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Graphic cards and dual monitors

Tags:
  • Gaming
  • Dual Monitors
  • Computers
  • Graphics
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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April 8, 2014 6:04:51 PM

I'm currently choosing the parts for a gaming and work computer.

As a web developer, I require a dual monitor setup for productivity.
The main reason i need it is to have a browser opened on one side and my code editor on the other.

Also, i am not a hardcore graphics fan.

As long the game I'm playing looks decent in 1080p, I couldn't care less whether the shadow quality was at ultra or low.

I've never built such a system before, what GPU would you recommend for this build?
I'm looking for the best bang for the buck here.
So, if a R9 270X can get the job done, don't pick a GTX 780 Ti

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($151.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver 5 High-Density Polysynthetic Silver 3.5g Thermal Paste ($6.73 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus M5A99X EVO R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($107.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($129.99 @ TigerDirect)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($104.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Silverstone Strider 600W 80+ Silver Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($105.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus VX228H 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Asus VX228H 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1047.59
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-04-08 20:26 EDT-0400)

More about : graphic cards dual monitors

April 8, 2014 6:12:55 PM

Looks like an amazing build! Everything looks good, great power supply. I would probably go for some Corsair or G.SKILL memory, but that should do fine. I would recommend a better case, if you're trying to look professional, go for Fractal Design. However, that can be pricey, so the NZXT Source would be good, or the Zalman Z9. And yes, that GPU will do dual monitors well. I have an HD 7850 (which is similar to the 270x) and I run dual monitors fine.
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a b 4 Gaming
April 8, 2014 6:16:46 PM

Given the fact you can't game on two monitors, buy as if you only have one. Maximum you really need for 1080p is a 770/280X tier card, anything more and you are pretty much wasting money. A good card for 1080p would be a 760 if you want to max pretty much every game, don't bother with the 4GB version. 650Ti Boost is also a good choice if you want to spend less, will more than happily run most 1080p games at high settings. Most of AMD's lineup (especially the high end stuff) is pretty much overpriced at the minute due to mining.

Also, consider going with an Intel K series and a cheaper GPU, given the fact you said you don't really care for graphics.
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April 8, 2014 6:24:53 PM

Looks fairly good though there are a few things I would suggest. The PSU is a bit overpriced in my opinion, and you could go with a corsair CSM 650W 80+ Gold for cheaper and more efficient power usage.

Also, with the monitors, I would look into an IPS Panel monitor instead of a TN Panel. You can get an IPS monitor for around 10$ more for a 23., it will have better color reproduction and will be more enjoyable when it comes to work, photo's and videos. The biggest downside over TN though is the response time. a TN Panel will have around a 1-5ms response time, but an IPS panel will have around a 5-12ms response time. In gaming people suggest you keep a low response time. However, I think that the color accuracy is going to be more worth it than the hardly noticeable increase in the grey-to-grey response time.

Suggested PSU- http://goo.gl/4UcHqo
an IPS monitor example - http://goo.gl/grpR5q
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April 8, 2014 6:34:02 PM

cookybiscuit said:
Given the fact you can't game on two monitors, buy as if you only have one. Maximum you really need for 1080p is a 770/280X tier card, anything more and you are pretty much wasting money. A good card for 1080p would be a 760 if you want to max pretty much every game, don't bother with the 4GB version. 650Ti Boost is also a good choice if you want to spend less, will more than happily run most 1080p games at high settings. Most of AMD's lineup (especially the high end stuff) is pretty much overpriced at the minute due to mining.

Also, consider going with an Intel K series and a cheaper GPU, given the fact you said you don't really care for graphics.
I agree with your graphics line up, though would like to add that AMD's prices are back to normal on most of the big US sites
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April 8, 2014 6:46:01 PM

Considering I'm not gonna game on two monitors and assuming I don't wanna max out every game, here's what I've determined.

Source : http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/high_end_gpus.html

G3D Marks vs cost

R9 270 = 179.99$ = 23.50 per $ - Winner, I'm buying it
R9 270X = 199.99$ = 22.53 per $
GTX 760 = 236.99$ = 21.11 per $
GTX 770 = 310.49$ = 19.99 per $

- For the lulz -
GTX 780 Ti = 659.99$ = 13.32 per $
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a b 4 Gaming
April 8, 2014 6:59:00 PM

Not a terribly helpful tool given the fact that its the most useless benchmark ever, you only need to glance at the top 10 list to see its all wrong.

This graph is based off actual game performance across a few games, rather than one terribly outdated benchmark. http://tpucdn.com/reviews/AMD/R9_295_X2/images/perfdoll...
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April 8, 2014 7:26:36 PM

cookybiscuit said:
Not a terribly helpful tool given the fact that its the most useless benchmark ever, you only need to glance at the top 10 list to see its all wrong.

This graph is based off actual game performance across a few games, rather than one terribly outdated benchmark. http://tpucdn.com/reviews/AMD/R9_295_X2/images/perfdoll...


Are you sure ?
Because, I've just ran the performance test and my results are almost identical to the chart's.

I'd rather base my choice on the results of an all-purpose benchmark test than off the scores of some games i won't ever play.

Quote:
I would probably go for some Corsair or G.SKILL memory


Agreed, I don't really trust A-Data myself.
I was gonna give them a chance but, why should i?
I've never had problems with G.Skill and the prices are the same.


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