SLI question

[stevek11290]

Does SLI configuration give any real advantage when only using the computer for digital imaging or photoshop work and general internet / household use? And, is it any advantage to have an SLI motherboard for a new build if only planning on using one video card or is it just a good idea for a possible future upgrade

[newbuilder14]

Well, SLI is discouraged here since many believe it is somewhat of a marketing gimmick - the real advantage you'll get is when gaming at very high resolutions.

SLI and AMD are okay together, but if you want an Intel build... forget it... there is 680i but Intel chipsets are proven to be much stabler.

If you do photo editing then you should look into ATI video cards.

[stevek11290]

Not a gamer although sometimes flight simulators. Will be doing an AMD X2 build not Intel. Was just looking at MoBo reviews while here at work and wondered if it was worth looking into or not.

[Mr.Ferrari]

Too add, for your purposes you just need a decent card low/midrange card. If theres anything theres picture quality, which ATi cards tend to excel in. Look at the X1300 series w/o turbocache.

I would spend the $$ on more ram and maybe a faster processor then I would on videocard.

Something like the 7600gt would be good if your doing some gaming.

[newbuilder14]

Well, if you're going AMD I would suggest you go ahead and get an SLI motherboard.

Here is my suggestion: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131011

If you decide to go against it, I'd pick the regular Asus M2N-E: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131022

Edit: Wow, that SLI board is expensive... in that case I'd suggest just the plain M2N-E since DX10 is PLENTY powerful and as Mr. Ferrari said the midrange ATI cards are better suited for your purposes anyway.

[stevek11290]

Had been looking at either the Epox MF570SLI or the Foxconn C51XEM2AA, both between $140 and 190. As far as video cards, had been looking at the 7600gt series already and also the ATI X1650 pro cards, 256 DDR3 memory.

Thanks for the input.

[newbuilder14]

I highly suggest against those two boards - they are substandard but you are working with the infamous AM2 platform - I'd get a quality M2N-E board from Asus. If budget is an issue, drop SLI, not quality. :)

As for the video cards, both are fine choices - maybe the X1650Pro would give better performance for your needs.

[Extremerc12]

I would suggest taking a look at Abit boards. Abit unlike Asus, Gigabyte and all the others, test the new chipset for a few months before they release something. With Asus and the others, they rush to get new chipsets out. Not only that, you are getting a lot of crap you will never need or use. Just my 2 cents. Gives you another option.

[newbuilder14]

Fair comment, I heard the Abit K9N was decent: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813127008

My choice is still the M2N-E because Asus makes top quality boards, and I don't necessary agree what you said about them rushing things. :)

[stevek11290]

Fair comment, I heard the Abit K9N was decent: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813127008

My choice is still the M2N-E because Asus makes top quality boards, and I don't necessary agree what you said about them rushing things.

The Abit board had originally (1 week ago) been my first choice, then the price went up and I started looking at the SLI boards as a possilbe better long-term, build for the future, value.

Wil look at the ASUS board when I get home in an hour or so. Looked at it briefly and it looks good also.

Thanks all

[newbuilder14]

The only thing is that it isn't SLI compatible, which is fine, one video card is more than enough unless you play games at high resolutions, and you've clearly stated you only plan to do some gaming but mostly photo editing. :) That M2N-E would pair very nicely with a 3800+ X2 and Corsair XMS2 memory.

[glc]

SLI is *ONLY* for gaming and only for Nvidia video cards. I wouldn't bother with the extra expense and complexity for your use.