GTX 680 Questions.

[J_Rimmer]

Background:

I run a dual monitor setup both monitors running at 1920X1080 resolution. I only play games on a single monitor usually using the other one to look up stuff and or watch Netflix while grinding (SWTOR, WoW, GW2). In addition to the MMORPG’s mentioned I play games like Skyrim, Mass Effect 3, and Dishonored.

Now to my questions:

Would I see any in game differences if I were to use a GTX 680 with 2GB of onboard ram versus 4GB of onboard ram?
(Assuming everything else is the same. i.e GPU clock, Memory clock)

The GTX 680 uses the new PCIe 3.0 slot. Will there be any problems if it is put into a PCIe 2.0 slot?
(I’m fairly familiar with computers so I’m assuming it will run just fine, but slower. I would like conformation before I spend $460 - $560 on a graphics card.)

Would you recommend the brand EVGA?
(If so could you explain their hierarchy. i.e FTW vs Superclock vs Classified)

Card I liked: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130797

Thanks for the time!

Sam

 

[Z1NONLY]

1) Probably not with most current games, but down the road, maybe.

2)No issues. It is still plug and play for 2.0. And you won't saturate a 2.0 slot with that card.

http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/hardware-canucks-reviews/53901-nvidia-geforce-gtx-690-review-25.html

3)Yes.

 

[Kamen_BG]

1) if you play pn a single monitor with a resolution of 1920x1200 or below you will never see a difference.

2) Since PCI-E 2 is more then fast enough there won't be any difference.

3) yes EVGA is a very good brand if you're looking to buy a Nvidia card.


And now my advice.
The card you chose is very good but you can do even better.

The thing is that while the GTX 680 is a very fast card, it's just not worth its price premium over the GTX 670 or the HD 7970.
As it stands right now the HD 7970 GHZ Edition is actually quite a bit faster than the GTX 680.
http://www.hardocp.com/article/2012/11/12/fall_2012_gpu_driver_comparison_roundup/1

So with that in mind if you're looking for the best single card out there (within your budget and at stock) you should definetly take a look at this card.
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=77488&vpn=MATRIX-HD7970-P-3GD5&manufacture=ASUS
(This card is also not worth your money)


So at the end it's pretty much pointless to buy a GTX 680.Either save your money and buy a GTX 670 which isn't that much slower.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007Z33SYA/?tag=pcpapi-20

Or wait and buy a HD 7970 OC which is cheaper and faster.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202008&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

 

[coolermaster_72]

yes I too think its just pointless to buy a GTX 680.

But its more future proof than the 670, so if you can afford it, you may get it

To answer your questions :

1. You will not see a difference now, but in the future, YES!

2. PCI-E 2.0 slot can handle a PCI-E 3.0 card

3. Yes, I recommend EVGA.

Good Luck!

 

[J_Rimmer]

Best answer selected by J_Rimmer.