Budget of $1400 for Graphics Cards. Expert advice appreciated

[monstermankc]

So I am purchasing Graphic cards for my son for doing a stellar job graduating college. I need some help deciding what to buy. I see so many arguments advocating for so many different types of cards so I am still at a loss as to which ones to buy. My son is a major gamer and he plays games like Crysis and other really graphic intensive games. Keep in mind I have a budget of $1400-1500 for these cards. I would like to hear an argument and some reasoning as to why I should purchase whatever cards you recommend because nothing I have heard so far has set my mind on any particular model so far. Your expert knowledge is appreciated


Here is what I have built for him so far:


Thermal Take case
Intel i7 975 CPU
EVGA 3X SLI Classified Mobo
12GB Kingston Hyper X 1600 Mghz RAM
300 Gb Velociraptor HD
1100 Watt PSU


Pretty Much the same as my own system

 

[monstermankc]

Man that really backs me into a corner with the GTX 480's. Smart Nvidia..Smart

 

[OvrClkr]

Whats the res? Were they able to play games at a decent framerate with decent settings?

there are tons of videos, here is one of them :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95p5iy13pAs

i personally have seen triple 22" screens + 8800GTX play numerous games without any issues. Triple 480's will not come down to its knees unless all 3 screens are running at 2560 x 1600 (7680x 1600) with all details maxed out.

 

[monstermankc]

Are 3D games really that amazing? I have never played them. (only watched movies that way)

 

[jefe323]

Are 3D games really that amazing? I have never played them. (only watched movies that way)

there is a demo stand at my local fry's. while it is impressive, i don't think it justifies the high price (3d monitor, glasses, etc...)

 

[OvrClkr]

But those are not played in 3d with 3d glasses.

it doesn't matter if its in 3d or not, the 3d is not what bogs down the cards, it's the resolution. Right now the only 3d screens available do not go over 1080p.

 

[monstermankc]

it doesn't matter if its in 3d or not, the 3d is not what bogs down the cards, it's the resolution. Right now the only 3d screens available do not go over 1080p unless the OP buys a 3d TV.

Great answer. That brings me to another point. Can he use a TV ( which model) for 3D with the 3 GTX 480's?. Yes he is getting spoiled but I rarely buy him anything. This is to make up for some of that

 

[jefe323]

Great answer. That brings me to another point. Can he use a TV ( which model) for 3D with the 3 GTX 480's?. Yes he is getting spoiled but I rarely buy him anything. This is to make up for some of that

yes, as long as the tv supports 3d

 

[OvrClkr]

Great answer. That brings me to another point. Can he use a TV ( which model) for 3D with the 3 GTX 480's?. Yes he is getting spoiled but I rarely buy him anything. This is to make up for some of that

if its for computer desk I recommend an LCD monitor :

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009222&cm_re=3d_monitor-_-24-009-222-_-Product

if its for a wall then he will want something like this :

http://www.electrozone.com/product.aspx?pf_id=UN46C8000

the above are just examples

 

[oooen1gmaooo]

for everything your looking at least $2,000. But thats 3 3d monitors, 2-3 gtx 480's, and nvidia 3d kit.

 

[notty22]

Great answer. That brings me to another point. Can he use a TV ( which model) for 3D with the 3 GTX 480's?. Yes he is getting spoiled but I rarely buy him anything. This is to make up for some of that

The answer is probably NO. TV's , different makers are using different standards / solutions for the refresh rate.
Nvidia has a short list of TV's that are tested to be compatible.
I know, it would be nice, if say the Panasonic plasma 3d televisions which use lcd shutter glasses would be compatible, but from what I've read, they are not.
http://www.nvidia.com/object/3d-vision-requirements.html

 

[oooen1gmaooo]

but personally I would just go w/ three regular monitors, ive heard not many games look good in 3d.

 

[monstermankc]

The answer is probably NO. TV's , different makers are using different standards / solutions for the refresh rate.
Nvidia has a short list of TV's that are tested to be compatible.
I know, it would be nice, if say the Panasonic plasma 3d televisions which use lcd shutter glasses would be compatible, but from what I've read, they are not.
http://www.nvidia.com/object/3d-vision-requirements.html

I know it would be a dream come true lol. Some people want to travel and some want to be president. I just want a huge 3d monitor and the best gaming graphics available. Oh yeah and good health

 

[monstermankc]

Will 2 GTX 480's with a 9800 GT card for dedicated Physx out perform 2 GTX 295's? If so why

 

[monstermankc]

Also If I keep my GTX 295's SLI. Can I use them for a good 3d monitor setup? any recommendations?

 

[oooen1gmaooo]

it will work, but a better card would be better for 3 displays