Bones needs a new graphics card(s)

[Bones4]

I just sold my SLI 670's because the 2GB VRAM wasn't cutting it. I play in 2560x1440. Should I get gtx 970 sli (there are problems with VRAM over 3.5GB usage) or a single gtx 980 (no VRAM issue) for now?

I've researched, but find conflicting opinions. I'll play anything from light indie games to BF4, Farcry 4, GTA V, etc...

[Ad Bot]

[ZERØ]

No love for AMD...


But in all seriousness I'd say go with the single gtx 980, since it looks like the best solution for you.

[Ninja Decoy]

anything that uses SLI will benefit from the 2 SLIs, but you'll get more out of games with no SLI compatibility's with the 980

also the issue with the Vram on the 970 isn't a bit deal, its just that that last .5gb are slower than the rest. Id say get the SLI

[Bones4]

Yeah, I've never liked AMD. The only think about getting that 980 that sucks is that they aren't THAT much better than the 970...  but I could get 970 sli for $600 and a single 980 for $500.

[Steve5451²]

I just sold my SLI 670's because the 2GB VRAM wasn't cutting it. I play in 2560x1440. Should I get gtx 970 sli (there are problems with VRAM over 3.5GB usage) or a single gtx 980 (no VRAM issue) for now?

I've researched, but find conflicting opinions. I'll play anything from light indie games to BF4, Farcry 4, GTA V, etc...

The last 500mb is still faster than offloading to the system memory. I only play at 1080p but I've yet to even reach 3GB, let alone 3.5.

[Bones4]

The last 500mb is still faster than offloading to the system memory. I only play at 1080p but I've yet to even reach 3GB, let alone 3.5.

It's not hard to hit 3.5 in 1440p.

[Steve5451²]

I wonder why you still can't use both card's vRAM in SLI. I guess it's a technical limitation but you'd think they'd get around that by now. :(

[Bones4]

Bump :/

[QuadStorm]

I have a gtx 980, and it's a pretty damn great card (which you'd expect). Considering I only use a 1080p monitor and only play moderately intensive games, it's pretty much overkill for what I do, but it's worth it imo. However, 2x 970's in SLI should be faster than a single 980, so if you're looking for a better overall performance to price ratio, dual 970's should be better.

EDIT: I hope you enjoy your 980 and it fits your needs.

[Bones4]

I agree, but this scares me a bit: http://www.pcgamer.com/nvidia-faces-false-advertising-lawsuit-over-gtx-970-specs/

Also, SLI has slight drawbacks.

[Jasa]

Go for the single 980.

I wouldn't recommend SLI because of the noise, heat, and power of having 2 separate cards. Also, a majority of indie games do not support it.

[Steve5451²]

Go for the single 980.

I wouldn't recommend SLI because of the noise, heat, and power of having 2 separate cards. Also, a majority of indie games do not support it.

Chances are that an indie game wouldn't require the power of SLI anyway.

EDIT:

[Bones4]

Some will depending on the engine.

[Steve5451²]

Some will depending on the engine.

You sound set on your decision, why are you still asking?

[TristanLuigi]

No love for AMD...

AMD cards have in general given me nothing but trouble. They've done a lot of funny things, like requiring to be used in tandem with an integrated card, killing Civ V if it's in fullscreen, crashing Starbound (also maybe Java's fault, to be fair) and causing trouble with Blockland shaders.

Frankly, I don't recommend one.