How common is microstuttering?

[Isaac MM]

I've never used a multi gpu solution, but i was seriously thinking about getting 2 GTX 280's, but i'm not sure how common this problem is. I've read people saying they get worse performance than with a single card when this problem happens and if it is really very common there is no point for me to buy those cards.

So how often does it happen?

[Winzeler]

I've had a 8800GTS and 9800GTX SLI. I only notice microstuttering under two circumstances. It does it when I put a max fps in my config files or when I've been gaming for a few hours and things are heating up. I also have a Razer sound card and 8400GS in there. Usually, I just turn the fans up and it goes away. I currently have one GTX280 in and if I notice stuttering when I get the second one, I'll post about it.

[boogle]

I've found SLI doesn't work as well at low FPS. If you start regularly dipping below 30fps, the microstuttering can be a real nuiscance. On the other hand if the fps stays above 30fps most of the time, it becomes a real dream. So if you have a game that's just below an acceptable FPS with a single GPU, the second GPU will make it silky smooth. SLI also lets you crank up the detail & AA, which is always nice.

[wadec22]

I've found SLI doesn't work as well at low FPS. If you start regularly dipping below 30fps, the microstuttering can be a real nuiscance. On the other hand if the fps stays above 30fps most of the time, it becomes a real dream. So if you have a game that's just below an acceptable FPS with a single GPU, the second GPU will make it silky smooth. SLI also lets you crank up the detail & AA, which is always nice.

QFT. Simple and to the point. I could copy and paste this response in countless threads.