7970 3gb v 6gb v 680 4gb for 4960x1600

[theExclusiveSealClub]

I'm looking to build a new computer and pickup a 30" monitor over the next few months and while I'll be putting a lot of money into this setup, I want to save where I can, so that I can buy and build the system as I go.

Ideally, I'd like to game on high resolutions and multi monitor setups at max settings, hitting at least 30fps, and up to 60fps where possible, so a card with a lot of memory is what I'm after.

Though I'd still be happy to run those settings at 2560x1600, I'd like to have enough VRAM to try that on a 4960x1600 PLP setup or a 5760x1200 triple monitor setup with a second card.

I'm just not sure on what to choose between a 7970, GTX 4gb, or the 7970 6gb whenever it's available down here in Australia.

Specifically, I'm looking at a Sapphire 7970 OC (~$500) and a Gainward 680 4gb Phantom (~$700), but the Sapphire 7970 6gb Toxic could be better suited to my needs, though I'm assuming it will sell for almost $800.

The 4gb 680 sounds great, but would the 256 bit bus limit it compared to the 7970's 384 bit bus?

The general better driver support from nvidia is a plus, but the latest AMD drivers have put the 7970 almost on par with the 680, so the 7970 toxic should run like a dream, though standard 7970 cf could be a much more cost effective option at that price. I'd be looking to overclock as well, but not by huge increments.

There's just too many variables I'm unsure about right now, so any helpful advice would be appreciated.

 

[esrever]

the 3 gb 7970 should be enough and the best option.

the 256 bit bus on the 680 pretty much makes the 4 gb models pointless.

 

[kitsunestarwind]

7970 is the way to go, 5760x1080 doesn't come close to running out of memory with a 3gb card so should easily handle 5760x1200

 

[beethree]

I think it is universal that as soon as you say "mulitple monitor support" the answer will probably be a 7970. Hopefully Ghz Edition though.

 

[revro]

maybe you should wait few months. i mean 7990 will be just revealed between 15-19 august and then in next few months you will see tests of it. i would rather go for 7990 than for 7970 oc crossfire, as crossfire is sometimes trouble. 7970oc is great for crossfire but you must watchout that you dont use the saphire version as that takes not 2 slots, but 2.5 slots. i plan the gigabyte 7970 oc version

i also wanna build something new myself, but will rather wait for haswell cpu line in march/april 2013. right now the intels are in between series and also radeon is in between 7xxx and 8xxx that will be launching in autumn ...

also i didnot understood. if you want to have a 30 inc lcd and also eyefinity, do you want to buy also another 2 30inc lcds? i mean i bought 22inch but it was small so i replaced it with 24 inch iiyama (because my 22 inch lg monitors switch couldnot survive 500 turn on / 500 turn offs ...)

 

[17seconds]

Here's a review exploring VRam usage and whether or not you need extra memory.
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/graphics/display/evga-geforce-gtx-670-4gb.html

 

[verbalizer]

256-bit LIMITS NOTHING.!
amazing fanboism....

this is a proven fact.
(fanboism is too...)

 

[17seconds]

Actually, based on that review, you're going to have a very hard time hitting that minimum 30 fps mark with a single card, regardless of the VRam involved.

I did notice that the 4GB GTX 670 held its performance better than the 2GB GTX 680 at high resolutions. So the VRAM amount made a difference and I would assume 4GB has to be better than 2 or 3 GB. As many have reported elsewhere, more VRam is more future proof.