First time build advice on components $3000-$3500

The 680 barely gets 30fps at that resolution on medium in a game like C3. Looking at a pair of 7950s or 670s for smooth gameplay.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/crysis-3-performance-benchmark-gaming,3451-7.html

If you're going to go high end everywhere else I wouldn't want to play choppy on three monitors...

I'd switch the motherboard ASRock are a little thinner and tend to bow from big VGA cards. I've had customers fight this issue and I think one of the reviewer also had the same issue. You could try the GIGABYTE G1.ASSASSIN2, or ASUS Sabertooth X79.

Definitely go for that SSD, it hasnt failed me yet!

Hi. You have made some very good choices. You might want to consider the following for a highend build:

1. Switch to the Corsair AX1200i. This will allow you to run at approximately 50% capacity while running two video cards. This puts your PSU in the nearly 93% efficiency range and the PSU will run nearly silent. The cost difference is about $80.00. You have a lot in your computer and the 860i is not the best choice IMHO. I own the Corsair HX850 and it is a spectacular PSU but the 1200i would be better for your computer.

2. The Asus gaming motherboards always are rated very highly and they fit your color scheme. I own an Asrock motherboard and I have not had any problems with it but the Asus is built for gaming.

3. The Asus monitors don't have the best color reproduction but they are fast. IPS monitors give you better color but they are slower and cost more. Dell is making some very good IPS monitors as well as HP. Google TFT Central for the best reviews - the link is here: http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/

4. The Samsung 840 PRO 128GB is rated more highly than the non-Pro 840 but both are good SSDs. The Pro costs more also. For your rig, you may want to consider the 256GB 840 Pro. It is probably the fastest SSD available right now.

5. The H100i has built in fan controllers and is an excellent cooler so you will not need the additional fan controller.

Not following you OP. The chart shows a normal 680 getting 38.6fps and a Titan getting 46.8fps - you should get somewhere in the middle with your chosen card. A pair of 7950s or 670s would just edge you into 60fps for the same price (assuming 7950 boost model w/ 3GB). That's roughly 20fps more and gets you a lot closer to what most folks consider smooth. On the other hand, if 40-ish fps is smooth to you then it's a non-issue.

I can't conceive spending so much on a system and still only getting 40fps on medium eye candy at 1080 but it's all personal preference.

Check that the reviews on the AsRock mobo that you like and see if there are any problems. Newegg and Amazon will have a lot of reviews to check. if it is reviewed well it will give you a good idea of how good the board is.

I understand what you are saying about the Asus game mobos they have a LOT of features. Check pricing and if there is not a lot of difference in price, get the Asus board even if you won't use all of the features. If cost is equal the quality of the Asus (maximus I think) game mobos is at the top. I have read dozens of reviews and their game boards always get raved about. They seem to overclock really well also.

I think that JED 70 is saying that two ATI 7950s beat a single GTX 680 in the Tom's Hardware review he posted for you. There are several 7950s on Newegg for around $300.00. The GTX 680 is running about $500.00. So for an extra $100.00 you can crossfire two 7950s and get better performance.

AT the highest settings (in Crysis 3 which is a very powerful game), the two 7950s in crossfire almost give you the same performance as a $1000 Geforce Titan and they lag just behind the two 7970s in crossfire. The 7970 costs $100.00 more and so two 7950s in crossfire are you best performance for the buck choice. This is what JED 70 is saying.

JED 70 is saying that with the two 7950s in crossfire, you can play Crysis at its highest setting and still get a relatively smooth game which is impressive. A single GTX 680 will not handle Crysis at its highest settings.

Your next step up would be two 7970s in crossfire and the next step up from that setup would be two GTX 680s in SLI. So your budget will determine which of these choices is best for you.

Hi, I am probably not the person to ask because I am not an avid gamer - many on Tom's are. I have read many reviews on the 680 and the 7950. I have built my own computers and so I have had to learn about video cards to do that.

1. I don't know if the new 4GB GTX 680 will play Crysis on medium to high settings - it probably will it is a rocking card - but I would start a separate thread in Tom's under the video card category and get some real first-hand advice from avid gamers who actually own the 4GB GTX 680.

2. If your heart is set on the 680, you could always by one and then add another one later. The GTX 680 is a VERY well reviewed card but it is a VERY expensive card.

3. I personally look for the best bang (performance) for the buck in video cards because they are update once to twice a year. The GTX 680 has been out for a while and I am willing to bet it will be updated soon and the current 680s will become obsolete. So think carefully before you spend $1000.00 on two GTX 680 video cards because they may be out of date in 6 months.

4. The alternative that JED 70 suggested (two 7950s in crossfire) to me seems the best overall choice because you will be able to play any game at its highest settings and the cost is $550 - $600. So you save $400 compared to the cost of two GTX 680s.

5. As I mentioned earlier, because we are talking about spending $1000 on video cards, this is an important decision. NOTHING replaces first-hand experience and so I recommend that you start a separate thread under the video card category in Tom's Hardware and get actual feedback FROM PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY OWN THE TWO CARDS. Sorry for the caps but people like me who do not own the cards really shouldn't be advising you other than general advice - you need specific feedback from owners.

BTW I just saw XFX 7950 3GB card on sale after rebate for $269 after rebates - the link is here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150590

XFX cards carry a lifetime warranty. So you can see the the ATI 7950 cards are about half the cost of the GTX 680. Because video cards have short lifespans before they are obsolete, I personally think the 7950s in crossfire (JED 70's recommendation) is the best choice. But if you have a lot of money, the 680 is a better card and faster.

One other point - I don't really think you can "future-proof" video cards. They change too quickly.

Good Luck