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    sli 280m to a 260m?

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by talon234346, Oct 7, 2009.

  1. talon234346

    talon234346 Notebook Enthusiast

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    hi

    Just curious, is it possible to sli the 280 with the 260? or would hey just conflict and one card do all the work?
     
  2. Helios123

    Helios123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I read somewhere that you can, but the GTX280M will not be at its full potential. It will only match the GTX260M. So if you do this, it is like putting together two GTX260M's in SLI. Correct me if I am wrong about this
     
  3. talon234346

    talon234346 Notebook Enthusiast

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    1 more question. as far as gaming capabilities go, there isnt much difference between 260m sli opposed to just 1 280?
     
  4. Doomy

    Doomy Notebook Geek

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    10-15 percent.
     
  5. Marvie100

    Marvie100 On a Mission

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    Someone tried this earlier and was unable to get it to work.
     
  6. Helios123

    Helios123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Because of the little price difference (Considering the better performance) I would suggest you to get one GTX280M instead (if this is what you were thinking about). In the future, when you need more power you can just add one more GTX280M. The only problem is getting the SLI cable, but you can probably order that from dell.
     
  7. Marvie100

    Marvie100 On a Mission

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    You can't order it with a single 280M.
     
  8. talon234346

    talon234346 Notebook Enthusiast

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    well i have the m17x. my current config. has the 2 260m's. i was thinking in the near future if it were worth it to upgrade to the 280's?
     
  9. Helios123

    Helios123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yeah I know that. But he mentioned "1 280" So I thought, maybe he has access to buying it with only one 280? or probably is thinking to swap his single 260 either with a single 280 or dual 260's.
     
  10. Marvie100

    Marvie100 On a Mission

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    You would have to upgrade both of them at the same time for a potential 10-15% boost. At today's prices its probably not worth it, but perhaps in 6-9 months or so it might be. You can't upgrade them one at a time if that's what you were thinking.
     
  11. Doomy

    Doomy Notebook Geek

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    No it won't be at the cost of two new 280 cards.

    Wait and see what is released down the track and you may be talking 50% plus preformance increase being worth it.

    Here's the link with the attempt to SLI a 260 and 280.
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=412427
     
  12. Helios123

    Helios123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    The easiest way to see if you need that upgrade is, try using the laptop with the heaviest programs out there that you might use. If it can still process that program with ease then just upgrade when you need it! Otherwise, if it can't run your programs then it is time for an upgrade.

    Try asking Marvie here he/she seems to know a lot more than me
     
  13. lordqarlyn

    lordqarlyn Global Biz Consultant

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    According to many here, the performance increase is minimal over SLI 280m. Looking at it rationally, the SLI 260m is the best value. Indeed, some members here say its stupid and a waste of money to get the 280m.

    Of course I went ahead and got the 280m, since its my money to waste lol....