980 Ti SLI or Pascal?

[VagabondWraith]

So I'm getting a new monitor later this year. In the meantime, I'm getting my tax return checks within the next 30 days or so. If I save money now I'm going for Pascal. If I choose to SLI with 980 Ti (new monitor either 144Hz 1440p or 4K... probably 1440) I won't upgrade my GPU until Volta.

 

I've been looking at 980 Ti's that have Samsung VRAM. I believe K|NGP|N and Asus Matrix Platinum both have Sammy. @Lays I believe you happen to know a thing or 2 about Samsung VRAM.

 

I'm trying to make a decision here soon. I understand the pitfalls of SLI but also understand the huge benefits it can offer. Can you guys help me out here? Which one: SLI 980 Ti or GP100 Pascal. And please explain why.

 

Thank you.

[Senzelian]

Pascal, cause buying 980Tis with Samsung chips is going to be expensive and is literally useless.

And because I think I cannot convince you to buy cheaper 980Tis I simply think you should go with Pascal instead of wasting money.

Edited January 5, 2016 by Senzelian

[Chasem121]

I'd wait till the new gpus come out, sell the 980 ti that you have, and get a new gpu.

[Goldensapling]

Normally I would say go for the 980ti. If you sit around waiting for a new GPU to come out you'll be waiting forever. BUT, since you already have a 980ti, feel free to wait around for Pascal since I don't see you getting low performance any time soon

[shermantanker]

if your wanting to do VR i'm sure that pascal will have extra optimizations over the 980, but just a guess. I would personal just wait for pascal because it should have significant performance bump over current gen (i hope). I will personal be swapping out my dual 680's for 1080 ti's or whatever they are called.

[Najuno]

So I'm getting a new monitor later this year. In the meantime, I'm getting my tax return checks within the next 30 days or so. If I save money now I'm going for Pascal. If I choose to SLI with 980 Ti (new monitor either 144Hz 1440p or 4K... probably 1440) I won't upgrade my GPU until Volta.

 

I've been looking at 980 Ti's that have Samsung VRAM. I believe K|NGP|N and Asus Matrix Platinum both have Sammy. @Lays I believe you happen to know a thing or 2 about Samsung VRAM.

 

I'm trying to make a decision here soon. I understand the pitfalls of SLI but also understand the huge benefits it can offer. Can you guys help me out here? Which one: SLI 980 Ti or GP100 Pascal. And please explain why.

 

Thank you.

Well, that´s a decision that can only be made by yourself. But I can tell you this, I´m running a Titan X SLI and a 4K G-Sync monitor and when you´ve got an SLI profile for the games it is just amazing. I play in ULTRA details with up to 4xAA and I have in games like The Witcher 3 with Hairworks on between 45 and 62 FPS. If you run into games that don´t support SLI the air gets thinner unless it´s an older game or the engine is less demanding.

Since the GTX980Ti is very comparable to the Titan X you can imagine what kind of experience you´d create with a 2way SLI right now.

 

Then there´s Pascal, right now it is more an announcement or a ghost going around than reality. The bad part is, that no one knows when it comes out and then what kind of iteration we will get to see... a big chip or a performance chip sold as high end (such as nVidia always does)? Sure Pascal might be a big leap, but I have a feeling that nVidia won´t release the big dog right away from the start because they need to make about 2 years with this architecture until Volta, at least these were the steps in their last gen cards. If they´d release the big chip right away, then what are they going to sell a year later? And if you need performance now, then now is the time to buy. At least that´s what I always do.

[VagabondWraith]

Pascal, cause buying 980Tis with Samsung chips is going to be expensive and is literally useless.

And because I think I cannot convince you to buy cheaper 980Tis I simply think you should go with Pascal instead of wasting money.

The reason why I want Samsung VRAM is for benchmarking purposes. I'm currently around 90th here on 3D Mark LTT. I've pushed the reference as far as she could go (1480 core, 7600 memory). I'm huge into benchmarking so that's why I mentioned Samsung.

[Senzelian]

The reason why I want Samsung VRAM is for benchmarking purposes. I'm currently around 90th here on 3D Mark LTT. I've pushed the reference as far as she could go (1480 core, 7600 memory). I'm huge into benchmarking so that's why I mentioned Samsung.

Well, fair enough.

Then it might not be a problem for you to spend all that money for just a better rank. In that case, get the 980Ti and do what makes you happy.

Pascal is still quite far away. NVidia didn't even mention anything about their GPUs at CES yet.

[VagabondWraith]

Well, that´s a decision that can only be made by yourself. But I can tell you this, I´m running a Titan X SLI and a 4K G-Sync monitor and when you´ve got an SLI profile for the games it is just amazing. I play in ULTRA details with up to 4xAA and I have in games like The Witcher 3 with Hairworks on between 45 and 62 FPS. If you run into games that don´t support SLI the air gets thinner unless it´s an older game or the engine is less demanding.

Since the GTX980Ti is very comparable to the Titan X you can imagine what kind of experience you´d create with a 2way SLI right now.

 

Then there´s Pascal, right now it is more an announcement or a ghost going around than reality. The bad part is, that no one knows when it comes out and then what kind of iteration we will get to see... a big chip or a performance chip sold as high end (such as nVidia always does)? Sure Pascal might be a big leap, but I have a feeling that nVidia won´t release the big dog right away from the start because they need to make about 2 years with this architecture until Volta, at least these were the steps in their last gen cards. If they´d release the big chip right away, then what are they going to sell a year later? And if you need performance now, then now is the time to buy. At least that´s what I always do.

Good post, thanks. The problem I have with myself is I'm impatient. Once I get money I gotta splurge for MOAR POWAAAAA! lol Really, since I'm getting a G-sync monitor this summer, and nVidia's silence on Pascal, I'm tempted to go SLI. What concerns me is nVidia may not release GP100 (Titan/Ti) until next year. This year may be the 750 Ti's to the 980's. But that's not the big dog though. I wish I only knew...

[jjohnthedon1]

I have sli 980tisband a 144hz 1440p monitor

Worth every penny buy now !!!

[Najuno]

The reason why I want Samsung VRAM is for benchmarking purposes. I'm currently around 90th here on 3D Mark LTT. I've pushed the reference as far as she could go (1480 core, 7600 memory). I'm huge into benchmarking so that's why I mentioned Samsung.

I´ve got SK Hynix on my GTX Titan Xs and the memory OCs very stable and far. Samsung is nice to have but not a must have . Hynix is just fine. What´s more impoprtant when ot comes to OCing is a good memory controller.

[VagabondWraith]

I´ve got SK Hynix on my GTX Titan Xs and the memory OCs very stable and far. Samsung is nice to have but not a must have . Hynix is just fine. What´s more impoprtant when ot comes to OCing is a good memory controller.

All that's true, but I've noticed cards with Sammy's tend to much more consistently get higher memory OC's. Samsung tends to have better timings and can take more voltage for better OC. I've had Hynix on a 980 and 980 Ti and got 7400/7600, respectively.

[Najuno]

All that's true, but I've noticed cards with Sammy's tend to much more consistently get higher memory OC's. Samsung tends to have better timings and can take more voltage for better OC. I've had Hynix on a 980 and 980 Ti and got 7400/7600, respectively.

Well sure Samsung VRAM is definitely nice. If you can then get the Samsung . BTW I can push my memory up 8030ish.

[Lays]

So I'm getting a new monitor later this year. In the meantime, I'm getting my tax return checks within the next 30 days or so. If I save money now I'm going for Pascal. If I choose to SLI with 980 Ti (new monitor either 144Hz 1440p or 4K... probably 1440) I won't upgrade my GPU until Volta.

 

I've been looking at 980 Ti's that have Samsung VRAM. I believe K|NGP|N and Asus Matrix Platinum both have Sammy. @Lays I believe you happen to know a thing or 2 about Samsung VRAM.

 

I'm trying to make a decision here soon. I understand the pitfalls of SLI but also understand the huge benefits it can offer. Can you guys help me out here? Which one: SLI 980 Ti or GP100 Pascal. And please explain why.

 

Thank you.

 

 

I really don't think the "pitfalls" of SLI are a big deal, I've owned 2 different SLI setups and never had any issues with the games I played.

 A lot of the games that don't support SLI are indy games, or not very popular titles.  They usually don't need SLI to run properly, especially if you have a 980 TI for when you can't use both.

 

The Matrix is honestly a fantastic card, it's quieter than my 980 Classified was, and it runs cooler as well.  If you can pick up one, (or two) I really recommend it.  For what it offers @ $709, it's a dam good deal. 

You shouldn't have any issues running 1500|2100 in games.  My memory does 8800~ effective in lots of benchmarks

[Commander Llama]

Pascal. It probably wouldn't have the brute power of the SLI, but you'll also never run into SLI driver issues.

[VagabondWraith]

I really don't think the "pitfalls" of SLI are a big deal, I've owned 2 different SLI setups and never had any issues with the games I played.

 A lot of the games that don't support SLI are indy games, or not very popular titles.  They usually don't need SLI to run properly, especially if you have a 980 TI for when you can't use both.

 

The Matrix is honestly a fantastic card, it's quieter than my 980 Classified was, and it runs cooler as well.  If you can pick up one, (or two) I really recommend it.  For what it offers @ $709, it's a dam good deal. 

You shouldn't have any issues running 1500|2100 in games.  My memory does 8800~ effective in lots of benchmarks

I was debating between Asus and the K|NGP|N. Those are the only 2 with Samsung, right? I love EVGA and the fact I can take apart the card to watercool without breaking warranty is a big plus. Is there a way to watercool the Kingpin without a custom loop? Would the EKWB Predator 360 support it? The ASUS looks intriguing but I'm not sure how good their customer service is in case something goes awry. It would be nice to be able to save $140 or so though, as that card looks really nice.

 

So basically, is the Matrix a better buy compared to Kingpin? Dat copper tho :o . Basically, I want performance, with Samsung VRAM, and preferably good warranty/support. Benchmarking is gonna be big for me as I want to push way ahead of my reference card and see how far I can get up in the ranks.

 

And one more question: is 860w enough to power 980 Ti SLI OC with a 4790K @ stock (for now)?

[Praesi]

1 980Ti is enough for 1440p 144hz.

[Lays]

I was debating between Asus and the K|NGP|N. Those are the only 2 with Samsung, right? I love EVGA and the fact I can take apart the card to watercool without breaking warranty is a big plus. Is there a way to watercool the Kingpin without a custom loop? Would the EKWB Predator 360 support it? The ASUS looks intriguing but I'm not sure how good their customer service is in case something goes awry. It would be nice to be able to save $140 or so though, as that card looks really nice.

 

So basically, is the Matrix a better buy compared to Kingpin? Dat copper tho :o . Basically, I want performance, with Samsung VRAM, and preferably good warranty/support. Benchmarking is gonna be big for me as I want to push way ahead of my reference card and see how far I can get up in the ranks.

 

And one more question: is 860w enough to power 980 Ti SLI OC with a 4790K @ stock (for now)?

 

 

860w is enough yes.   The KP has a great cooler too, you don't need to watercool it, it won't gain you much whatsoever, maybe 20-30 mhz unless you chill your water somehow.

The Matrix is a better buy for price to performance yes.  It offers the same features for $140 less.  Asus shouldn't have any support issues if you talk with JJ (the ASUS PR guy)

[VagabondWraith]

1 980Ti is enough for 1440p 144hz.

I'm trying to aim near 144Hz with settings as high as possible.

[VagabondWraith]

860w is enough yes.   The KP has a great cooler too, you don't need to watercool it, it won't gain you much whatsoever, maybe 20-30 mhz unless you chill your water somehow.

The Matrix is a better buy for price to performance yes.  It offers the same features for $140 less.  Asus shouldn't have any support issues if you talk with JJ (the ASUS PR guy)

I'm leaning towards the Kingpin right now. I'll do some more research in the meantime. Would the watercooled card go on top or bottom in SLI?

[Lays]

I'm leaning towards the Kingpin right now. I'll do some more research in the meantime. Would the watercooled card go on top or bottom in SLI?

 

Up to you, but the KP really doesn't offer any difference on air or water cooling.  If you're doing subzero, that's the only time the KP will pull ahead, unless you want to buy the 80% Asic for $1049.

[Rune]

As someone who has owned a 980ti Kingpin, I can tell you it made absolutely no perceptible difference in performance vs stock cooler and running on water. It was much quieter and ran colder, but not any faster on core and only slightly on the memory. 80%+ asic

[VagabondWraith]

Up to you, but the KP really doesn't offer any difference on air or water cooling.  If you're doing subzero, that's the only time the KP will pull ahead, unless you want to buy the 80% Asic for $1049.

That's true. I was going for the 72% ASIC. I would just buy a Titan X at the 80% price point. I'm going to delve even deeper into the Matrix card.

[VagabondWraith]

As someone who has owned a 980ti Kingpin, I can tell you it made absolutely no perceptible difference in performance vs stock cooler and running on water. It was much quieter and ran colder, but not any faster on core and only slightly on the memory.

How is the sound on the card under load? I'm trying to aim for as much silence as possible but I hear good things about the ACX cooler.

[Rune]

How is the sound on the card under load? I'm trying to aim for as much silence as possible but I hear good things about the ACX cooler.

Very good with the stock fan curve, but I decided fairly early on to peg the fans at 80% when benching for comparison because I knew I was going to replace the cooler anyway.