Uses for insane GPU's

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CmdrJeffSinclair

CmdrJeffSinclair

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Aug 29, 2014
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Hi everyone,

I have almost bought everything to my new $6000 rig. I want it to do everything whether or not I "do" these things. I'm bordering on either ultimate practicality or insanity.

What are some great reasons to get 2x 980's or 3 for that matter? But unless I'm really going to use them, they will probably sit there useless and become obsolete.

I use my computer as a game server, thus, the uber processor and RAM. But a GPU is not used in serving. I could easily play a high end game while hosting a LAN party of 32 friends without even using half the power of my processor already...but the GPU is something only I would use for just me during that LAN party, and I'd bet that nothing will make a single 980 sweat unless I do 4K

What uses would an SLI setup serve when I do not video edit or photoshop? I love to video edit but never get around to doing it beyond minor clipping of video clips and converting, which ends up being mostly processor work anyway. The processor was an obvious and useful choice for me...but somehow I cannot think of anything beyond getting a 4K projector to justify 2 or more 980's in SLI. Chances are even 1 would do most 4k alright haha.

I literally live on my computer in a dark studio so all money spent is well spent so long as it's all used!

SPECS:
Already Ordered:
CPU: Intel Core i7-5960X 8 cores, 16 threads @4.1GHz
COOLER: Cooler Master Nepton 280L (54~122.5 CFM)
MOBO: Asus Deluxe X99
RAM: 32GB DDR4 G-Skill Ripjaws @3200MHz CL16
SSD: 1TB Samsung EVO 850 PRO as main drive
SSD#2: 1TB Samsung EVO 840
MONITOR: 24" Asus V248QE 144Hz 1080p LED-Lit
CASE: Corsair Obsidian 750D
----
Not yet ordered:
PROJECTOR: Optoma HD141X Full 3D 1080p 3000 Lumen DLP Home Theater Projector
GPU: 1x or 2x Gigabyte Windforce G1 Gaming 4GB Nvidia 980
PSU: Probably will get an EVGA SuperNOVA G2 1300W
 
Solution
MeteorsRaining
Firstly, your movies or any other 1080p content WON'T be streched, that is because both 1080p and 1440p are 16:9 ratio, you'd not see any streching. Not even with 4k, as it is also 16:9. There won't be any blurring too, atleast not with videos.
But its your decision, I can only say tri SLI 980s for a single 1080p display/ projector is overkill. Be it a 15" FHD or 100", the resolution is the same, and I'd not get three 980s for that, a single would produce 60+ FPS, 2 would give 90+ FPS, three would yield 100+ FPS.
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MeteorsRaining

MeteorsRaining

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Jul 27, 2014
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I'd get 3 way SLI of 970s, will cost less (don't know if that matters to you) while giving more performance than 2 way 980s. 4 way SLI usually takes performance instead of giving it. Keep it 3 way at most. 970 for value/money, 980 for those 10 extra frames. The choice on PSU is great. I'd get multiple 2ks to justify the setup, my opinion :)
 
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CmdrJeffSinclair

CmdrJeffSinclair

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Aug 29, 2014
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Sadly, the only projectors over 1080p are 4k and cost $10,000. I'm intent on getting a short-throw projector so I can have 150" wall screens for my movies and games haha. But 4K is too steep since there's no real 4k content, not to mention how awful older content will look. Even 1080p would look stretched and nasty on 4k.

I'll probably get two 980s to be safe since I know I'll find use for them at some points, but part of my post was hoping to really develop some new computer hobbies. Serving is definitely new for me and I've yet to find lots of uses for it. Shaving off 1 or 2 hundred bucks isn't worth squat to me at this point, and the 980s offer full DX12 support, so that's enough to keep me on the bandwagon for now.

Any uses aside from 4k to merit 3x 980s?
 
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CmdrJeffSinclair

CmdrJeffSinclair

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Aug 29, 2014
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Unfortunately I don't have the space in my studio apartment for a dedicated computer corner, and 3 FHD monitors along with my 42" 120Hz HDTV would be nothing but clutter.

The projector I plan to get (listed above) offers me the immersive experience that I'd get from 3 monitor (nothing says awesome like an entire wall to game on). A 4k monitor would be the only viable choice beyond the projector however content and screen sizes are an issue. I'd want 4k on 100" to overcome the smallness of the high resolution, which is the #1 reason developers get 4k...more workspace so that places me completely at odds with one of the best reasons to get a 4k monitor. 1440p doesn't impress me and all I can think of is issues with movie resolutions getting screwed up. Nothing seems very viable at the moment and anything above 1080 is going to ruin all of my old content from blurriness and poor aspect ratios. It's pretty awful watching DVDs on my 1080p TV with all that stretching and blurring, I cannot even imagine how nasty things will be with 4k...so 1080p is where I'm staying for at least 5 more years.

The question I posed was what activities can I do that would require 2-3x 980s. You seem to like the 970s, but I'm getting the 980('s) thanks!!!
 
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MeteorsRaining

MeteorsRaining

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Jul 27, 2014
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Firstly, your movies or any other 1080p content WON'T be streched, that is because both 1080p and 1440p are 16:9 ratio, you'd not see any streching. Not even with 4k, as it is also 16:9. There won't be any blurring too, atleast not with videos.
But its your decision, I can only say tri SLI 980s for a single 1080p display/ projector is overkill. Be it a 15" FHD or 100", the resolution is the same, and I'd not get three 980s for that, a single would produce 60+ FPS, 2 would give 90+ FPS, three would yield 100+ FPS.
 
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Icaraeus

Icaraeus

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Oct 9, 2013
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The size of a display has absolutely no impact on overall performance - you could have a 24inch or 130inch display and it'd render the same amount of pixels. The GTX 970 and 980 are not designed for single monitor 1080p, but instead for 1440p, 1600p, ultra HD or multi-monitor configurations (best used in SLI). For your 1080p projector, you will certainly not require anything more than a single GTX 970 at the very most. By the time you "need" more than that for 1080p, your SLI GTX 970/980s would be obsolete.

Personally in my opinion, you should have gone with a single 500GB SSD and then couple it with a 4-6TB HDD as you will have much better bang for buck. You wouldn't gain any real benefit from the second SSD as all of your applications can and should fit on a 500GB SSD.
 
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CmdrJeffSinclair

CmdrJeffSinclair

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Aug 29, 2014
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Actually the projector is 144Hz 3D, and it was my hope to always have about 120FPS for all games at maximum settings including murderkill stuff like PhysX, AA (as much as needed), 16xAF, 64x tessellation, as well as DX12 effects when they officially come out. Chances are even at 1080p having all this on max will drop me below 60FPS for many games even with 2x 980s based on a lot of benchmarks I've seen.

All of this is also ignoring the Voxel Global Illumination and other unique stuff the 980 is bringing to the table that may or may not crush performance.

I mean, I could easily be wrong but I know for sure that 2x 980s will be used despite it being a tad overkill, but the 3rd I kinda look at as peace of mind. I guess I won't get it and if I really want it in 3 or 5 months I could always get it then....
 
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shakuvendell

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Jan 5, 2012
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It sounds like you're wanting to use a diesel locomotive to pull a coaster wagon. You're getting more than you can use. The third 980 won't be any real insurance. Not anything useful, at least. It's like getting car insurance when you don't have a car. The benefits are all perceived. None are literal. Plus, honestly, by definition, if it's "Insane" be it literal or hyperbolic, it's probably not really a good idea. Get what you know you can use. Not what "Might be useful later". I've seen what that can do to a house. They tend to fill with junk and novelties. It's been a pain towards our upcoming move to a new home for my family. It applies to the graphics card issue here, as well. If you're having to ask for uses, it's logical to assume you couldn't find enough yourself. Since YOU are the guy using it, you'll be the one to know if you'll HAVE a use. Which means, since you're asking us for uses, you likely have none. It's true for any person. they don't need anything THEY can't think of a use for.
 
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