GTX 680 ($500) or 2x GTX 560ti/570 (~$400/$500)

flyguy5187 · 24 Mar 2012

so now that the new GTX680 came out, would it be better to get the new 680 or SLI a 560 or 570? The new 680 has almost 4x the CUDA cores as a single 560/570 tho, big difference? Also with the new power efficiency of the 680, is it safe to assume that it will consume less power if I SLI the 680 compared with SLI-ing a 580? If that is the case, I can assume it would be safe to SLI a 680 with my current PSU for the future? any input would be appreciated thanks!

onyxaj · 24 Mar 2012

I would run a 680 instead of two 500 series in SLI. Technically, it would have an overall higher VRAM, but from my experience with SLI, the system bottlenecks too easily, and a slightly better single card usually outperforms two lower end card. As far as the power consumption, you will need to check how much the 680 takes. From what I read (information could have mislead me), it seems that it doesnt actually take less power to operate, but uses the power more efficiently.

smarteyeball · 24 Mar 2012

flyguy5187 said:

so now that the new GTX680 came out, would it be better to get the new 680 or SLI a 560 or 570?

Depends what you have now. If you have either an existing 560/570, then obviously the cheaper option would be to add another of what you've got.

Your current resolution also makes a big difference - if you plan to triple monitor/surround, or if you're driving a 30" - you'll need as much VRAM and grunt as possible.

Newer and more intensive titles are really start to chew up VRAM with all bells and whistles enabled. Or games with high-res texture mods (ie skyrim)

However the majority of titles still consume less than 1GB at 1920x1200/1080.

If at stock CPU clock speed, as onyxaj mentioned - it becomes a bottleneck when in SLI. SLI also has it's own quirks and as former multiple multi GPU user, going to a single faster card than two slower cards - a single GPU wins hands down. Less bugs and a smoother experience overall.

The TDP of these newer cards are supposed to be lower due to the 28nm, but the jury is still out on how much they consume when Overclocked. 750W for two 680's 'may' be okay with your current PSU, but there's not enough mass user input to say for certain.

Personally I'd go a single 680 and take it from there.

profdlp · 24 Mar 2012

Based on the power requirements, heat output, and noise, I would pick the 680. The only benefit to the dual card solution would be that you could purchase them separately, which might be an easier hit on your budget.

Maximum PC | Kepler Unveiled: Nvidia's GTX 680 Benchmarked In-Depth!

CPU magazine just had another mind-boggling review in their print edition.

flyguy5187 · 24 Mar 2012

ok I guess i will pony up the extra dough to buy the 680, thx for the input guys! now gotta wait tll they get in stock =/

flyguy5187 · 24 Mar 2012

o yea, is there any other manufacturer that offers the trade up program like EVGA? figured it will be a better investment getting a 680 thru EVGA then? thx

smarteyeball · 26 Mar 2012

Only EVGA does the step up programme as far as I'm aware.

M1GU31 · 26 Mar 2012

would go with a single 680 since the 560ti's will get outdated quicker and then later you can sli a two gtx 680's