As I've done a good bit of research, I'm revising my list here. My original goal was eyefinity across 2 - 3 video cards and to be able to boast high to ultra settings in current and end of 2011 games, like BF3. However, the mixed reviews of the BETA is making me a bit cautious and hesitant to jump right out and spend the money if I'm going to be the least bit disappointed.
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Approximate Purchase Date: First week of October 2011
Budget Range: $2,000-$2,500 (Prices not listed as they are not too much of a concern)
System Usage: Gaming, Misc
Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, headphones
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg or other
Country of Origin: US
Parts Preferences: No preference: ATI seems to give better performance to cost value, but I value NV as an option.
Overclocking: Yes
SLI or Crossfire: Yes
Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080 single, eyefinity/nv surround 5760x1080
Additional Comments: I need suggestions on whether to TriCF/SLI or jump to two cards at the next tier. Suggestions on overclocking CPU, and limiting bottlenecks.
Display: If performance allows, 3x 21-25” LCDs, not yet decided. If I'm not excited about going eyefinity 3x1 then probably a 120hz monitor.
Graphics:
Crossfire (2) - MSI 6970 Lightning
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127581 ($387 x 2)
then
Add a 3rd card if I believe I can push 3 displays
Processor:
Intel i5 2500k ($220)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072
and
Corsair H80 ($95)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181016
RAM:
CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233144
Motherboard:
ASRock Z68 Extreme7 Gen3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157269
Unless I can get a better suggestion on a solid MB
Primary Drive (SSD)
Crucial M4 128Gb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148442
Secondary Drive (HDD)
Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB ($60)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185
PSU:
Corsair AX1200 ($280)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139014&Tpk=corsair%20ax1200
Case:
Silverstone FT02
http://www.amazon.com/SilverStone-Aluminum-Uni-Body-Computer-FT02B/dp/B0030MHEJK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318307331&sr=8-1
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Questions:
1. Should I TriCF 6950s, which all may not be able to be unlocked, or should I CrossFire 6970s? I've not found a good comparison and given the price they cost about the same total.
A. I decided to start off with crossfire 6970s, while I'd like 580s, the price v performance makes the ati just a better buy. (I'm not saying a better card.)
2. The combo motherboard, cpu and corsair cooler, from what I've read I should be able to get a stable overclock to around 4.5Ghz or maybe a bit better. Is this accurate?
A. About as accurate as I can find, of course those who wait for bulldozer are looking for higher clock speeds.
3. Can you find some reasonable areas to improve overall performance? Take the liberty of suggesting different hard drives, cards or solutions in general.
A. Silverstone over CM, changed out the power supply for one with a better rating, more reliable SSD and no reason to change from Intel to AMD processors.
Continued input is welcomed. Thank you
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Approximate Purchase Date: First week of October 2011
Budget Range: $2,000-$2,500 (Prices not listed as they are not too much of a concern)
System Usage: Gaming, Misc
Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, headphones
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg or other
Country of Origin: US
Parts Preferences: No preference: ATI seems to give better performance to cost value, but I value NV as an option.
Overclocking: Yes
SLI or Crossfire: Yes
Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080 single, eyefinity/nv surround 5760x1080
Additional Comments: I need suggestions on whether to TriCF/SLI or jump to two cards at the next tier. Suggestions on overclocking CPU, and limiting bottlenecks.
Display: If performance allows, 3x 21-25” LCDs, not yet decided. If I'm not excited about going eyefinity 3x1 then probably a 120hz monitor.
Graphics:
Crossfire (2) - MSI 6970 Lightning
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127581 ($387 x 2)
then
Add a 3rd card if I believe I can push 3 displays
Processor:
Intel i5 2500k ($220)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072
and
Corsair H80 ($95)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181016
RAM:
CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233144
Motherboard:
ASRock Z68 Extreme7 Gen3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157269
Unless I can get a better suggestion on a solid MB
Primary Drive (SSD)
Crucial M4 128Gb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148442
Secondary Drive (HDD)
Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB ($60)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185
PSU:
Corsair AX1200 ($280)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139014&Tpk=corsair%20ax1200
Case:
Silverstone FT02
http://www.amazon.com/SilverStone-Aluminum-Uni-Body-Computer-FT02B/dp/B0030MHEJK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318307331&sr=8-1
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions:
1. Should I TriCF 6950s, which all may not be able to be unlocked, or should I CrossFire 6970s? I've not found a good comparison and given the price they cost about the same total.
A. I decided to start off with crossfire 6970s, while I'd like 580s, the price v performance makes the ati just a better buy. (I'm not saying a better card.)
2. The combo motherboard, cpu and corsair cooler, from what I've read I should be able to get a stable overclock to around 4.5Ghz or maybe a bit better. Is this accurate?
A. About as accurate as I can find, of course those who wait for bulldozer are looking for higher clock speeds.
3. Can you find some reasonable areas to improve overall performance? Take the liberty of suggesting different hard drives, cards or solutions in general.
A. Silverstone over CM, changed out the power supply for one with a better rating, more reliable SSD and no reason to change from Intel to AMD processors.
Continued input is welcomed. Thank you