Too Risky?

[dcutbi001]

This is not exactly graphics card related but I'm about to pull the trigger on a build that is going to have x-fire 6950(70s) and I'm using an old LG 22" monitor http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824005116 In essence wasting the GPU power I'm getting. I'm really wanting a 2560x1440 or even a 2560x1600 but the prices are just out of my budget given the machine I'm currently building. So, I stumbled across this on NewEgg http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824185011 but I don't think I have the stones to add it to my final cart. Does anyone have any advice one way or the other? Otherwise I'll end up with a 27" 1920X1200 for my new gaming rig.

The bottom line is I have to get a new monitor otherwise I can't justify using those 2 cards, but even with that doublesight monitor I'm $500 overbudget, so I'm trying to decide between a $300-$400ish lower resolution monitor (but still nice/good quality) or roll the dice on this budget busting off brand......decisions decisions

 

[HostileDonut]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236052&cm_re=1920_x_1080_monitor-_-24-236-052-_-Product Justify it with that! Your PC will be future-proof with those GPUs. Can you tell me the rest of the system specs?

 

[jyjjy]

Instead of a larger monitor have you considered getting 2 more 22" 1680x1050 monitors for Eyefinity? They should be about $150 each I believe. The 5040 x 1050 resolution will certainly make good use of crossfired HD6950s.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=Property&N=100007617%20600030626&IsNodeId=1&PropertyCodeValue=3098%3A22582%2C1099%3A17865&bop=And&Order=PRICE&PageSize=100

 

[HostileDonut]

Instead of a larger monitor have you considered getting 2 more 22" 1680x1050 monitors for Eyefinity? They should be about $150 each I believe. The 5040 x 1050 resolution will certainly make good use of crossfired HD6950s.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=Property&N=100007617%20600030626&IsNodeId=1&PropertyCodeValue=3098%3A22582%2C1099%3A17865&bop=And&Order=PRICE&PageSize=100

Yeah, better than my plan!

 

[dcutbi001]

Sure thing!

Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16819115072
***Combo*** COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 120mm sleeve CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16835103065

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16820231431

Crucial RealSSD C300 CTFDDAC064MAG-1G1 2.5" MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16820148357

LITE-ON Black 4X Blu-ray Reader SATA Model iHOS104-06
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16827106325

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 1TB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16822152185

NZXT Phantom PHAN-001BK Black Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16811146068

--x2-- GIGABYTE Radeon HD 6950 GV-R695D5-2GD-B Video Card with Eyefinity
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16814125356

Antec TruePower New TP-750 750W Continuous Power "compatible with Core i7" Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16817371025

ASUS P8P67-M PRO (REV 3.0) Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16813131707

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16832116754

I was planning on posting it in the "New Build" section before buying everything, I just wanted to get this monitor situation worked out first.

 

[dcutbi001]

The only drawback to the multi monitor setup is I'm using this machine for, almost exclusively, gaming. I could almost justify having a 27" 1900X1200 for my main screen (while gaming) and keeping my 22" 1680x1050 for ventrilo, music player, etc.., but I've yet to hear anyone say the prefer to play FPS,MMOs,RPG's, etc.. on multiple monitors. I just imagine the inch of casing between the monitors breaking my accuracy up when playing fps. It would look really cool on my desk though

 

[HostileDonut]

If I make make a few changes, I would get these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130572&cm_re=p67_motherboard-_-13-130-572-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139003&Tpk=corsair%20600t

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136181&cm_re=Blue_Ray_burner-_-27-136-181-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136794&cm_re=750gb_black_caviar-_-22-136-794-_-Product

Besides that, everything looks good. The drives weren't fit to be is such a performance machine, and the mATX board should be a full ATX board for a high-end gaming PC like that. The 600t case is great and has many features. I will name a few: cable management grommits, a knob to control the fans, and 3 fans two with white LEDs.

 

[HostileDonut]

The only drawback to the multi monitor setup is I'm using this machine for, almost exclusively, gaming. I could almost justify having a 27" 1900X1200 for my main screen (while gaming) and keeping my 22" 1680x1050 for ventrilo, music player, etc.., but I've yet to hear anyone say the prefer to play FPS,MMOs,RPG's, etc.. on multiple monitors. I just imagine the inch of casing between the monitors breaking my accuracy up when playing fps. It would look really cool on my desk though

If you don't want three monitors, get the one I recommended. Sell your 22" and get some money, heck, I'd offer you $50 for it! I know it's worth more, but if I can get a good deal.

 

[dcutbi001]

Thanks for the advice. Depending on what I end up doing in relation to my monitor debacle I will plan on swapping those parts out. The funny thing is I started skimping on some of the stuff I thought I could get away with it on once I realized I wanted one of those high end monitors. But if I get told that 27" 1900x1200 is not a bad resolution for my cards (I'm worried about GPU overkill vs my monitor resolution) then its game on!

Quick edit: The mobo you suggested is the one I wanted from jump, but its been out of stock for the last week or so I've been looking.

 

[HostileDonut]

Thanks for the advice. Depending on what I end up doing in relation to my monitor debacle I will plan on swapping those parts out. The funny thing is I started skimping on some of the stuff I thought I could get away with it on once I realized I wanted one of those high end monitors. But if I get told that 27" 1900x1200 is not a bad resolution for my cards (I'm worried about GPU overkill vs my monitor resolution) then its game on!

Well, one could handle that resolution and get decent FPS, but it will be future-proof. Don't skimp on anything in your system. You don't want a bottleneck, do you? I mean, you want all parts to be equally good. If you don't watch blue ray, get this drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204&cm_re=ASUS_burner-_-27-135-204-_-Product

 

[HostileDonut]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130583&cm_re=p67_motherboard-_-13-130-583-_-Product That should support CFX.

 

[dcutbi001]

Yeah I typically watch blue ray on my TV/PS3 so I will probably swap that out. I just threw it in on a whim.

 

[jyjjy]

but I've yet to hear anyone say the prefer to play FPS,MMOs,RPG's, etc.. on multiple monitors. I just imagine the inch of casing between the monitors breaking my accuracy up when playing fps. It would look really cool on my desk though

I don't think you've been looking then. There should be no accuracy issues for FPS. The main screen should be exactly the same as when you currently play. The two extra screens are on the sides for a much more immersive effect. It's pretty neat. Here are some videos of eyefinity in action;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QD_HPlcE7dA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ft39wCete0E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc4O4QGgIJc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UeHJEeuLc8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn9Hhh3awK0

 

[HostileDonut]

I don't think you've been looking then. There should be no accuracy issues for FPS. The main screen should be exactly the same as when you currently play. The two extra screens are on the sides for a much more immersive effect. It's pretty neat. Here are some videos of eyefinity in action;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QD_HPlcE7dA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ft39wCete0E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc4O4QGgIJc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UeHJEeuLc8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn9Hhh3awK0

I think he meant the bezzle between the screens not allowing him to see his enemies. I don't think he really meant accuracy.

 

[HostileDonut]

Yeah I typically watch blue ray on my TV/PS3 so I will probably swap that out. I just threw it in on a whim.

OMG! You play PS3!!!!!!!! I hate the PS3!!!!!! I will never reply to you again!!!!!! Just kidding.... :lol: But really, I do hate the PS3...

 

[dcutbi001]

I don't think you've been looking then. There should be no accuracy issues for FPS. The main screen should be exactly the same as when you currently play. The two extra screens are on the sides for a much more immersive effect. It's pretty neat. Here are some videos of eyefinity in action;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QD_HPlcE7dA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ft39wCete0E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc4O4QGgIJc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UeHJEeuLc8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn9Hhh3awK0

I have to admit it could be cool. Now I need to look into three monitors to compare pricing

 

[jyjjy]

I think he meant the bezzle between the screens not allowing him to see his enemies. I don't think he really meant accuracy.

The bezels don't block out part of the image so that isn't an issue. The extra screen area will only do the opposite; vastly improve side visibility to see more targets/enemies.
The suggestions you made for the build are alright but the Spinpoint F3 he picked out is cheaper, larger and faster than the Caviar Black.

 

[HostileDonut]

I have to admit it could be cool. Now I need to look into three monitors to compare pricing

Just get two more monitors that you already have.

 

[HostileDonut]

The bezels don't block out part of the image so that isn't an issue. The extra screen area will only do the opposite; vastly improve side visibility to see more targets/enemies.
The suggestions you made for the build are alright but the Spinpoint F3 he picked out is cheaper, larger and faster than the Caviar Black.

Is it really faster than the Caviar Black? I thought the Caviar black 6gb/s drives were the fastest hard drives. If so, then screw the WD blacks.

 

[HostileDonut]

The bezels don't block out part of the image so that isn't an issue. The extra screen area will only do the opposite; vastly improve side visibility to see more targets/enemies.
The suggestions you made for the build are alright but the Spinpoint F3 he picked out is cheaper, larger and faster than the Caviar Black.

Yeah, I know it lets you see more, but the bezels would be annoying...

 

[jyjjy]

Is it really faster than the Caviar Black? I thought the Caviar black 6gb/s drives were the fastest hard drives. If so, then screw the WD blacks.

Here's a benchmark. The Spinpoint F3 is the HD103SJ;
http://www.harddrivebenchmark.net/hdd.php?hdd=WDC+WD7502AAEX

 

[dcutbi001]

Just get two more monitors that you already have.

The monitors I have are discontinued. I'll have to find 3 new monitors at 1900x1200. Even doing that its cheaper than buying 1 2560x1440 or higher.

 

[dcutbi001]

Here's a benchmark. The Spinpoint F3 is the HD103SJ;
http://www.harddrivebenchmark.net/hdd.php?hdd=WDC+WD7502AAEX

Well I'm putting my OS and main 2 or 3 games on my SSD so the HDD will be mainly storage for music etc..

 

[jyjjy]

The monitors I have are discontinued. I'll have to find 3 new monitors at 1900x1200. Even doing that its cheaper than buying 1 2560x1440 or higher.

You don't need the exact same monitor. Just the same resolution and size should be fine. I linked all the 22" 1680x1050 monitors on Newegg in my first post in the thread.

EDIT: The only issue I could see is if the stands were non-adjustable and of a different height from your current monitor. If your current monitor has an adjustable height stand then its not an issue. If not make sure the new monitor's are adjustable.

 

[dcutbi001]

Thanks Jy I'll check that out right now.