Need help configuring new build

or should I go with 2 4890's?

I'm just straight confused.

2 4890s would be the fastest, then the 260s, then the 285. Go from cost/perf, see what that gets you

It's *supposed* to be confusing lol! If it weren't, everyone would buy the same card and the other guy would go out of business!

I think its generally recognized that the 285 is the fastest single-gpu card around. And that the 295 is the fastest single-PCIe-slot card around, tho it has 2 gpu chips meaning its already SLI'd.

They are both expensive, and in many games you can get better frame rates by using two lesser cards in Crossfire (or SLI). OK, you already know that.

Here's a review of a specific 285 (factory OC'd) vs 2x4870 across a variety of games:

http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/hardware-canucks-r...

Here's a line from the conclusion: "Performance-wise, there is no faulting this card (285) considering it beggars the GTX 280 while at times flicking the ears of the HD 4870 X2"

So 2x4870 is mostly faster as benchmarked, and costs maybe the same, depending. 2x4890 would be faster yet, and somewhat more expensive. And maybe overkill . . . today . . . depending on what screen resolution you are running  

Here's a good read on the best graphics solutions at various price-points:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-geforce-pric...

Its out of date of course, prices have come down, but its a good starting point.

Short answer - If the difference in cost isn't a deal-breaker, and you want the best single card, its the 285. To which you can add another if growth is needed. If you want a cost-effective solution for today's games (not necessarily for MMOs) at your resolution, the answer may be 2xCheaper cards.

^+1
Actually you can get away with 2x GTX260 for 1920x1200 resolution...
They would easily max the current games @ that resolution...
And would consume less power than 2x HD4890, and would give out less heat...

Another good GTX260...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Even 2x 4870 1GB is not at all a bad option...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...


So invest in this for now and save money for newer cards...

Actually two 285's would be faster, @ OP if you are going down the dual card route then Sli will net faster performance on the i7 platform.

Quote: "or a GTX 285 ", from the OP, not 2 for the 285s, just 1, due to costs. Reread the OP, then the Ops second comment :"or should I go with 2 4890's?

I'm just straight confused."
So, if the OP wants to spend more than he/she originally stated , I agree with you, otherwise, 2 4890s are the fastest solution requested by the OP

thanks for the input everyone. I think you guys pointed me in the right direction, now it's just up to deciding between 4870's or 4890's. I appreciate the input.

Yeah, I was just 'future proofing' for the OP.  

Should I worry about adding aftermarket cooling solutions to these cards? It seems like people are getting good results from doing this and stock they run very hot.

Take into consideration that if its a cfire setup, some solutions work, some dont, depending on mobo as well. Do some research first. Id start with stock, see how it goes, and then go from there