GTX 680s

[k-dub]

MOBO: "Z68 UB3H" or something like that its X16, x8 PCIE anyway.

I5 2500K
8G RAM 1600
128SSD + 2T HD
RADEON 6950 820mhz

Use Newegg.ca

Which GTX 680 do I pick, how much better is one clocked at 1124core speed vs stock 1006core speed? Is it worth $30 according to you? How much better is the 4G version, is it worth the extra $30 according to you? when considering the 2G version I thinking of getting:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130780
What is the backplate for?
OR
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500248
Fact that its not closed GPU case, should I worry bout heat inside case?

as for the 4G version Im considering the:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130799
its lower clock but at least its closed GPU case and 4G - Which may not be important now... but in 2 yrs maybe I still won't need a new card while other might need one. Am I right?

 

[k-dub]

also another GTX 680 I really like
http://ncix.ca/products/?sku=71726&vpn=ZT%2D60103%2D10P&manufacture=Zotac

 

[bystander]

What size of monitor do you use?

The only situation you need 4gb's of vram, at least today, is when you run 3 monitor setups, and generally, it's only on settings usable when using 2 in SLI.

The backplate is supposed to help cool the card a little extra.

The difference between 1004 and 1124 clock speed will be about 10% performance. Of course it is possible to manually overclock the 1004 stock clocked cards, you just aren't guaranteed to be able to, though the odds far in your favor.

Of the cards you listed, I'd get the Signature+, which also has a factory OC of 1084, and it has an extra power phase to make OCing more stable. It won't have as good of a cooler as the Zotac, but then again, that Zotac is a 3 slot cooler, which will limit your ability to fit another if you ever plan to SLI, or can get in the way of other cards if you have anything else to put in your system.

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130780

 

[k-dub]

I use a single 51inch Plasma at 1080p

 

[k-dub]

so in 2 years games still won't take over 2G RAM on 1 screen? Am I safe with 2G for next 2-3 yrs?

 

[bystander]

Btw, are you a Kevin Windham fan?

 

[bystander]

There are no guaranties, but the odds you'd need more than 2GB in 2-3 years is close to 0. Even if games started to use that much vram, it's likely it would require a lot more power than the card has to need it.

 

[k-dub]

Not specifically though I do like Bikes and even motocross.

 

[k-dub]

that helps a lot Bystander, Thank you, I will go with a GTX 680 2G OC - closed GPU case if I can.

 

[davemaster84]

What about this one?

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125422

I wouldn't go for the 4 gb card unless you plan to keep it for around 3 years. I've never own a zotac card so I don't know how good they are but I supposed they are ok, I've always been with either gigabyte, evga and msi. If you can aim for the gigabyte I just showed to you or maybe a MSI twin frozr which should be a bit less expensive.

 

[revro]

if you are going to spend 500-600bucks for these cards yes go for 4gb 100 bucks more and you are set for years. next generation of cards will have 4gb by default, amd already have 3gb and soon games will utilize it, be it crysis 3 or skyrim with enb or gta v

when are 7xx/8xxx series due? beginning 2013?

best
revro

 

[bystander]

if you are going to spend 500-600bucks for these cards yes go for 4gb 100 bucks more and you are set for years. next generation of cards will have 4gb by default, amd already have 3gb and soon games will utilize it, be it crysis 3 or skyrim with enb or gta v

when are 7xx/8xxx series due? beginning 2013?

best
revro

While it is likely true that in the future, games will be able to use 4GB, and one day, much more. However, it is most likely that when such a time has come, that more power than today's cards will be needed to use that 4GB.

 

[k-dub]

if you are going to spend 500-600bucks for these cards yes go for 4gb 100 bucks more and you are set for years. next generation of cards will have 4gb by default, amd already have 3gb and soon games will utilize it, be it crysis 3 or skyrim with enb or gta v

when are 7xx/8xxx series due? beginning 2013?

best
revro

So I'm getting mixed answers... 2g vs 4g GTX 680 . the 2g one I want is $509.98 --- the 4G one I want is $569.98, is the $60+tax so a $68 difference is it worth it ?

Only using 1 Large screen 51 inch screen, 1080p

Will new games 2013-2014 use over 2G at 1080p ? because if so, I don't know why anyone would get the GTX 670, 680 2G over (7950,7970 3G and 670,680 4G)

 

[revro]

yes its futureproofing for when you decide to use several monitors or high resolution monitor like 2560x1600 (4,1mpix). if in few years down the road you start seeing problems it will be late to remediate without big expenses. 60 bucks to save ...

why people not choose 3gb/4gb versions, well because 100 bucks is still lot, and with sli its 200 bucks. and most people dont think about future

PS: consolication of games will continue. unless using enb or high texture patches/mods even now existing cards are powerfull. my 5750 has still great 30-40fps in skyrim and others on high on single 1920x1080

best
revro

 

[k-dub]

Best answer selected by K-dub.