Want opinions on GPUs for my setup.

freestylar02 · Sep 22, 2014

Hi all,

I’m about to build my new M-ATX setup and I have my case and some other bits and pieces ready to go. I’d like to know which configuration you guys think will be the best bang for buck and give me the best longevity, as I will be running it to my 4K (4096 x 2160) projector primarily but may go back to triple screens at some point later.

It’s primarily for gaming but I will be using it for video editing and file conversions a lot too.

Any opinions and comments are much appreciated.

I think dual 970s will be comparable to the R9-295X2 in no time with Nvidias driver updates. That said the 980s will give better longevity but I don’t to smash huge amounts of money if a GTX 980ti is just around the corner. (Im also looking at ASUS Strix 980s not the reference ones listed)

Please see my pcpartpicker lists and let me know your thoughts or opinions. Thanks.
video editing and file conversions a lot too.

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/freestylar02/saved/39yH99
http://pcpartpicker.com/user/freestylar02/saved/ZDhv6h
http://pcpartpicker.com/user/freestylar02/saved/nrtLrH

mnineseven · Sep 22, 2014

How about a gtx 970 tri-SLi?

freestylar02 · Sep 22, 2014

mnineseven :

the motherboard only has 2 PCI slots. The double edge sword of the MATX format I supose.

Eximo · Sep 22, 2014

Partpicker seems to think you don't have a 140mm mount for an H90. Is there one?

Dual Axial coolers doesn't work so well, especially in tight situations like this. I recommend liquid cooling or using the reference cards.

ferwindjacks · Sep 22, 2014

Time frame for the build? GTX 980 Ti might not come out for up to another 6 months.

I would stick with the first build you have as 980 in SLI will dominate almost anything else out there, with the exception of the the 295x2 and Titian Z. Asus Stix versions are real nice...

freestylar02 · Sep 22, 2014

Eximo :

Yeh the Inwin Dragon Slayer case has plumbing holes and a 140mm mount area for it. pcpartpicker is wrong on that 1. I already have the case and checked that the H90 would fit it.

Do you think I will have breathing problems with the 2 cards in SLI even using the side fan panel of the case?

freestylar02 · Sep 22, 2014

ferwindjacks :

I'm Looking at the next 4-5 months, I'm quietly hoping the 980ti or Bermuda might come in that time frame but not holding my breath, as I doubt either will.

I just want to utilize my projector as it can run 60fps, which I'd be happy with if I can get it as a constant.

tomtsir · Sep 22, 2014

How about a gtx 980 at the start...and if you want extra fps you will add another one.......

ferwindjacks · Sep 22, 2014

Tom has a good idea. However, if it's within the next 5 months I would wait. AMD might drop something to cause a price drop, or 980 Ti might come out which might make the 980 price drop a bit. Computer components are a very unstable market.

Edit: regarding the GPU inhaling the hot air from the one below, some people say reference is better with SLI as they won't suck in as much and in theory stay cooler. However, I would still go for the Asus Strix cards. First time Asus has made me want one of their cards over EVGA...

freestylar02 · Sep 22, 2014

tomtsir :

Yeh thats where I'm stuck, contemplating if to go with a single 980 knowing I will need to double up or go straight to the R9-295X2 and not need to add another card in later. Also right now 1 295x is cheaper than 2 strix 980s in the store ill use!

Do you think that Nvidia will be able to get anywhere near the 295s performance with drivers alone or is the raw hardware advantage going to make it impossible? Also I'm not sure if the bandwidth will hold the 980s back in the 4K resolutions?

ferwindjacks · Sep 22, 2014

Drivers get you half way there. Thing about the 295x2 is that it has more stream processors than any single chip Nvidia which allows for better performance, among other things. Apparently, even though the new cards have a lower bus speed, the memory (and other factors) make up for it and allow for similar/better performance. The 980 Ti may have the best of both worlds...

freestylar02 · Sep 22, 2014

ferwindjacks :

Haha yeh, thats always the way unfortunately. build it this week and its bound to be superseded in the folowing week, build it in a month and it will be superseded in the next month. With the dual cards and circulation issue Eximo said earlier, do you think the best option would be the 295x2 for temps, noise and performance? I've not dealt with AMD cards before!

freestylar02 · Sep 22, 2014

ferwindjacks :

Hmmm, I wonder if I might be best to hold off and see if the 980ti or 390x drop sooner than we think they will then, is that what you're saying? I dont "need" the build right now but it would be nice to play with 4K instead of 1080 that I'm on now.

ferwindjacks · Sep 22, 2014

I have not dealt with AMD before as well, which is why I can tell you more about Nvidia GPUs. It's a good card, however may be replaced soon by AMD.

If you're worried about temps and want an Nvidia GPU, you could liquid cool your system. Don't know if water blocks will fit in your system though. Who knows what the Ti might pull out of its sleeve. Could be marketable that it is on par to 295x2, but it is a big leap to get there...

freestylar02 · Sep 22, 2014

ferwindjacks :

Hmmm, Yes would be good to stay with Nvidia as I've never had issue there, and they are targeting power efficiency which I really like about the 900 series. Maybe I would be wise to hold off another 3 months before I decide and see if the 980ti or 390x show up and see their specs.

On the other hand do you think the Z97 chipset and i7 4790k will be upto the task of pushing all this, as I'm not sold on the ddr4 and X99 details yet.

ferwindjacks · Sep 22, 2014

For sure. Don't give into DDR4 yet as the tech isn't fully there.

X99 is a workstation class CPU. Whole lotta hype and I'm not sure why.

freestylar02 · Sep 22, 2014

ferwindjacks :

Yeh I think thats right, still teething as a new tech. Thanks for the advice and time, I think I'll leave this unanswered up here for now and see if any ideas come out of it that I may have overlooked.

I think when I do build though, this should be a solid setup for the next 2-3 years without too much of an issue in running most things I need it to.

Eximo · Sep 22, 2014

Also EVGA's step up program to consider. Register after purchase and for 90 days all you do is pay the difference for a newer product and ship them the old card.

Last time I tried an SLI config with two ASUS DCUII it did not go well. Even removing the fan shroud made little difference. The fans themselves create a cushion of air that other fans can't penetrate, so the top card just ends up recirculating everything. Maybe a lot of positive pressure would help, but not really sure. Finally retiring my GTX580s this weekend with a 980.

freestylar02 · Sep 23, 2014

Eximo :

Hmmm, that could be worth looking into, thank.

I've always gone with asus in the past and never had problems though I may have set slots differently or had different spacing, but thanks. I will keep that in mind.

It seems as I thought that I may be best to go a single card option, so that means I might be best to either get the R9 295x2 or wait for 980ti or 390x to show up hey?

ferwindjacks · Sep 23, 2014

I mean if we want to get technical, the 295x2 is a dual GPU...

Think I've seen them going for around 1000. Wouldn't be surprised if 980 Ti gets close, then SLI would put it over the top.

Want opinions on GPUs for my setup.

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