First build: single or dual graphics cards?

[SyntaxSocialist]

I'm in the process of researching components for my first build. I will want to be using it for relatively high-end gaming, so I'm willing to spend, but I'm a cheap SOB, so it's not like money is no object (around $1000 would be wonderful). I want to run my games at 1080p (I'm thinking I'll be getting a pretty big monitor). I've narrowed my CPU choices to the i5-3570 or the AMD FX-8350.

A buddy of mine is looking to sell me his 1-year old GTX 460 SC (1GB) for around $70 or $80, and I'm trying to decide if I should buy it and spend a little more in order to get an SLI mobo and another 460, or just spring for a newer, more capable video card. Compared to 2 460s, what do you think would be an equivalent single card these days?

I want this build to last, so I'm all for future-proofing, but I don't know that SLI/CF would even be worth the extra cash I'd have to shell out for the mobo, let alone the second card.

What are your thoughts, community?

Also, I've been looking for an answer to this question, but haven't had much luck: Does a dual-processor video card require an SLI/CF mobo in order to run?

 

[sanilmahambre]

You should rather buy a Radeon HD 7870 if you are looking for a amazing performance
at a reasonable rate. It is better in performance than 2* GTX 460 SC

As for Processor i think the I5 - 3570 is for you

Have a great built

 

[SyntaxSocialist]

Thanks for the advice, sanilmahambre I've been taking a look at the tomshardware buying guide for this month, and I agree that the 7870 looks to be a good solution for both money and performance.

I'm starting to lean away from SLI/CF; the more I read, the more I get the impression that they are enthusiast-oriented features that, for my purposes, probably wouldn't produce much of a noticeable difference in performance (save perhaps for a higher framerate and more potential for aggressive AA, etc., but I don't feel that I would notice such things). Does anyone care to chime in with agreement or disagreement?

 

[urdmiz]

you just answered your question about the SLI/CF, works great for later in the years to manage to buy one used cheap for a performance increase but according to your use there is hardly any benefit.

 

[J_E_D_70]

I'm a fan of single fastest card you can afford. I left myself the option of SLI but doubt I'll ever do it.

 

[bigshootr8]

I'm with Jed on this as well. You will get more stability from using one card then you would with 2 cards. I would get the best single card you can afford with your build. If you are going for strictly gaming I would stick to the i5 3570k. This may be something you could possibly do. This does not include the operating system. I threw in a good case and a SSD you could probably save some by getting a cheaper case and opt to not get a SSD. I feel though with a SSD you gain quite a lot as a boot/game or 2 drive. With the Case I went with the best under 100 dollar case I could think of because if you are going to build a computer you want a situation where the case is easy to build in and the cheaper cases can be a nightmare as they are built cheaply and aren't always a joy to move around in.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($114.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($46.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($91.33 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($129.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 2GB Video Card ($225.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($53.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $963.22
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-21 16:44 EST-0500)

 

[SyntaxSocialist]

Best answer selected by SyntaxSocialist.