Graphics card for dual 2560x1440 Monitors

zerobuild

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Dec 20, 2012
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Hello all,

I am currently putting a build together (I'm new at this, first build) that I will be using for programming, virtualization, and gaming. I'm not sure which graphics card will be the most effective for the best price. I will be running two 2560x1440 monitors, and would like to be able to play games on them as well as run desktop applications. I was recommended the Galaxy GTX 670 4GB. However it's pretty expensive (especially if I SLI), and I don't know if I need the 4GB. I've heard here and there that the 4GB is a waste and doesn't get utilized. Here's my current in-progress build:


CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($319.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V PRO ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($189.90 @ B&H)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black/White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($98.98 @ Outlet PC)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($24.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $1183.78

So my question is, what is the best GTX 670 for my setup, do I need to SLI, and do I need a 4GB model? Thank you for your help.
 

yyk71200

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Mar 10, 2010
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For gaming at very high resolutions more than 2GB may be needed if you plan on using high settings.

Also, keep in mind that if you plan on gaming on two monitors, bezel will be right at the center. This is why using two monitors is not a good idea when gaming. Probably, you'll end up using only one of them for gaming and both for desktop applications. In this case, 2GB will probably be enough.
 

zerobuild

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Dec 20, 2012
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This is something that has been mentioned to me before, and I neglected to say that I will probably just be gaming on single monitor and using both for desktop applications. So you are correct in that assumption. If 2GB is then sufficient, any suggestions on a solid GTX 670, and if I will need to SLI them in the future? I don't need to play games at ultra high settings, but I would like to be able to do medium to high settings on a single monitor.
Thanks for your input.
 

zerobuild

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Dec 20, 2012
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10,510


Yeah I'd rather get some cheaper 670s, the benefits of a 680 don't appear to be worth the price.
 

zerobuild

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Dec 20, 2012
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Yeah I considered the Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition, but I don't know. Too much to choose from. Too many posts of people on either side, saying one is better than the other. I just figured I would pick one already and be done with it. Also I don't think my PSU will support it, something about 6-pin and 8-pin connectors.
 

legendkiller

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Jun 19, 2011
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I'd get 670 because the some games benefit from it more than 7970... Just like BF3, 670 will benefit a lot... 7970 is great for high Resolution but since your gaming on one monitor(which you should) a 670 is better because 2GB is enough and the GPU horse power is pretty strong too... Look up what kind of games you play and see which one benefit from each, few FPS doesn't matters much... I'd choose Nvidia over AMD because Nvidia is more of a gamer side in my opinion... Beside, Nvidia and Intel are teaming up against AMD right now lol...