8800gts 512 sli or 1x 250gts?

The GTS 250 is a 9800GTX, which performs a little better than the 8800GTS. Nonetheless, go with which one is cheaper. Since you're using a 20", 1 GTS 250 is enough, since I would suggest 2x 8800GTS in SLI for resolutions at 1920x1200.

1650 x 1050

i'd like to run crysis as high as possible as well

in my opinion, you going from a 8800GTS to a GTX250 wont be so great. if you want a real boost in crysis go for a real upgrade like getting at least a GTX285.

if you sli it will be like having a 9800GX2 (i had one by the way and crysis played alright on almost the highest settings in crysis). most 3d games will support sli and you definitely see an improvement. going to a GTX250 will not be aan improvement (it's just an oc'ed 8800GTS 512).

haha not to worried about folding on this one, it will probably not be on for most of the next couple years...

Since you already have an 8800GTS, I would get a second an crossfire. If the price is right, get a used BFG or XFX for a transferable warranty.

i guess my real question is- how can i squeeze every last bit of performance out of all my current components without spending over $150 on a video card? crossfire? probably not...

8800GTS 512's in SLI will blow away a single GTS250. They are essentially the same card, with a few improvements of course.
I reccomend a recertified from EVGA - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130401

will do 3DGameMan, thanks for the help all!

The GTS 250 is really just a slightly more overclocked 8800GTS 512 on a 55nm process, getting one would really be a waste of money especially compared to getting SLI 8800 GTS.

The only other option I see is selling the card you have now on eBay and getting a GTX260 216.

Yeah, go with the SLI. It will blow away the 250.

the reason is asked about the 250 is because my cpu (weak). I think i'll go with the 512 sli just to keep it old school

Your CPU is fine. You arent very CPU-limited at 1680x1050, especially in games like Crysis and Far Cry 2.