GTX 260 Core 216 SLI vs. Radeon 4870X2

[usfbull09]

Alright, I know this forum may be biased, but I'm trying to decide between these two configurations for my next comp...

Of the reviews I've read, the SLI seems to perform better than the Radeon, but I'm really worried about overheating...I know the Radeon GPUs can withstand a high temp. and I know that the included fan on those cards pushes heat outside the case...Basically, how do I keep the SLI config from overheating? Will the stock fans do it, or do I need to spend a lot on a liquid cooling system? I was planning on using the Freezone or Freezone Elite (not Pure) since it doesn't take up too much space, and it's internal...I don't think there is a GPU block that can connect to the Freezones...

This is my planned build:

CPU: Intel Core i7 920-2.66 GHz (plan to overclock to ~3.5 stable)
MoBo: Asus P6T Deluxe
RAM: Patriot Viper 6GB DDR3 1600
GTX 260 Core 216 OC-SLI
HDD: WD VelociRaptor 150GB, WD Caviar 640GB 7200
CPU Cooler: Freezone Elite CPU Cooler
Sound: Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy (cheap, upgrade later)
Drives: LG Blu-Ray/HD-DVD/DVD-RW
PSU: PC Power & Cooling 1000W Power Supply
Case: Coolermaster Cosmos 1000/Cosmos S/Antec 1200 Case (any recommendation)
Monitor: A 24" 1920x1080/1200 monitor yet to be named
What do you all think of the build (This is the first I'll be building myself, always got recs. from other people) and back to my original question, how do I cool the SLI 260s? Thanks for any recommendations, appreciate it...

[john19055]

I have know problem kepping my two BFG GTX 280 OCX running in SLI at 665/1458/2400 and keeping them cool.I can set the fan at 55% to 60% and I have no problems with my tempertures,and it not loud at them settings or at least for me.

[spokenfor]

Alright, I know this forum may be biased, but I'm trying to decide between these two configurations for my next comp...

Of the reviews I've read, the SLI seems to perform better than the Radeon, but I'm really worried about overheating...I know the Radeon GPUs can withstand a high temp. and I know that the included fan on those cards pushes heat outside the case...Basically, how do I keep the SLI config from overheating? Will the stock fans do it, or do I need to spend a lot on a liquid cooling system? I was planning on using the Freezone or Freezone Elite (not Pure) since it doesn't take up too much space, and it's internal...I don't think there is a GPU block that can connect to the Freezones...

This is my planned build:

CPU: Intel Core i7 920-2.66 GHz (plan to overclock to ~3.5 stable)
MoBo: Asus P6T Deluxe
RAM: Patriot Viper 6GB DDR3 1600
GTX 260 Core 216 OC-SLI
HDD: WD VelociRaptor 150GB, WD Caviar 640GB 7200
CPU Cooler: Freezone Elite CPU Cooler
Sound: Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy (cheap, upgrade later)
Drives: LG Blu-Ray/HD-DVD/DVD-RW
PSU: PC Power & Cooling 1000W Power Supply
Case: Coolermaster Cosmos 1000/Cosmos S/Antec 1200 Case (any recommendation)
Monitor: A 24" 1920x1080/1200 monitor yet to be named
What do you all think of the build (This is the first I'll be building myself, always got recs. from other people) and back to my original question, how do I cool the SLI 260s? Thanks for any recommendations, appreciate it...

Now that you can do SLI on an intel board I would have to say SLI is the best choice.

[Dreamweavernoob]

To be honest mate, with that PSU, silence is the least of your worries :|

[usfbull09]

uhh...is that a bad PSU? that is one part i honestly know nothing about...i just picked a 1000W power supply thats SLI certified...can anyone give a better PSU recommendation? thanks for all the quick replies, much appreciated...it looks like i will go SLI with my new system...

[Dreamweavernoob]

uhh...is that a bad PSU? that is one part i honestly know nothing about...i just picked a 1000W power supply thats SLI certified...can anyone give a better PSU recommendation? thanks for all the quick replies, much appreciated...it looks like i will go SLI with my new system...

Its meant to be a good PSU, but from what I heard (unless things have changed :o) its a really really loud PSU.

[usfbull09]

ahh...loud...i see what you're saying, kinda defeats one of the main aspects of liquid cooling...well damn...i can definitely look for plenty of other PSUs, is 1000W a minimum i should look for, or will 800 W or so do well? I would really like to keep price under $2500, and I may wait for monitor and just game with 1440x900 for a few months until i save enough to get a new monitor...thanks for all the advice

[jcossin]

I'm REAL happy with my Power Supply and it is very quiet!

[XDanger]

Alright, I know this forum may be biased,
But its not.

[Tr1cK]

But its not.

Just some focus group members are.

[john19055]

You can get a SilverStone OP-E 1000w for $199 and two Evga GTX 260(216) for $239 a piece.Plus you can get a 24" Samsung monitor for as low as $369

[ATi]

Get the GTX260 of course:D ATi:thumbdwn: i just ordered a GeForce GTX 260 Black Edition Core 216 896MB....Thanksgiving Day special savings on it now at newegg.com

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150330

[Amaury]

awesome deal. that's a great card based on reviews.

[usfbull09]

agh...still not sure what to get...i'm trying to watercool my system, so the 4870x2 would be cheaper even still in that respect, but ive heard the drivers for 4870x2 are terrible...any owners wanna chime in? another option i had is to buy gtx 280 right now, and then in a few months, get another 280 to put in sli...in the end this costs the most, but it'll keep build costs down right now...what do you all think of that idea?

[jcossin]

I just sold my 4870x2 on eBay because the drivers haven't been so great. Going back to nVidia with a 260 core 216.

Definitely buy your stuff on eBay, 30% off everything right now! Check gotapex.com for the instructions I posted there. If you pay with a PayPal balance the cashback is instant which is awesome! Got my GTX 260 core 216 for $145 after the cashback and a 20% off eBay coupon I had...