2560x1600 upgrade from 8800gts

[kortcomponent]

I have an 8800 gts that has just given up the ghost after several warning signs. Now my screen is full of weird ascii and striping when I switch on - so I'm thinking it's time for a new card and probably a new PSU. I saw a recommendation for a PSU in another thread:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341022

but was wondering about which card or cards to get. I read an article on Kotaku of all places about SLi GTS 450 setups:

http://kotaku.com/5636540/nvidia-geforce-gts-450-geforce-gts-450-sli-and-palit-gts-450-sonic-platinum-review

but was wondering if that would do it for me at full res on my 30" monitor with second slightly smaller monitor also enabled most of the time. I generally play LOTRO and shooters in case that has a bearing on all of this. What is your advice for the card(s) and is that the PSU I should be thinking about? I don't really want to go much over $300 for the card(s) if I can help it.

my mobo is an Asus P5N-E SLI

 

[wa1]

Okay, that's a good PSU.

Well, you can go with a single GTX460 for now and add another one later if you have money...

 

[jyjjy]

This PSU is a better brand with higher power output on the +12v rail;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371030
After the promo code and shipping it is also $17 cheaper.
For the card I'd get a single GTX 470. For 2560x1600 it is slightly faster than SLIed GTS 450s, you'll still have a slot free for an upgrade later and you wont have to deal with any SLI scaling/compatibility issues.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/NVIDIA/GeForce_GTS_450_SLI/1.html
In general it is best to start off with a single card and leave SLI or crossfire for an upgrade option when the time comes.
This one is $280 after rebate and comes with three free(and actually good) games;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.455049

 

[kortcomponent]

thanks for your prompt answers - I would indeed rather not fiddle with SLI - so the GTX470 looks like the way to go. Cheers!

 

[kortcomponent]

Best answer selected by kortcomponent.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey