.
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  3. Posts : 117
    Windows 7 [64-Bit]
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thank you very much. I will most likely be picking up another 550ti now. I just hope that I notice a improvement concerning the heavy FPS drop I experience while capturing footage.
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  4. Posts : 26,861
    Windows 11 Pro
       #4

    Perhaps you can find another capture program instead of FRAPS. Fraps will really drag down performance while recording. There may be better options.
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  5. Posts : 117
    Windows 7 [64-Bit]
    Thread Starter
       #5

    essenbe said:
    Perhaps you can find another capture program instead of FRAPS. Fraps will really drag down performance while recording. There may be better options.
    I also use Bandicam but that can also slow things down during moments of capturing as well.
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  6. Posts : 7
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
       #6

    i suggest that you upgrade in steed i had a gtx 550ti just like you butt i have upgrade to a gtx670. it is cheaper in the long therm..
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  7. Posts : 710
    Win7 Pro x64
       #7

    Yeah, the tech moves too fast for SLI to be an effective solution for long (let alone a cost-effective one). Your specs are pretty good already btw, normally fraps recording shouldn't lag much - then I noticed your resolution; stepping it down a bit may help, if it's an option.
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  8. Posts : 117
    Windows 7 [64-Bit]
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Trucidation said:
    Yeah, the tech moves too fast for SLI to be an effective solution for long (let alone a cost-effective one). Your specs are pretty good already btw, normally fraps recording shouldn't lag much - then I noticed your resolution; stepping it down a bit may help, if it's an option.
    Thank you for the advice but "stepping it down" is not an option. When I consider the amount of money I paid for my rig you better believe that I plan on having the most visually impressive experience that I can possibly fathom.
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  9. Posts : 7,466
    Windows 10 Home Premium 64bit sp1
       #9

    your good for a while if you SLI two 550 TI's you will see a good jump in frame rate and performance
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  10. Posts : 117
    Windows 7 [64-Bit]
    Thread Starter
       #10

    I will be getting my 2nd GTX 550ti in the mail today. I will run it in SLI with my current one and share my results. I had another question though. I have a old 9800 GTX that I don't use anymore and I was wondering if it would be a waste of time to SLI my two GTX 550's while also using my old 9800 as a disignated PhyXs card. Your thoughts?
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