GPU for first build, $200 - $300 price range

[sweenbear716]

All right, so I'm looking to build a semi-cheap (under $1000) gaming rig and I'm just trying to weigh my options here. To go with my i5 2500K with 8GB of ram, I'm looking at either a pricier, factory OC'd 560 Ti or two cheap-ish 6850s for crossfire. Considering the latter really wouldn't be that much more expensive if I went with two of these I'm leaning toward the latter.

What do?

 

[DM186]

You could check this out a GTX 560 ti with a 448 core that would put you half way between the 560 and 570. and that would be in your price range and then save up and buy another one.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130738&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=4176827&SID=1fydjmlisszml

 

[refillable]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130604

 

[Haserath]

The 6850's would perform better overall, but you do have to deal with some dual card issues; sometimes crossfire doesn't work and micro-stutter can be noticeable on two card solutions(I have never used dual cards personally; I just know about it and understand why it might happen).

The 560 Ti would be more consistent in performance.

Both setups would play today's games well. I use a 6950(equivalent to the 560Ti) and I have played BF3 with almost every setting turned up@1080p.

 

[amuffin]

msi twin frozr iii 560ti 448 OR msi 560ti hawk, both can be overclocked to if not past gtx 570 levels.