Considering going SLI

[Kohan]

Hey there, folks. Well, I've been doing a lot of video editing work and I've thought about upgrading my computer overall, and I'm already buying some more RAM and an extra HDD. I'm thinking of going SLI too, but I'm not in a huge rush to do this, so I'd like to talk more about the possibilities rather than a definite purchase.

This is the card I presently have, which I'd be buying another one of: Newegg.com - Recertified: EVGA 320-P2-N811-RX GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB 320-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card

It's NVIDIA, but I'm fine with it, I've never had an immense amount of problems. However, I am wondering if it would be better to switch over to ATI instead of buying another 8800GTS and going SLI. The only problem is, would it truly be possible for me to get a single ATI card -- spending under $200, less than $150 if possible -- and get superior performance? Not necessarily to 8800GTSx2 SLI, but noticeable enough over one 8800GTS to make it better instead. I know this is bargain basement pricing and all, but eh, it's all I've got.

I haven't looked at any benchmarks yet and I figured I'd fall back on folks who did so more recently, partially because I trust you and also because I'm busy as heck (hence all the purchasing going on -- my current hardware limitations are slowing me down professionally, not just gaming-wise). I'm sure ATI cards have been compared against plenty of SLI configurations. I'm not expecting anything unrealistic, just curious about what's out there.

[Cephius]

The HD 4850 is the standard card these days, giving the highest benchmarks along with its older brother, the HD 4870. The 4850 will outperform your current card, even if you pair it with another. A step below the 4850/70 is still the 8800GT, which is a fine card. The new lines of Nvidia cards - the GTX260/280 are great cards but too expensive really, the 4850/70 are the industry standard of price/performance right now, IMO.

[Kohan]

The 4850 alone outperforming two 8800GTS cards is the kind of info I was looking for. I don't need to upgrade immediately since the 8800GTS serves my professional purposes well enough, so do you think I should hang on for anything in particular?

[Cephius]

This list can give you a decent ideas of the price/performance of cards on the market right now. Your card isn't on the list (but the 640MB version is, so you can guess your card is a bit worse than that one) and the 4870 is about double the performance.

SLI is about a 20-40% gain depending on application and other factors but regardless, it's still worse than the other cards.

Keep an eye out for the new Nvidia line, once the GTX280s drop in price they might be worth going after.

[Avanarius]

The 4850 will outperform your current card, even if you pair it with another.

*edit* I must have been thinking of a different card