"Dual" card(s)?

[DCJayB]

So I'm a gamer, but I admittedly do not know a whole lot about graphics cards, themselves. I generally just get the best reviewed card on CNet that's within my budget.

Having said that, I currently own an Alienware that has "Dual 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GTS 240 - SLI Enabled" (that's from the receipt, basically).

The GTS 240 is getting a little outdated for new games and I'm looking to upgrade. Does the fact that it says "Dual" mean that I actually have TWO cards working together, thus requiring the purchase of TWO upgraded cards?

Or is that, like, the dumbest thing ever and I should go walk into traffic for being such a noob?

 

[StrangleHold]

If it says SLI enabled, then you are probably running two GTS 240. But yes you can upgrade to a better single card. You dont have to run two cards in SLI.

 

[DCJayB]

If it says SLI enabled, then you are probably running two GTS 240. But yes you can upgrade to a better single card. You dont have to run two cards in SLI.

Thanks, SH.

Is having a dual system running two older cards comparable to having a single newer card?

Bottom line, the 240 is slightly below the recommended specs for Skyrim (specs recommend GTX 260 or higher). Does having two 240's give me a boost into recommended specs?

 

[claptonman]

A little, yes, but a single powerful card is better than two weak cards.

If you want to update, what is your max budget?

 

[StrangleHold]

Yes, two 240 are better then one. But the 240 is a pretty lowend card to start with. Plus you need to know what kind of power supply you have to be able to push a good upperend card.

 

[DCJayB]

My budget for a new card is probably around $200-$250. I did some research and I think I've landed on the GTX 560 ti. I have the power supply (875w) and it seems like it's the best bang for my buck.

Thoughts?

 

[Phy]

The 560 Ti is one of the best cards for that price, just be sure to go with a good brand, like EVGA, MSI, etc. Some will argue that the ATI equivalent is better, but I prefer Nvidia.

 

[StrangleHold]

A GTX 560Ti or 6950. What make and model power supply is that?

 

[CrayonMuncher]

What make and model power supply is that?

This is really important by the way, just thought I would point that out as you said your gpu knowledge isn't that great, a good psu is vital to have before you spend big on a new GPU.