Should I drop the money for SLI?

[t_darc]

Hey all. I'm facing a bit of a dilema here and was hoping some of you could help me make sense of this. I'm about to build a system but I'm still debating on whether or not to go with the nForce4 SLI based mobo.

My frist option: Go with the Giga Byte GA-K8NXP-SLI mobo with this video card -----> http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...122-207&depa=0

OR

My second option: Go with the Giga Byte GA-K8NF-9 mobo with this video card -----> http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduc...factory=BROWSE

I'm torn between those two options so what would you guys choose? Both setups are using PCI-E, but only the first option would be taking advantage of the SLI. Both mobos have nForce4 chipsets. So, while the first option has SLI, the X800Pro Vid Card has better numbers than the nVidia 6800 with the SLI. Does that mean it's a better card regardless? Also, do I HAVE to use 2 Video Cards with the SLI setup or will the dual PCI-E mobo function with one for the time being? Thanks in advance!

[bombledmonk]

Niether of those video cards will work in SLI as far as I know. ATI doesn't even have an SLI solution, and the plain 6800 series does not have the necessary connector for SLI

If you were to do SLI I'd recommend picking up a 6600GT right now and get another when you feel you need it either now or down the road(when they are cheaper.) You'd be getting something equal to or better (sometimes worse as well though) than a 6800Ultra for much, much less. (~$370-400)

IMO 6800GT is much too expensive because of bloated PCIe 6800GT prices. You may have found this out as well.

[t_darc]

Look at the specs in the link I posted for the 6800.

"Support SLI(Scalable Link Interface): Yes"

[splatfreak]

Go with the 6800 they are great cards.I have the FXF 6800 and WOW ,Far Cry and UT 2004 run so good with the settings turned up.I would love to get two cards set up with SLI.Thats what I'm getting for my next rig.