What GPU...if money is no object?

[Raggz]

I would go for Nvidia GTX580 single GPU card. It stays quite cool, idle 45-48c and under 70c under load and i have no graphical or performance problems in any game running on maximum in 1920x1080.

[Aer9o]

Originally Posted by Raggz

I would go for Nvidia GTX580 single GPU card. It stays quite cool, idle 45-48 and under 70 under load. I am extremely happy with mine.

I currently have 480gtx, what performance gain you recon I will get from a 580, and what about the new 3gb versions?

[Raggz]

Originally Posted by Aer9o

I currently have 480gtx, what performance gain you recon I will get from a 580, and what about the new 3gb versions?

Hard to say but 15-20+ fps depending on the game and your system (CPU, Ram speed and possible bottlenecks). There are many tests on google of GTX480 vs GTX 580. Do a search and check them out

Just remember that these cards require a minimum 750w PSU with 42A on the +12v rail or you will probably face freezes, BSODS and reboots. I know some sites, including Nvidia, claims minimum 600w but i really recommend 750w if you don't want headaches. Second, if you do need a new PSU, DON'T go for a cheap one. Buy a known and good brand. You won't regret it.

Originally Posted by Raggz

Hard to say but 15-20+ fps depending on the game and your system (CPU, Ram speed and possible bottlenecks). There are many tests on google of GTX480 vs GTX 580. Do a search and check them out

Just remember that these cards require a minimum 750w PSU with 42A on the +12v rail or you will probably face freezes, BSODS and reboots. I know some sites, including Nvidia, claims minimum 600w but i really recommend 750w if you don't want headaches. Second, if you do need a new PSU, DON'T go for a cheap one. Buy a known and good brand. You won't regret it.

Depends which PSU hehe...I have Corsair 550VXEU (550W) which is more than enough for my GTX470 twin frozr 2 OCed to 750mhz on core and for my i7920 OCed to 3.5GHz on default voltage. No probs at all...

[adonys]

3 GB GTX 580 is worse than normal/overclocked GTX 580, as the clock of the graphic/shader processor is lower.

You'll have to chose between them considering other factors, mainly the resolution at which you'll run the games:
- if you plan to use normal resolution (like 1980x1080), and most of/the most important of the game you're playing won't exceed 1.5 GB of VRAM (and I don't know of any atm) -> it's better to go with normal/overclocked 580s. For 1680x and lower ones, even a 560 Ti [super][overclocked] or a 570 would be enough
- if you plan to play on surround resolutions (3x1, etc) then you'll need as much of extra VRAM as you can get -> it's better to go with 3GB 580s

And of course the performance of a videocard is greatly depending on how your system can provide and make use of it:
- processor
- motherboard
- PSU
- drivers
- RAM
- OS

[T}{OR]

Originally Posted by adonys

3 GB GTX 580 is worse than normal/overclocked GTX 580, as the clock of the graphic/shader processor is lower.

You'll have to chose between them considering other factors, mainly the resolution at which you'll run the games:
- if you plan to use normal resolution (like 1980x1080), and most of/the most important of the game you're playing won't exceed 1.5 GB of VRAM (and I don't know of any atm) -> it's better to go with normal/overclocked 580s. For 1680x and lower ones, even a 560 Ti [super][overclocked] or a 570 would be enough
- if you plan to play on surround resolutions (3x1, etc) then you'll need as much of extra VRAM as you can get -> it's better to go with 3GB 580s

Then just get a factory OC 580 3GB like MSI's N580GTX Lightning Xtreme Edition.

Originally Posted by adonys

And of course the performance of a videocard is greatly depending on how your system can provide and make use of it:
- processor
- motherboard
- PSU
- drivers
- RAM
- OS

Very true. Without a proper CPU, you won't use your GPU to its fullest.

[Raggz]

Originally Posted by Tvrdi

Depends which PSU hehe...I have Corsair 550VXEU (550W) which is more than enough for my GTX470 twin frozr 2 OCed to 750mhz on core and for my i7920 OCed to 3.5GHz on default voltage. No probs at all...

That really depends. Of course a good branded PSU might work with lower watts but it's not recommended because the PSU will be heavy loaded most of the time. Shortens lifetime on several components and in worst case scenario blow the PSU and start a fire. 750w+, 42A on +12 is recommended and i will stick by that any day.

You might wanna throw in another harddisc or two someday or other components drawing extra power, even USB units. There is really no point running a system on the edge.

Personally i'm using the Corsair HX850 Modular unit.

[gelbevierzehn]

I am wondering, why this little peace of "reasonably priced" hardware is not on the list...

http://www.asus.com/Graphics_Cards/N...RS_II2DIS3GD5/

http://www.pcper.com/reviews/Graphic...cs-Card-Review

Price in Europe is around 1.300€

[adonys]

because that card is dual GPU, which is same as a SLI on the same card, and therefore has the same problems as the SLI setup.

Originally Posted by Raggz

That really depends. Of course a good branded PSU might work with lower watts but it's not recommended because the PSU will be heavy loaded most of the time. Shortens lifetime on several components and in worst case scenario blow the PSU and start a fire. 750w+, 42A on +12 is recommended and i will stick by that any day.

You might wanna throw in another harddisc or two someday or other components drawing extra power, even USB units. There is really no point running a system on the edge.

Personally i'm using the Corsair HX850 Modular unit.

well I have the power-meter (wattmeter) for PC....you cant beat that ...surprise surprise...btw even if its true (with PSU streching) by then (when my "components degrade) it will be time for new rig...