Dual 9800 GTs 512 MB (SLI) vs. single 9800 GX2?

Question

Which configuration should I choose when I buy my new desktop computer? I've heard that the 9800 gx2 card is essentially 2 GPUs in 1. But SLI is also quite popular and 2x 512 MB = 1GB vs the 1GB of the 9800 gx2 card.

So which is better or are they the same? And which consumes more power?

I want to play Crysis, Assassin's Creed, Bioshock, Call of Duty 4, 5 and many other HD games with all settings all maxed out and still be above 40 FPS. Thanks for your answer.

Answer 1

well first off 1 9800GTX would do but your talking about SLIing 2 GTs which don't even compair to a GTX. your better off with the GX2 though cause yeah its 2 GPUs inside and if you want to SLI 2 series 9 cards you better have a huge case and a good cooling setup

Answer 2

Like Ian said except they will all work I have 2x 8800gt running SLI with an AMD  dual core 4400 and it runs Call of Duty4 maxed at 56fps

Answer 3

As a rule of thumb SLI should be avoided unless you want to run Crysis at the highest possible settings (16xAA 16xAF etc.), its just not necessary. I would go for the 9800GX2.