GTX 285 vs 8800 GTX SLI in Crysis

[Kemo]

I have benchmarks for those who are looking for this comparison using Crysis Benchmark Tool. All results shown here are from the 3rd run in the loop to ensure all caches are warm and textures loaded for a pure framerate benchmark.

8800GTX SLI 624/1462/1057 1680x1050 4xAA
Min FPS: 28.90, Max FPS: 58.44, Average FPS: 48.16

with Vsync and Triplebuffering (d3d9_triplebuffering=1)
Min FPS: 33.36, Max FPS: 58.89, Average FPS: 48.37

GTX285 666/1512/1242 1680x1050 4xAA
Min FPS: 32.86, Max FPS: 61.13, Average FPS: 47.91

with Vsync and Triplebuffering (d3d9_triplebuffering=1)
Min FPS: 32.24, Max FPS: 59.82, Average FPS: 47.85


So now I am debating whether or not to return this 285 and hold out until the next wave. SLI gave me problems along with higher framerates. Problems such as microstuttering, texture glitching and HEAT. Ever since I started using the 285 my case became an A/C. I payed $343 for the 285, $650 and $250 for the 8800GTXs. After four generations one would think the 285 would outperform two 8800GTX by a considerable margin. I guess not.

[Ancient76]

After four generations one would think the 285 would outperform two 8800GTX by a considerable margin. I guess not.

You're kidding GTX 285 is practically doubled G80.

[Kemo]

the numbers don't lie, friend. I was expecting a major increase from G80 to G100. I returned the 285 anyways cuz i'm going to wait for some brand new tech. I went from a geforce 5950 ultra, 7800 GT, to 8800 GTX. Every upgrade was a substantial increase in performance. Now I figured the 285 would crush 2 8800s being that it had more memory and more bandwidth.

[$n][pErMan]

Wow... crazy man. My GTX285 blew my single 8800GTX out of the water.

[jimmyjames123]

Well let's see. You spent $900 on two 8800 GTX's over the last 2-3 years, and admitted that they give you problems with microstuttering/glitches/heat, and you are upset that a $343 GTX 285 doesn't have higher framerate with one game? Okaaaayyy

The mere fact that the GTX 285 is a single gpu and call pull comparable framerate to two prior gen high end GPU's in SLI is an advantage in and of itself, since there is no multi-gpu related problems like you described above.

Getting 2x higher performance from one high end card to another in a 2-3 year timeframe is expected. Comparing a single GPU to two in SLI is always an apples to oranges comparison because of the issues with multi gpu.

[SilentMercury]

I was about to order me a couple o' 285's for $350 a piece to replace my 8800GTX's, but after reading this I am not so sure it would be worth it.

[Sazar]

Originally Posted by SilentMercury

I was about to order me a couple o' 285's for $350 a piece to replace my 8800GTX's, but after reading this I am not so sure it would be worth it.

2 would be worth it. 1 may not be as per kemo's tests.

[SilentMercury]

Originally Posted by Sazar

2 would be worth it. 1 may not be as per kemo's tests.

Rock'n'roll.

[SilentMercury]

I run games at 1920*1200 so maybe I'll have better results.

[walterman]

The GTX 285 has 2-3x times the shading power of the 8800GTX, but, the bandwidth is only a 60-80% higher. That's why your results with the GTX285 are roughly 2x times faster than with the 8800GTX SLI system. The bandwidth is not scaling properly with the shading power, and we are getting bigger & bigger screens, and wanting to use higher levels of AA/AF.

I expect to see a huge increase in the framerate with the GT300, if it pairs GDDR5 with the 512bit bus, or at least with that 7GHz GDDR5 memory. In this last case, Nvidia might be lowering the number of ROP units from 32 to 16, and this could be a bad thing if they do not enhance them, or raise their clocks significantly.

I think that your scores with the GTX285 should be higher than with the 8800GTX SLI.

Check my results: http://www.nvnews.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=127124

Crysis DX10 VH -> No AA: 93% / MSAA 4x: 80% / CSAA 16xQ: 120%

Overall -> No AA: 75% / MSAA 4x: 85% / CSAA 16xQ: 118% / SSAA 2x: 99% / Combined 16xS: 247%

Hope this helps

[Kemo]

Im not saying the GTX285 is not a good upgrade from 8800GTX SLI, the framerate was smoother and more stable, however not enough to warrant a purchase for $343. I wanted to get this benchmark out there so people could get an idea before going out and buying the 285. Im all about waiting for future generations. I told myself after these results to wait until my 8800s could not handle games at a playable (30fps+) framerate. As for lost money, you lose money as soon as you buy a video card like an automobile. That's understood as soon as I sign the line and hit accept.

[davidm71]

I went to a single 285 after having two 8800gtx's in SLI and I must say I definitely feel the difference. For instance even though my average FarCry2 bench went from 33 to 40 fps with the sli on the 8800's I can only say that there has got to be a cpu limitation in some cases. Other games play much much smoother. The minimum fps must be higher than it was before. Imagine what two 285's can do?

So try playing Crysis a little instead of benching and you'll see the difference...