[Solved] New Build - Which GPU?

This is the current gaming build that I am getting ready to pull the trigger on:

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($23.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($157.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 White ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.50 @ Newegg)
Total: $551.45
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated 2012-02-01 18:34 EST-0500)

I was originally going to use a hand me down GeForce 8800 GT, but now I just think I'm going to go all in and get a GPU now to go with all of this other shiny, new stuff

I'm still relatively on a budget, but I would be willing to get a R6950 or a 560ti if that was by far the best option. What about getting a less expensive card and doing an SLI/Crossfire setup down the line?

Of course, any other recommendations about the build would be really appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

I would recommend going with the gtx 560Ti and SLIing that down the road since a lower end graphics card will not perform as well...
gtx 560Ti:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130623

If you don't feel like upgrading in the future, and you can find a few extra bucks, then you can CF the Radeon 6850's:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814161384
Which will give better performance than a single gtx 560Ti.

On another note, you can save some money by going with the ASRock extreme 3 z68 motherboard instead of the Gigabyte motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813157271
it has a lot of features, and the most notable being 2 PCIe 3.0 slots that will allow you to CF or SLI.

That one is http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 38566&SID= And yes its able to crossfire.

http://www.gigabyte.com/products/p [...] id=3853#ov
Yes! The motherboard is capable of SLI/CF and I did not realize you were going for a bundle. I apologize.

I am assuming you mean a gtx560Ti? The gtx 560 is a card and I would NOT buy it since the performance is on par with the Radeon HD 6870 and the Radeon is normally $30 cheaper. The cheapest Nvidia gfx card I would go with is the GTX 560Ti, but I do agree, going with the gtx570 is a great option. Also to OP: If you can, you can wait until Nvidia releases their 600s gfx cards to see if they are any good and buy one of those.

Be aware though, if the 6950 cannot be unlocked to a 6970....an over-clocked GTX 560Ti is going to destroy a 6950.

950MHz OC from 822MHz is possible on pretty much every card, with many being able to reach a stable 1GHz vcore. This puts it around the same performance as a stock GTX 570.

Probably yes.

Although your probably better off checking a 950Mhz+ OC'd 560Ti vs a 570 though, they bench about the same. And then look for a benchmark comparing a 570 vs a 6950.

I'll have a look for some benches with OC'd 560Ti vs stock 6950 though.

EDIT:

Ahh here we go. This review is of the Galaxy SOC 560Ti, 950MHz core. The benchmark charts include: Stock 6950, Stock 560Ti, Galaxy SOC 560Ti, Stock 570.

Crysis 2: http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/for [...] iew-5.html
BF3: http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/for [...] iew-4.html
Metro 2033: http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/for [...] iew-8.html

Best answer selected by rnielson.