120hz & 120fps gpu requirement

[tp015657]

Dear tom's hardware community,

I'm planning for my new rig which is finalized except for graphic cards, would require more information from the more experienced than me.

About me:
Ive built many computer rigs so far as a hobby. Overclocker & Cooler Enthusiast. Working as a Programmer.

Core computer components related to GFX:
Proc: Intel i5-3570k (O.C)
Mobo: Asus Maximus V Extreme z77
Monitor: Asus VG278H 27" for games & 24" Dell UltraSharp IPS for work.
RAM: G.skill 4x4gb 2600mhz (O.C)
PSU: Corsair AX 850

Usage: Heavy gaming (WoW, Skyrim, BF3, Crysis 2, Max Payne 3, Arkham City + dozens more) & work (extensive programming & encoding) as well as a lot of web surfing.

Going to play on the Asus monitor 1920x1080 aiming to maintain 120hz & 120fps in 2D with max settings as much as possible & 60+ fps in 3D games. Please advice regarding which graphics would closely maintain those numbers:

***Asus DirectCUII gtx 670/680 TOP Edition Single/SLI in case of sli then throw gtx 690 in the mix either of these choices for single monitor gaming will be overclocked***

P.S I have done my homework & read a lot, I know SLI is overkill for single monitor gaming but I'm aiming at maintaining 120fps in 2D or 60+ in 3D gaming with a hint of future proofing.

 

[tp015657]

What im trying to find out now is 690 performance compared to SLI 670 when it comes to 2D & 3D gaming fps performance wise.

 

[djscribbles]

From what I've read, a 690 is just slightly less powerful than 2x680 in sli (due to having share a single PCIE slot bandwidth).

However, a 690 does give you the option to add another 680/690 sometime in the future. Going for SLI 670's is the end of the road.

I would keep this at the heart of your decision; are you going to be happy with 2 670s for 600 dollars, or is the extra 400$ on a 690 worth the piece of mind that you have an upgrade option available later? (also a bigger PSU may be needed if you add in a 3rd/4th gpu)

 

[bystander]

670 SLI does have an upgrade path. You can go 3 way SLI, though that does introduce more noise and heat to the equation.

 

[nstiver]

I have 2 Asus 670s in SLI and BF3 doesn't always run at 120 in multi player if I max the settings out. However, this is directly related to how many guys are on the server. If I go into an empty server then my machine runs 120 consistently regardless of the settings. Still never goes below 90 fps at the very lowest, and 90% of the time it never drops below 111 or so.

These are non-top versions. I have heard that you can OC them just as well. I haven't OC'd them yet as I haven't really had a need to, everything performs so well anyway!

Keep in mind that the SLI = extra babysitting because of the higher temps. You sound like you know what you are doing in this area though 😉 For me the card in the 1st slot is always about 5c hotter than the bottom one. I have about 7 fans in my box though, so air cooling works fine for me. Neither card ever gets hotter than 70-71 degrees, even in the most demanding situations.

 

[djscribbles]

Please show me where I can get a pair of 670s for $600 :lol:

Anyways, 670 SLI is just 3% or so slower than a 690:
The reason to spend the $200 extra on a 690 compared to 670 SLI is to reduce temps/noise/physical space requirements - not to have an upgrade path.

Hah, sorry, posting too early in the morning off by 100$ on the price of the 670 and ignored the op's mobo being quad-sli capable.

 

[tp015657]

Best answer selected by tp015657.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey