1 Graphics card or 2? Please Help!

[AbyssalWolfz]

Hello, I recently purchased a I5 3570k processor, a ASRock z77 extreme4, Corsair vengeance 1x8gb ram, and a new case. I already have a PSU, a corsair TX750 V2. I'm looking to get a new GPU (from a gt 9800) i know it's old, thats why i'm here. I would like to know if i should get two "lower" ended cards and do SLI with them or one higher ended card. I'm running on a 1650x1080 screen but will hopefully be able to get another soon. I have a 400$ budget for a card. Looking for any advice. If there's anymore info you would like to know ask me!

 

[WokSz]

With that system, I'm guessing you're looking to game? What types of games will you be playing?

 

[AbyssalWolfz]

Atm, Minecraft, Guild Wars 2, Starcraft 2, Dota 2 (soon hopefully), LoL, Heroes of Newerth those are mainly what I play, unfortunately right now I can't max them out with out getting like 20 - 30 fps. I would like to be able to max GW2 and still run at 40+ framerate at least. I just wasn't sure if getting something like a GTX 670 would be better than SLI 560 or something around the price of 200$ each. (for the SLI) I am a avid gamer and would just like to be able to dominate any games graphics ^.^

 

[festerovic]

at that res the extra money spent on a 670 may be sorta wasted. A single 660ti should do ya. But in general 1 more powerful card > 2 lower end cards.

 

[Inferno1217]

GTX 670 or a HD7970 will be plenty at that rez. A 3 GB 7970 would be more beneficial when running at higher rez. (Dual Monitors Triple Monitors)

 

[AbyssalWolfz]

Would a single 660ti be able to run 2 1650x1080's at a decent fps if i were to get another monitor soon?

 

[festerovic]

Ah thats what you meant. 2 x 1680 monitor setup is roughly the same number of pixels as a 2560x1440 monitor. So you can check out the benchmarks to see how that would fare. To me, I would be looking at a 7950 and saving $100. But if you like nvidia products better, than the 670 would be great, and a 660ti would be good + give you $100 back as well.

check it for rough benchmarks:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gtx-660-ti-memory-bandwidth-anti-aliasing,3283-12.html

 

[AbyssalWolfz]

It looks like a 3gb 7950 is a really good card. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121489&name=Desktop-Graphics-Cards does this look like a good buy? I want a good base core speed. this was the highest i saw.

 

[devilofdeaths]

It looks like a 3gb 7950 is a really good card. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121489&name=Desktop-Graphics-Cards does this look like a good buy? I want a good base core speed. this was the highest i saw.

IMHO i would not buy that card if someone gave me the money for it.i would get a sapphire 7950 OC or Vapor-X.it saves you ~$50 and they are just as good(more so the Vapor-X when overclocked)

 

[festerovic]

+1 to 7950 vaporx. Although i have asus cards from other series and they are really well built as well. Always good overclocks.

 

[devilofdeaths]

+1 to 7950 vaporx. Although i have asus cards from other series and they are really well built as well. Always good overclocks.

very true asus cards are GREAT but for my needs the vapor-x is just as good as the asus and i think(in most cases)the vapor-x is able to get a better overclock than the asus card meaning better preformance

 

[AbyssalWolfz]

+1 to 7950 vaporx. Although i have asus cards from other series and they are really well built as well. Always good overclocks.

I've been reading good reviews on these two cards, any thoughts?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125414&nm_mc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r&cm_mmc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r-_-Video%20Cards-_-GIGABYTE-_-14125414&RandomID=375307513797020121022173204

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202006&nm_mc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r&cm_mmc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r-_-Video+Cards-_-Sapphire+Tech-_-14202006

I like the Windforce on the first one and it looks like it OC's pretty good at low temps.

 

[devilofdeaths]

I've been reading good reviews on these two cards, any thoughts?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125414&nm_mc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r&cm_mmc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r-_-Video%20Cards-_-GIGABYTE-_-14125414&RandomID=375307513797020121022173204

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202006&nm_mc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r&cm_mmc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r-_-Video+Cards-_-Sapphire+Tech-_-14202006

I like the Windforce on the first one and it looks like it OC's pretty good at low temps.

the thing that really separates those 2 cards are the cooler and price that is all

 

[maestro0428]

I noticed you only have 1 stick of memory. You are loosing performance when running in single channel rather than dual. I never recommend multi gpu set ups as they do have their issues. I do recommend the fastest single gpu you can afford for the games you like to play. If I had to pick between those two cards, it would definitely be the Sapphire as they are the largest AMD gpu manufacturer.

 

[AbyssalWolfz]

I noticed you only have 1 stick of memory. You are loosing performance when running in single channel rather than dual. I never recommend multi gpu set ups as they do have their issues. I do recommend the fastest single gpu you can afford for the games you like to play. If I had to pick between those two cards, it would definitely be the Sapphire as they are the largest AMD gpu manufacturer.

I do plan on getting another 8gb stick of ram soon, i wasn't able to afford but 1 when i got most of my new CPU.

 

[AbyssalWolfz]

the thing that really separates those 2 cards are the cooler and price that is all

So If i were to get a single graphics card, would this be the best GPU for under 400$? If not what would be?

 

[devilofdeaths]

if you have $400 get this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202008&name=Desktop-Graphics-Cards about $385 after shipping and rebates

 

[festerovic]

the thing that really separates those 2 cards are the cooler and price that is all

and the price. The sapphire plain jane is $269 after rebate, thats a pretty smoking deal. For value that's the hands down winner.

 

[AbyssalWolfz]

and the price. The sapphire plain jane is $269 after rebate, thats a pretty smoking deal. For value that's the hands down winner.

On a 1650x1080 screen I should be able to run everything at max setting 60 fps? =D If so i'm diffidently getting this card.

 

[devilofdeaths]

On a 1650x1080 screen I should be able to run everything at max setting 60 fps? =D If so i'm diffidently getting this card.

yup even more so since the catalyst 12.11 release and you get 3 free games i think

 

[AbyssalWolfz]

yup even more so since the catalyst 12.11 release and you get 3 free games i think

Okay thanks a lot!! I'm going to get this Graphics card, a 240gb SSD, and a new optical for my computer. Thanks again to everyone!

 

[AbyssalWolfz]

Best answer selected by AbyssalWolfz.