Triple SLI or Dual SLI + PHYSX

nvidia-graphics-cardphysxsli

I've currently got dual GTX-280s in my system which supports triple SLI.

Am I better off getting a 3rd GTX-280 and going triple SLI, or using that 3rd video card as a PHYSX processor instead?

If i decide to go the Physx route, does it matter how powerful the GPU is -i.e. does it make sense to drop some cash on another GTX-XXX card vs picking up a 9600GT or 9800GT on the cheap?

EDIT

Machine is a c2d E8500 running at 4.5ghz, 1200watt PSU in an Antec 1200 case.

Yes, i have a motherboard that supports 3 dual slot video cards. Yes it supports triple SLI. Yes i have plenty of cooling. Yes i have plenty of power. Yes everything else is up to spec and is about as fast as i can manage without going Core I7.

Best Answer

For going multi-graphics cards, you need to ascertain these things,

  • Does your motherboard support 3 graphics cards?
    • I think each would be x16
    • given your question & PSU detail, I guess you have a good SLI capable board
    • SLI PSU ref
  • Will your power supply unit take the three cards?
    • this is in terms of wattage and connectors
    • I get the feeling that @1200W, you probably have the connectors too, but worth checking
  • Once you get these things sorted out, the next important angle is the thermal one
    • Do you think you have enough cooling and circulation to handle three heat producing elements kept close to each other?
  • Do you have a multi-monitor setup? or, a high resolution (beyond 1600 horizontal) display?
    • Most of the configurations are not worth unless you have all that visual real estate
    • look at the SLI FAQ on multi monitor setup to figure out your display setup
  • Will you be utilizing all this effort with the applications you use?
    • Are the games you play capable of using all the hardware that you plan (look at the game specs and reviews)

I put up some references in an earlier answer to
Is it possible to run two separate video cards? yesterday.

Update: 3-Way SLI Gets PhysX Debut with Cryostasis and references within.

Legit Bottom Line: A dedicated NVIDIA PhysX card improves performance across the board and a pair of GeForce GTX 280 video cards in SLI with a dedicated PhysX card performs better than a set of GeForce GTX 280 in 3-way SLI!

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