My options?

You don't need such a powerful gpu if you aren't going to game but it is still a powerhouse to have.

if you just want something more powerful than your onboard gpu, even a cheap $30 chip is enough but for CAD and such I would suggest going nvidia.

Nvidia offers CUDA which is much supported in CAD, AMD's competing technology, AMD Stream, is not. CUDA allows for better gpu utilization in such application where supported.

For the same price as a 6950 you can get a 560 ti which is within your budge. If you wish to cut down your budget because you don't need the extra power, you should try for a gts450 for cheap. More power gpu will help a bit more but not by extreme amounts unless your software is very gpu dependent.

560ti +1

oh sorry guys, i forgot to add that in the future id like to run 3 monitors, idk if i heard right but ive also heard nvidia only supports 2? correct me if im wrong.

Yes the GTX 560 ti is recommended. now if you went with a low end card you might as well SLI. like two GTS 450's would look cool but trust me i have two GTX 560 ti's in SLI and its a hot box unless you can get the heat off for a second then the temps drop back to idle

yes current nvidia cards only supports 2 monitors but will support 3 if you sli.

you should be able to buy a 450 now and get another one for sli when you get your 3 monitors set up.

The 6950 isn't a bad choice either.

yeah i prolly going to stay with just running one card, so ill prolly get the 6950, anyone know if prices will drop in feb when nvaidia releases their cards?

most likely will drop. But it still not certain when nvidia is releasing.

ive heard sometime in feb but your right, you never know with these companies

im kinda still stuck on getting a firepro card.. its quite a bit cheaper. are these really alot better in most applications? ive heard they will last for a long time.

the firepro will be better in applications.

it is well worth it if you don't use the card primarily for gaming.

so which one would you buys get? i dont really game much, i have BF3 for pc but cant play it right now, i will mess around with alot of applications, but if i buy the firepro and ever want to game then id be out of luck? would the 6950 but just as good in applications?

the fire pro is a lot better in applications while the 6950 is a lot better in games.

eh ima prolly go with the 6950, from what i have now it will be a major upgrade, as long as my application doesnt lag/take super long to do stuff it wont bother me.