Was GTX 260 Core 216 the wrong choice?

In a perfect world, all games would utilize the entire system to it's max capacity. We don't live in that world. There are titles that are very CPU dependent, just as there are titles that are very GPU dependent. A perfectly balanced system would be the only way to go in a perfect world, but since this isn't the case, the real test is how it feels to play. Limitations are always present in every build, but depending on what you do with your rig, those limitations might be invisible, or completely irrelevant.

Play the games you like. If you are not happy with the performance, and don't mind investing in an upgrade, have at it. Just don't have buyers remorse over a single article, in the end it is all about the experience you have with your computer, and nothing at all to do with how your machine lines up with some charts.

You should never base your purchase of cards buy your relationship with a company. Buy whichever card gives you the best performance for your money, which, in this case, would be ATI.

If I were you, I'd sell the GTX260, and buy an HD4890. There's one on Newegg for $160, which is cheaper than the GTX260, and the performance of the card is phenomenal.

What resolution do you game at? Do you like to enable some level of AA? What games do you play? Those will all make a big difference on your graphics needs.

Sure less money into the Mobo/CPU/RAM would amount to more left over for graphics. Especially if you are willing to OC a bit. In turn this would equate to a more balanced gaming system capable of better handling high resolutions. But, You have started with a solid foundation and have a PSU & Mobo capable of adding a second GTX 260 (or swapping to a next gen card). If you did add a second GTX 260, you'd be up near the GTX 295 in those charts, and likely happy you have such a powerful CPU. Don't feel remorse, it's a solid build with serious potential for handling upgrades. Had you spent more on a CPU than the i7 920, then you'd have reason to kick yourself.

Thanks, shadow187. If I was to sell my GTX 260, what would be my best approach? I have never sold any PC parts that were in good shape. My computers are usually old when I give them to a friend who rebuilds them for neighborhood kids.

That was my main reason for building my "Dream" computer. Up until this point, I have always bought off the shelf, and made small changes. Of course I learned that is the easy way to spend too much money for so little results. I spent 6 months researching parts and compatability, and ended up with this. In answer to your question, I felt that just 1 GPU would be the bottle neck, and slow the rendering process. That is why I wanted a second GTX 260. What are your thoughts for video editing, if you have some knowledge to share? I have learned a long time ago that you have to learn something every day, or you are backing up.

My first computer that was built for me ran at 5 Mhz, and you could push the "turbo" button to increase the speed to 8 Mhz. A real screamer!!! 256K RAM and a 20 MB hard drive. Running DOS 5.0. 5 1/4" floppy drive.

Larrys640

I'd go with the 5770's like Ovr said,
they scale a little better than the 260's and currently based on some benchmarks are running faster or equal to a single 260 in 90% of games *out now*
and drivers always increase performance by about 150% each time so i can't see them staying in the same range as the 260 right now when the 5770 is 6 months old or even 3 months old.

I have SLI GTX 260 C216s and They are great. They were relatively inexpensive for the performance they give, and they stay cool as well. I had an ATI 4850 that would stay in the upper 80Cs. The only reason I went with Nvidia over ATI was the better reference cooler on the 260 vs the 4870. Although now I wish I would have chosen 2 GTX 280s instead for the large frame buffer. You made the right choice. I'm happy with mine, be happy with yours.

PS. If it makes you feel better, in 3DMARK06, which is a synthetic benchmark that doesn't exactly replicate gaming results, I have scored just under 25K points and could probably get over 25K if I really pushed it.

Thanks, again. I am going to get a second 260, as soon as I get a price break. I got the first one for $159 and no shipping, from Newegg. I have notified EVGA that I am looking for a second 260 and would like another price break like the last. Of course, I have had no response from them. I also have it listed on my Newegg watch/wish list. Right now $189 is the best I can get. I will be patient, and hope for a Christmas sale or year end price drop.

Larrys640