GTX 660 Ti SLI vs GTX 680 Single Card Performance Review Linus Tech Tips

The video conducts a direct comparison between two GTX 660 Ti cards in SLI and a single GTX 680, examining value and performance across multiple titles at 1080p with high settings. The host explains early on that GPU matching is required for SLI, though mixing vendors or clock speeds is possible, and notes practical constraints like memory configurations and frame buffer sharing. The analysis highlights that two 660 Ti cards in SLI typically consume more power, generate more heat, and produce more noise, but can deliver significantly higher frame rates than a single GTX 680 in several demanding games such as Crisis 2, Battlefield 3, and Metro 2033. In Crisis 2 at ultra settings, the 660 Ti SLI shows about 26 percent higher average FPS and roughly 20 percent faster minimum FPS, despite a roughly 20 percent higher cost. Battlefield 3 likewise favors the SLI setup in average and minimum FPS, reinforcing the trend that SLI provides compelling performance gains in this sample. The Metro 2033 result is especially strong for the SLI configuration, with approximately 30 percent improvements in both minimum and average FPS. The host emphasizes that while SLI can offer notable performance per dollar in some scenarios, it also entails more heat, power usage, and potential noise, and that memory configuration matters since SLI does not magically double available video memory. The conclusion is nuanced: if you prioritize maximum performance and have the power budget for it, two 660 Ti GPUs in SLI can outperform a single 680, but if you value efficiency, space, or simplicity, a single higher-end card may be the better bet. Overall, the video positions SLI as a viable option for the right user, especially when considering performance per dollar, but cautions about the added thermal and power costs.

Topics · technology · hardware · gpu