Help choosing new GTX 580

[zackb951]

Hello everyone!

I was initially going to buy a GTX 590 but I've heard problems about it and so I've decided that I would SLI two GTX 580's. Although I am having trouble choosing which 580 to get. My parts will be bought off of Newegg.ca.

Feel free to go through the complete list of GTX 580's here

I am sort of stuck between these cards:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130590

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130658

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130587

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130655

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814162073

I realize the core clock of some of them is higher and I am not 100% sure what this means. It seems that some of the cards are the exact same at a higher price.

Also note that I trust EVGA as a brand but the Galaxy brand 580 has 3 fans built on with a $50 rebate.

Please help me choose which would be the fastest and which would be the cheapest and which would be the perfect balance.

Thank you so much! I appreciate it!

My system specs if you need them are:

Intel 17 2600K
Corsair Silent Pro Gold 1000W Power supply
Asus Maximus IV Extreme-Z Mobo
16GB of 1333Mhz Gskill RAM

 

[Gothams Finest]

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130590&AID=10657534&PID=3899435&SID=skim1402X558040Xcb7a56043ddd36d78ac7495f83ef0dbd&nm_mc=AFC-C8junctionCA

If I was spending my money I would go for a reference card for sli.

Non reference are great if you only have the one, but in sli with 2 cards next to one another with less air flow one usually ends up heating up the other

 

[zackb951]

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130590&AID=10657534&PID=3899435&SID=skim1402X558040Xcb7a56043ddd36d78ac7495f83ef0dbd&nm_mc=AFC-C8junctionCA

If I was spending my money I would go for a reference card for sli.

Non reference are great if you only have the one, but in sli with 2 cards next to one another with less air flow one usually ends up heating up the other

I understand that a reference card is how the card is intended to be designed etc. But I don't see how this would increase airflow etc. For example look at the last link on my post... That includes 3 fans, don't you think that would provide better airflow? Also I'm very confused still at the differences of a lot of those cards. Sorry for the argument I'd just like to get it right the first time

Opinions from others would be appreciated too

 

[samuelspark]

I'd get an Asus Matrix 580 because it's the most uber boss gtx580. http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121467

 

[geofelt]

The GTX590 is, in effect two GTX570 cards in sli.
sli GTX570 is another option.

For good cooling, I like the direct exhaust type of coolers. They get the heat out of the case directly.
Other cooler types such as the galaxy do a god job of getting the gpu chip cooled, but they then dump heat back into the case where case cooling has to deal with it.
It is a big enough problem with just one card, but with sli, you will have problems cooling the top card.

The superclocked versions have mild factory overclocks. and are priced at a slght premium. 797 vs. 772.
In terms of speed, they are a bit faster, but probably worth it.

Some of the cards have 3gb of ram vs 1536mb, and are more expensive.
I don't think the extra ram is much worth it unless you are looking at 2560 x 1600 monitors, or triple monitor gaming.

If you want the very best, look at the newly announced evga GTX580 classified.
Clock is 855 vs 772, and it comes with a new cooler design that should alleviate some sli installation problems.
You can order them directly from evga for $550:
http://www.evga.com/products/moreInfo.asp?pn=015-P3-1586-AR&family=GeForce 500 Series Family&sw=

 

[zackb951]

The GTX590 is, in effect two GTX570 cards in sli.
sli GTX570 is another option.

For good cooling, I like the direct exhaust type of coolers. They get the heat out of the case directly.
Other cooler types such as the galaxy do a god job of getting the gpu chip cooled, but they then dump heat back into the case where case cooling has to deal with it.
It is a big enough problem with just one card, but with sli, you will have problems cooling the top card.

The superclocked versions have mild factory overclocks. and are priced at a slght premium. 797 vs. 772.
In terms of speed, they are a bit faster, but probably worth it.

Some of the cards have 3gb of ram vs 1536mb, and are more expensive.
I don't think the extra ram is much worth it unless you are looking at 2560 x 1600 monitors, or triple monitor gaming.

If you want the very best, look at the newly announced evga GTX580 classified.
Clock is 855 vs 772, and it comes with a new cooler design that should alleviate some sli installation problems.
You can order them directly from evga for $550:
http://www.evga.com/products/moreInfo.asp?pn=015-P3-1586-AR&family=GeForce 500 Series Family&sw=

So what would your recommendation be out of the group of cards I provided and the ones everyone else provided. Please note though that I don't really want to overpay for a gtx580, I'd like to stay at a lower cost while having sufficient cooling.
I'd like the price to stay relatively close to what a 590 would cost for two 580's.

Also my second question is should I completely rule out non overclocked cards, because if the performance boost is noticeable and there is little to no heat increase then I'd like to.

Thank you so much

 

[geofelt]

So what would your recommendation be out of the group of cards I provided and the ones everyone else provided. Please note though that I don't really want to overpay for a gtx580, I'd like to stay at a lower cost while having sufficient cooling.
I'd like the price to stay relatively close to what a 590 would cost for two 580's.

Also my second question is should I completely rule out non overclocked cards, because if the performance boost is noticeable and there is little to no heat increase then I'd like to.

Thank you so much

I would not rule out non overclocked cards. They should run cooler and you won't notice any real difference in performance.
Of the 5 you listed, the first one, evga superclocked is the cheapest evga card and would be the best.

But, do consider sli with two GTX570 cards, for a couple of hundred less.
like these:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130614
You will get better than GTX590 performance for less.
It is hard to imagine that you would not be satisfied.

With EVGA, you have an option to trade them in for stronger cards within 90 days. Check their web site for details.

 

[zackb951]

I would not rule out non overclocked cards. They should run cooler and you won't notice any real difference in performance.
Of the 5 you listed, the first one, evga superclocked is the cheapest evga card and would be the best.

But, do consider sli with two GTX570 cards, for a couple of hundred less.
like these:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130614
You will get better than GTX590 performance for less.
It is hard to imagine that you would not be satisfied.

With EVGA, you have an option to trade them in for stronger cards within 90 days. Check their web site for details.

But wouldn't having SLI gtx 580's be better because I'm willing to spend the money? Or is there a specific reason to go with SLI 570's

 

[geofelt]

But wouldn't having SLI gtx 580's be better because I'm willing to spend the money? Or is there a specific reason to go with SLI 570's

Faster, yes. Your original post talked about cheaper as well as balance.
Just how good do you need to be?

A single GTX580 will run everything well at the typical 1080P resolution.
Anything past that brings diminishing returns for the dollar.


If you have a 2560 x 1600 monitor, or are planning on triple monitor gaming, then possibly sli would be warranted.

If I were in the market now, I would splurge on the GTX580 classified or even just a single superclock.. Really not worth it, but a single card avoids the possible issues of microstutter and games that are not optimized for sli.

IN 1Q 2012, 28nm cards will appear from both amd and nvidia. They should be faster and cooler. At that time, my upgrade plan would be to sell the GTX580 and replace it with the next best thing.

 

[zackb951]

Faster, yes. Your original post talked about cheaper as well as balance.
Just how good do you need to be?

A single GTX580 will run everything well at the typical 1080P resolution.
Anything past that brings diminishing returns for the dollar.


If you have a 2560 x 1600 monitor, or are planning on triple monitor gaming, then possibly sli would be warranted.

If I were in the market now, I would splurge on the GTX580 classified or even just a single superclock.. Really not worth it, but a single card avoids the possible issues of microstutter and games that are not optimized for sli.

IN 1Q 2012, 28nm cards will appear from both amd and nvidia. They should be faster and cooler. At that time, my upgrade plan would be to sell the GTX580 and replace it with the next best thing.

I am running on 1920x1080 at the moment but an thinking of upgrading to 2560x1600 soon. I'd like to be able to run every game on the market at the highest possible settings. Also do you know an estimated price on the new cards?

Oh and also what exactly is so special about the GTX 580 classified to warrant that pricetag?

Sorry for being such a hassle. You are really helping me out!

 

[geofelt]

I am running on 1920x1080 at the moment but an thinking of upgrading to 2560x1600 soon. I'd like to be able to run every game on the market at the highest possible settings. Also do you know an estimated price on the new cards?

Oh and also what exactly is so special about the GTX 580 classified to warrant that pricetag?

Sorry for being such a hassle. You are really helping me out!

I have a 2560 x 1600 monitor(samsung 305T), actually two of them.
the EVGA superclock GTX580 runs them both well.
I play mostly civ 4 and 5 and see a steady 60fps.
It might be more challenging for some fast action shooters.

The GTX classified can come with 3gb ram which might serve you well with a 2560 x 1600 display.
It also has a factory oc to 855 vs 772, a nice advantage, It is supposed to be overclockable higher, but I don't much care to do that.

The thing I really like is the new cooler. It is a bigger fan that should push more air and be quieter.
It is designed to solve some of the air issues with sli graphics cards.
Look at the evga web link:
http://www.evga.com/products/moreInfo.asp?pn=03G-P3-1588-AR&family=GeForce 500 Series Family&sw=

Is it worth it? Probably not.
But if you have the budget, it is as good as it gets.

 

[zackb951]

I have a 2560 x 1600 monitor(samsung 305T), actually two of them.
the EVGA superclock GTX580 runs them both well.
I play mostly civ 4 and 5 and see a steady 60fps.
It might be more challenging for some fast action shooters.

The GTX classified can come with 3gb ram which might serve you well with a 2560 x 1600 display.
It also has a factory oc to 855 vs 772, a nice advantage, It is supposed to be overclockable higher, but I don't much care to do that.

The thing I really like is the new cooler. It is a bigger fan that should push more air and be quieter.
It is designed to solve some of the air issues with sli graphics cards.
Look at the evga web link:
http://www.evga.com/products/moreInfo.asp?pn=03G-P3-1588-AR&family=GeForce 500 Series Family&sw=

Is it worth it? Probably not.
But if you have the budget, it is as good as it gets.

Say I were to stay with a 1920x1080, and want to play any game at the highest including anti-aliasing, anisotropic filtering, bloom effects and more on the latest games such as skyrim and battlefield 3, crysis, as well as all the other demanding games out there. Would I be set with a GTX 580 (This One: Link not working... Just click the first link of the first post I made ) for now and possibly adding another in the future. If I can get over 60 fps steadily then I'd be perfectly happy! Or do you think there is a better solution?

 

[geofelt]

Your link does not work for me.

How well you do will probably be game dependent.
Look at the anandtech gpu bench app and compare several solutions.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/GPU11/188

My guess is that you will be pleased.
It costs little to try a single GTX580 first.
You have a motherboard and psu that is well suited to adding a second GTX580 if you want later.

The difference in performance among tall of the GTX580 cards is in single digits.
That is a difference not noticeable to you, and only detectable with a benchmark.

 

[zackb951]

Your link does not work for me.

How well you do will probably be game dependent.
Look at the anandtech gpu bench app and compare several solutions.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/GPU11/188

My guess is that you will be pleased.
It costs little to try a single GTX580 first.
You have a motherboard and psu that is well suited to adding a second GTX580 if you want later.

The difference in performance among tall of the GTX580 cards is in single digits.
That is a difference not noticeable to you, and only detectable with a benchmark.

Ok I think I will try one gtx 580 at first, should I go with this one: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130590 (As somebody initially suggested)? Or another? I know you say it's minor differences but I'd like to get the most bang for my buck under $500.

Thanks so much by the way you've been extremely helpful and I honestly appreciate it.

 

[zackb951]

Best answer selected by zackb951.

 

[geofelt]

Ok I think I will try one gtx 580 at first, should I go with this one: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130590 (As somebody initially suggested)? Or another? I know you say it's minor differences but I'd like to get the most bang for my buck under $500.

Thanks so much by the way you've been extremely helpful and I honestly appreciate it.

That is the lowest priced card, and superclocked too. I think it is good for 2560 x 1600.
If you will do triple 1080P monitor surround gaming soon, then perhaps the 3gb version might be better.
I don't like the 3gb price premium, and would pass on that.

What are you using now?
I hope this is a big jump, or you risk being disappointed.

 

[x Heavy]

I have a 2560 x 1600 monitor(samsung 305T), actually two of them.
the EVGA superclock GTX580 runs them both well.
I play mostly civ 4 and 5 and see a steady 60fps.
It might be more challenging for some fast action shooters.

The GTX classified can come with 3gb ram which might serve you well with a 2560 x 1600 display.
It also has a factory oc to 855 vs 772, a nice advantage, It is supposed to be overclockable higher, but I don't much care to do that.

The thing I really like is the new cooler. It is a bigger fan that should push more air and be quieter.
It is designed to solve some of the air issues with sli graphics cards.
Look at the evga web link:
http://www.evga.com/products/moreInfo.asp?pn=03G-P3-1588-AR&family=GeForce 500 Series Family&sw=

Is it worth it? Probably not.
But if you have the budget, it is as good as it gets.

I have gone past the 832 factory over clock and now fly at 1 gig OC on my 580's

 

[zackb951]

That is the lowest priced card, and superclocked too. I think it is good for 2560 x 1600.
If you will do triple 1080P monitor surround gaming soon, then perhaps the 3gb version might be better.
I don't like the 3gb price premium, and would pass on that.

What are you using now?
I hope this is a big jump, or you risk being disappointed.

This is a huge jump. I am using the gt 220 right now, and It's terrible. I've been building a new machine and have every part but the GPU, but thanks to you I know which one to get.

 

[zackb951]

Oh and also, do you think getting two GTX 580's is better than one GTX 590 considering the price jump if you choose 580's?

 

[samuelspark]

yes.

 

[geofelt]

Oh and also, do you think getting two GTX 580's is better than one GTX 590 considering the price jump if you choose 580's?

From a performance point of view, two GTX580's will be superior, but they will cost more.
From a performance point of view, two GTX570's will perform slightly better than a GTX590 and cost less.
It is probably a moot point, because GTX590's seem to not be available.
The main reason to get a GTX590 is because you can't go sli for some reason.

 

[zackb951]

From a performance point of view, two GTX580's will be superior, but they will cost more.
From a performance point of view, two GTX570's will perform slightly better than a GTX590 and cost less.
It is probably a moot point, because GTX590's seem to not be available.
The main reason to get a GTX590 is because you can't go sli for some reason.

Cool. So my final question, because I know I've been a hassle, is what would you recommend for gaming on a 1920x1080 or 2560x1600 at max graphics on all games on the market and games for the near future, with hopefully a steady 60fps or more:

Two 580's
Two 570's
Or a 580 3gb.

Also what is the real difference between the 590 and the 580 3gb?

Thank you

 

[geofelt]

Cool. So my final question, because I know I've been a hassle, is what would you recommend for gaming on a 1920x1080 or 2560x1600 at max graphics on all games on the market and games for the near future, with hopefully a steady 60fps or more:

Two 580's
Two 570's
Or a 580 3gb.

Also what is the real difference between the 590 and the 580 3gb?

Thank you

From a performance point of view, 2x580>2x570>1-580-3gb.

The 590 is a slightly underclocked sli 570 on one card. T
The 3gb helps with lots of pixels, like 3 x 1080p or 2560 x 1600, but it is nowhere near as important as other factors.

If you have the budget, plan on two 580's, but just get one first to see how you do.

If you want it all up front, two 570's will do what you want for less.

 

[zackb951]

From a performance point of view, 2x580>2x570>1-580-3gb.

The 590 is a slightly underclocked sli 570 on one card. T
The 3gb helps with lots of pixels, like 3 x 1080p or 2560 x 1600, but it is nowhere near as important as other factors.

If you have the budget, plan on two 580's, but just get one first to see how you do.

If you want it all up front, two 570's will do what you want for less.

Sounds great thanks!