Sept 2011 $1000 Enthusiast Build with change in Video Card question?

[dudeguzman]

Im thinking of putting together most of the components in the sept 11 system $1000 build but with a few changes that I seem to need to be able to play BF3 with 3 monitors. The main question I have is the build that's mentioned on Toms Sept issue uses 2 x EVGA GeForce GTX 460 1 GB 1 GB GDDR5. I've researched the Radeon HD6970 and it seems to fit my bill to be able to use 3 monitors.... Can I do that with the 2 GTX460?

Do I need to change any thing else to my build to accomidate the Radeon 6970?


1.EVGA P67 Micro SLI LGA 1155, Intel P67 chipset
2.Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3 GHz (3.7 GHz Turbo), Quad-Core, 6 MB L3 Cache
3.Cooler Master Hyper TX3
4.SAPPHIRE 100311-2SR Radeon HD 6970 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX
Support Video Card with Eyefinity
5.Mushkin Enhanced Redline 4 GB (2 x 2 GB) 240-Pin DDR3-1600 Kit, Dual-Channel Desktop Memory Kit
6.Western Digital Caviar Black 750 GB 750 GB, 7200 RPM, 32 MB Cache SATA 3Gb/s
7. Sony Optiarc DVD Burner 24x DVD Burner
8.Corsair CX600 V2 600 W ATX12V, EPS12V, 80 PLUS-Certified

 

[kajabla]

What do you mean by "with the 2 GTX460"? The 6970 will work as an alternative, yes.

 

[dudeguzman]

What do you mean by "with the 2 GTX460"? The 6970 will work as an alternative, yes.

What my main question is this. Based on the cards I chose, which would work better for 3 monitor gaming using these cards.

Would i need to change any thing else, power supply etc?

 

[kajabla]

The 460s have slightly better performance when you measure raw fps, but microstuttering and the occasional issues that crop up with SLI put the 6970 in the lead, imo.
With the single card, you'd be fine with a good 500W PSU.

 

[dudeguzman]

Thanks for your input!!!
Going to buy it all in the morning..

 

[dudeguzman]

Do you think theres a better board I can put in? For around the same price range? $150 US... add a little, take a little.

 

[kajabla]

"Better" in what way? A P67 Extreme4 would be nice (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157265).
Are you planning to fit in an SSD? That would be a nice addition, and the $1000 build article loves it.. If not, get a Hyper 212 EVO.

 

[dudeguzman]

Yes I was going to add the ssd. same one mentioned...

 

[kajabla]

Ok. Fit the EVO in if you can spare the cash anyway.

 

[dudeguzman]

The evo your mentioning is a cooler right?

 

[kajabla]

Yep. The Hyper 212 EVO is the latest version of the Hyper 212+, which is very popular. It's around the same price, and it cools better.