My 1 yeard old Homebuild Upgrade Questions

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pootklopp

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Aug 21, 2012
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Ok so I got some advice on a build last year for my first home build. I have been very happy with the system except its lack of multi-monitor support (more then 2). I moved to a new apartment, got a new job, and the computer is turning 1 year old. I'm thinking I want to do an upgrade at this point. Here are the specs:

http://pcpartpicker.com/b/z2D

The overpowered PSU was purchased with this in mind, so at this point I'm thinking of upgrading the graphics card. I wanted to get some advice on this before moving forward. Would it be better to try and track an identical one down and crossfire? Should I purchase something else and crossfire? Or get something new and sell this one.

I appreciate any advice that can be given and I am also open to other suggestions for improvements.
 
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k1114
You can use any 7870 from any company, any model, any speed. But you will be set to the speeds of the slowest one. It would also be set at the same amount of vram but all 7870 are 2gb.
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Onus

Onus

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Jan 27, 2006
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What isn't running as well as you like? If you want better frame rates in certain games, I'd probably get a single HD7970 or GTX770. Another option would be to increase the size of your SSD to 256GB. Other than that, you've got a high-end system there.
 
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pootklopp

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Aug 21, 2012
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I was just about to post some more info on what I am looking for. Like I said multimonitor support is not where I would like it. I have managed by using Multimon to easily switch between my 2 primary monitors and 2 TV's to watch streaming content, but I would like to simplify that. I do get some stutter and slowdown when working between mulitple monitors (streaming video on one and working/browsing on another). I would love to be able to work and browse on two monitors and watch video if needed on a third since I don't have cable service and use this for TV watching.

Gaming wise this set up has gotten me through the big titles from this year pretty well. Running Dishonored or BioShock on max settings did give me some frame rate drops at times, so upgrading for future game support with better performance would be nice.

I have managed well with organizing my SSD and HDD to keep free space on the SSD. While one could always use more space, what other benefits would a larger/second SSD afford me?
 
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pootklopp

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Aug 21, 2012
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I have the dual monitor set up, I was more interested in running more then 2 monitors. :)



 
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k1114

k1114

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May 2, 2010
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http://www.asus.com/Graphics_Cards/HD7870DC22GD5/ If this is your graphics card, it supports 4 monitors. You need active dp adapters to have more than 2. You still need the adapters if you cf as only 1 card can have monitors plugged in unless you want to keep disabling/enabling cf. And you would still need them if you were to upgrade to another amd card. It shouldn't be stuttering and you should find out what is causing it.
 
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pootklopp

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Aug 21, 2012
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The stutter is minor but noticeable usually only when streaming full HD or playing HD movies with the other screen running the web/ other programs. I had looked into active DP adapters but could not find exactly what the best set up would be for me. It also appears most are not very reliable unless you start spending more money.

My 2 primary monitors can run off of hdmi, dvi or vga. My two tv's can only run off of HDMI. What would be the set up to make this work? If I added a third monitor/tv to the mix wouldn't it be even more taxing on my system?

But as you said if something is wrong what would be the best way of diagnosing the problem? I know it is a lot of questions but I am hear to learn and appreciate any help.


 
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k1114

k1114

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May 2, 2010
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It really doesn't matter what display is on what port, just don't use vga. Just throwing this out there but you could use your igpu too. It's what I do for more monitors, though it's SB's hd 3000.

As for stuttering, you'd want to take a look at cpu and gpu usage and clocks during the stuttering. The monitoring software will also have vram, temps, etc which may be helpful as well.
 
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pootklopp

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Aug 21, 2012
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Thanks for the info, I will keep all that in mind. I still however would be interested in some upgrading. Any other input?
 
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pootklopp

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Aug 21, 2012
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Thanks for all your help so far. When searching for the 7870 that I have I can only find it on amazon for around $400 whereas I bought it last year for 239.99. There is the V2 that comes in with slightly slower clock speeds and a different connection layout for 204. Would the V2 be the item to go with?
 
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