SLI

[Mace2004]

OK, this may be a stupid question but what's better, two $110 cards with SLI or one $220 card?  For instance, two GTS 250 w/512/256 vs one GTX275 w/896/448?  I know there's the better growth potential by going with the GTX and then adding another GTX in the future but for right now which performs better?

[Fulmar]

The important thing to remember with SLI is that 2 cards in SLI does not mean 2x the performance.  Depending on the application, SLI configs gain from 5-20% performance gains in real life.

So in short order, the GTX 275 should do much better.

[BaldEagl]

The best option is always the single best card you can afford, even for the future.  When the time comes e-bay the old card and get another new single card at the top of your budget.

I SLI'd and it wasn't worth it.

[alskahawk]

  Heres my thoughts on SLI based on having built and owning three SLI systems.
1. If your budget allows for a 200 dollar VC. Buy a $200 VC. Expecting 2 $100 VCs to out perform a $200 VC is unrealistic.
2. SLI is good if: Your building the top of the line system and you need the extra VC for more..Whatever you need that much for.
3. As an upgrade; Buy the best VC you can now. Later if you think you want more video processing power add another. IF...
 
 a. PSU. More stuff means more power requirements. 500W is probably the minimum for any PC. Yes you can build systems with less PSU but power requirements seldom go down they go up.
 b. Cooling; Especially with higher end cards. Bigger the card more the heat, more heat more problems.
 c. Space. A excellent cooling case is a bonus with a single card system. With SLI it is needed.
 d. If you SLI you need to look at every component you chose first. Putting a second VC on a budget MB not recomended. Instead of a SLI buy the best MB, CPU, PSU, case, Ram, HD you can.
 A well built $1000 single VC system will probably get you all the performance you need for the next two years. After that no matter what you build you'll probably need another system.