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Benefit of multiple video cards?

Post Date: 2008-07-28
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Colann View Drop Down
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Posts: 2 		  Quote Colann Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Topic: Benefit of multiple video cards?
    Posted: 28 Jul 2008 at 8:54pm
I'm hoping to get a Digital Storm computer for my birthday next month and I'm wondering, what is the benefit of having two or three video cards as opposed to just one. Should I try and go for say.. two 512mbs or one 1gb? I'm primarily going to be using the computer for playing games like WoW or C&C3.

Thanks

John
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skyR View Drop Down
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Posts: 2220 		  Quote skyR Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 28 Jul 2008 at 8:56pm
You'll achieve better frame rates in higher resolutions with multiple video cards.
The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star.
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Colann View Drop Down
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Posts: 2 		  Quote Colann Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 28 Jul 2008 at 8:58pm
So if I was going to play C&C3 at say...1280x1024, would a second card have much of an impact?
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TomD View Drop Down
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Posts: 289 		  Quote TomD Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 28 Jul 2008 at 9:30pm
Colann,
 
C&C3 isn't very intensive graphics wise. At 1280x1024 a single reasonably good card will do great. Same with WOW unless the expansioins have changed things. Its been a while since I played it.
 
Good luck on your new purchase!
 
Tom
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SunfighterLC View Drop Down
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Posts: 1527 		  Quote SunfighterLC Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 28 Jul 2008 at 9:51pm
Its a common misconception that two 512 cards will equal 1GB of video memory, but that isnt the case. Two 512MB cards will still only have 512MB of video memory. The memory doesnt combine. The same goes with the "1GB" 9800GX2, there is actually only 512MB of video memory on it. This is because of the way SLI or crossfire works. The cards do not share their resources with each other.
 
I wouldnt recommend SLI or Crossfire for anything under a 22inch and below monitor. In the lower resolutions youd be much better off just getting a high single card. I can attest to the fact that a single GTX 280 is more then enough to play every game *Crysis not withstanding* at 1900x1200 with everything on max and still have smooth framerates. Even for me a second GTX 280 was kind of a waste, but im an ego freak.
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