GTX 280 Tri-SLI Tested

Mike D. 17 Jun, 2008 at 9:03am ET Article published in Tech

Comments

1. 
   17 Jun 2008 ~ 10:21am Qeldroma I've always thought that the multi-GPU scenario required more dollars than sense. Clipping out a 1000W PSU? Time to think of installing 30A 208VAC home receptacles. $1200 extra for a 5-10% performance boost...if that? Time to really define the term "disposable income".
   
   Then again- I wonder how they Fold...hmmmm.
   
   This doesn't sound good- sort of reminds me of the 5xxx series boards. If AMD/ATI has an ace in the hole, now's the time.
2. 
   17 Jun 2008 ~ 12:57pm lemonlime

   Qeldroma wrote:

   This doesn't sound good- sort of reminds me of the 5xxx series boards. If AMD/ATI has an ace in the hole, now's the time.

   
   Although the 4850 won't outperform a single GTX 280, a pair of them is cheaper and faster, apparently I haven't heard anything about the 4870 yet. They should be released shortly.
3. 
   18 Jun 2008 ~ 12:23pm Qeldroma

   lemonlime wrote:

   Although the 4850 won't outperform a single GTX 280, a pair of them is cheaper and faster, apparently I haven't heard anything about the 4870 yet. They should be released shortly.

   
   Yeah, I had seen your clip. Without having seen the actual comparison data, I really can't say if what I'm thinking is correct. However, from what I've seen of SLI or Crossfire, the performance gained by adding GPUs has been distressingly dissappointing. If the 4850 follows trend, then ONE 4850 board will likely give me 65-85% the performance of a 280...for about a 1/3 the dollar and possibly use less Watts. If the 4870 comes out faster and has GDDR5, the 280 might be matched or eclipsed. If they couple it with a reasonable price point.....
   
   We'll see shortly- I hope.
4. 
   18 Jun 2008 ~ 2:21pm QCH NICE