GTX 580 2-way SLI vs GTX 570 3-way SLI

[al360ex]

Hello,

I've almost completed a build I've made for my brother (which you can see in my Member Configuration. All that's left is the video card.
As the title of the thread states, I'm wondering which you be best for Nvidia 3D Surround (3 1080p/120Hz monitors) :

EVGA GeForce GTX 570 SuperClocked 3-way SLI

or

Asus GeForce GTX 580 Direct CU II 2-way SLI

He might also use a single 30" 2560x1600 monitor from time to time, in place of the 3D Surround setup.

The reason I'm hesitating between these two options is that it comes both are about the same price (less than 100$ difference).

Any advise would be recommended. If you think that there are better 570s or 580s out there, feel free to point them out...But from what I've heard, these are the best in there categories.

Thank you for your help,
al360ex

 

[mrjericho1991]

definitely 3 way sli would be better choice than duo 580s.and yes would be alot better in gaming than 2 580s.

 

[omnisome]

AMD cards are better for multi-monitor.

 

[al360ex]

Edit - Your looking at the DirectCU II 580's. They use 3 slot coolers and won't SLI on most boards.

I know...but it will fit a Rampage III Formula inside a HAF X. For 2-way SLI, I have to put the cards in slot 1 and 3. I've measured it inside the case. There's enough room.

 

[al360ex]

AMD cards are better for multi-monitor.

I might be close-minded, but I've tried AMD before, and had a ton of problem with their drivers...Since then, I've always used Nvidia products.

 

[al360ex]

Best answer selected by al360ex.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Here's Guru3D's test of the 570's in SLI (873 total fps) versus 6950's (751) and 6970's (825) @ 1920 x 1200

Tests:

COD-MW
Bad Company 2
Dirt 2
Far Cry 2
Metro 2033
Dawn of Discovery
Crysis Warhead
Total

570 SLI
230
103
138
153
54
109
86
873

6960 CF
150
96
131
147
50
90
87
751

6970's
165
108
140
161
56
98
97
825

AMD and triple CF ..... not a place I'd go
http://www.guru3d.com/article/radeon-hd-6850-6870-crossfirex-review/15

OTOH, 3 monitors and 5760 x 1080 is generally going to favor cards w/ more memory and that's AMD's position. However, NVidia surround w/o 3D and PhysX .... I don't like that either.

I'm almost anxious to see how four 560's would do in the mix

I'd sit at this point and see if the 590's / 6990's have anything to offer in this regard ... last rumor had it end of February

 

[dalauder]

Honestly, you should wait a week and see what the GTX 590 and HD 6990 bring to the table since you're in the market for Top-end graphics. Also, do you have a 1200W PSU? Because you'll want something on that order.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey