SLI-anity Check

SmokeDarKnight

SmokeDarKnight

Author Level
Hey guys, how are y'all?

Need some opinions thrown at me.

Situation:- Looking to change from SLI GTX 980's to a Single Titan X

Why:- I see microstutters :/ i think.

Explanation:- Most games i play on Single GPU, DOTA 2, Counter Strike. They seem smooth and fluid. Playing the Witcher 3 however at 70 FPS still feels a little non fluid, its hard to describe. I noticed it the other day when my friend was round with his Laptop and watching his DOTA looked smooth at about 90FPS, looked really smooth. Looked at mine at 120fps on a G-Sync 144HZ monitor and it looked a little "eh" like not at smooth, again i think micro stutter might be the word.

Problem:- Am i just seeing what i want to see to make me want to upgrade? This video for example, i think the character model movement for Gerelt looks MUCH smoother on the Single Titan X than that of the GTX 980 TI SLI. I find it really annoying and its all i see when playing.

Evidence:- [video=youtube;BzHUqR9A8YA]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzHUqR9A8YA[/video]

What i need:- I need someone to convince me I'm either seeing things or I speak the truth. Any advise appreciated even if its "Yo trippin bud" or a simple "GET THE TITAN"

Look forward to hearing from anyone before i take the leap. Thanks in Advance

Mike
 
Oussebon

Oussebon

Multiverse Poster
You've probably googled extensively so probably already saw this:
[video=youtube;5LkokfEeaIQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LkokfEeaIQ[/video]
But I include it just in case you didn't. Leaving aside the point that this happens to a degree in other games, apparently quite a few people say that various TW3 patches have introduced stutter, even on single GPUs.

Perhaps try lowering the settings of TW3 such that a single GTX 980 can handle 60fps+ constantly, then see if you have the same stutter with just 1 GPU enabled as you do with both (when running the same settings). You could then repeat with FPS capped at 60 for good measure, and possibly try other games too. If the smoothness improves, at least you know to check further SLI-related solutions or to take the plunge.

Try filming or shadowplaying if you're worried about placebo.

I've had SLI setups and never experienced (or, at least, noticed) microstutter - though I certainly don't deny its existence in some cases.
 
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J

jerpers

Master
When I had SLI, I saw no issues either but I do believe it is often game related. If going for a single card I'd be tempted to wait for the chance of a cheaper ti card coming out unless it is really irritating you.
 
mantadog

mantadog

Superhero Level Poster
Its obvious with the setup you are currently running that you have a solid eye for detail, I certainly dont have an eye for detail, most cases i find it difficult to distinguish medium from ultra on a casual look. Specifically regarding the video you posted i think i can notice a tiny little bit more jagged motion on the sli setup than the single titan but i would never ever notice it had it not been side by side.

If you can't stop seeing it in game and it really is annoying you then you could be justified in a cheeky upgrade :)
 
SmokeDarKnight

SmokeDarKnight

Author Level
I did it!!! Its still better performance and in a year i can always SLI that i guess if i really need to.

Thanks for the suggestion above Oussebon, tried that one already and still notice the problem, response is much appreciated.

Jerpers, thanks also for your suggestion. Im pretty impatient so just going to take the jump. I've always wanted a Titan too.

I've taken one GTX 980 out and it seems smoother already so i think its an SLI issue. I only have the one bridge too and thats the only thing i can think off.

Maybe im just picky i guess.
 
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SmokeDarKnight

SmokeDarKnight

Author Level
Ok everybodys,

Got my Titan X today and wow this thing does not disappoint.

Gaming is now buttery smooth, i can no longer see the constant microstutter and am so happy.

My conclusion is now that either SLI causes this in all cases but just to different degrees which i cannot prove without SLIing another combonation.
Other possibility is a faulty card, perhaps one of the 2 caused this problem, gaming with both of them individually was fine however, just lower quality than i could get with the 2.
Faulty SLI bridge again couldn't test without another one.

Would love to test an SLI Titan X with the HB bridge and a Normal Bridge to see if i can see the difference but not willing to drop that much cash on it.

I'll wait till Titan Xp is old and then ill try it.
 
Oussebon

Oussebon

Multiverse Poster
Heh, though the first comment under that article is:
Your should however perform more game tests, as the small selection you chose did not yield any significant results. If you watch this video from the guy at Hardware Unboxed, you’ll start seeing quite substantial differences in games like Witcher 3, The Division and Fallout 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWcsaociTjE
Click to expand...

With you 100% that in a number of games there's little difference, but I just mentioned the HWUB article as Witcher 3 was Smoke's featured game and happens to be one of the ones that benefits most from the HB bridge :) My comment about the gains above was only relating to W3.
 
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