Should You Opt for a Single GTX 1080 Ti or Two?

If you are in the market for a new graphics card, the question of whether to invest in a single high-end card such as the GTX 1080 Ti or two GPUs for a SLI (Scalable Link Interface) arrangement comes up frequently. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of each option, and provide recommendations based on recent performance benchmarks and market trends.

The Truth About SLI on GTX 1080 Ti

According to various reviews and benchmarks, the second GTX 1080 Ti in a SLI setup often ends up being virtually useless. Many games do not benefit significantly from SLI, and even when they do, the performance gains are marginal. The GTX 1080 Ti is already capable of handling most games at 4K resolution with the settings at their highest, making SLI an unnecessary and potentially costly experiment.

For instance, the 1080 Ti provides near-perfect performance at 4K, and as demonstrated by the Digital Foundry review, a single 1080 Ti can perform comparably to a GTX 1060/970 or RX 480 at 1080p. The added complexity and costs of SLI often do not outweigh the marginal benefits.

Market Trends and Upcoming NVIDIA GPUs

Considering the near future, NVIDIA is set to release new GPUs such as the GTX 1180 in the coming months. Investing in a 1080 Ti now may be premature, as the same amount of money might buy you more performance on these upcoming models. If you can wait, it’s advisable to hold off on a purchase for a few weeks or even months.

Performance Benchmarks

Recent benchmarks from Digital Foundry show that a single GTX 1080 Ti can perform comparably to mid-range GPUs at 1080p. This indicates that a single card is quite sufficient for most gaming needs, especially when it comes to 4K gaming.

For top-tier gaming, a single 1080 Ti is capable of handling any AAA titles at 4K with a refresh rate of 60fps, provided it is paired with a high-end CPU. However, it’s important to note that not every game benefits from a dual-card setup like SLI or Crossfire. These setups often lead to compatibility issues and may not consistently improve frame rates.

Resolution and Budget Considerations

When it comes to choosing a graphics card based on your monitor’s resolution, there are specific recommendations you can follow:

1080p 60Hz: A 1050 Ti or RX570 will suffice.

2561440 60Hz or 1080p 144Hz: Opt for a GTX 1060, 1070, or RX580.

2561440 144Hz or 3842160 60Hz: Upgrade to a GTX 1080 or 1080 Ti, or Vega 56 or 64.

3842160 144Hz: Consider a dual 1080 Ti or dual Vega 64 setup, but this is less common and costly.

Alternatively, for the best value, especially in the high-end range, you could opt for a Titan V, but this is significantly more expensive and not always necessary.

Conclusion

In summary, if you are not in a hurry, wait a bit longer for the release of the new NVIDIA GPUs. For immediate needs or if you can afford it, a single GTX 1080 Ti is a solid choice. Remember, dual GPUs bring more problems and costs than benefits, so it’s best to avoid these setups unless you are targeting very specific, high-end requirements.