Need help deciding on my new GPU config: Start with a Watercooled GTX 760 or Aircooled 770?

[PyspherE]

Hey There!

I am putting together a new build and have reached an impass. I am struggling to choose a video card for the PC. There are 2 options I am considering that include an initial purchase plus a future upgrade.

Option #1 - MSI N760-2GD5/OC + EK-FC670 GTX Water Block + Alphacool NexXxoS XT45 Full Copper Dual 120mm Radiator + 2 x Corsair SP120 Quite Edition Fans (~$500)

Upgrade #1 - Add a second MSI N760-2GD5/OC + EK-FC670 GTX Water Block + 2 x Corsair SP120 Quite Edition Fans in SLI (~$420)

Option #2 - ASUS DirectCU II GeForce GTX 770 4GB (~$480)

Upgrade #2 - Add a EK-FC680 GTX DCII Water Block + Alphacool NexXxoS XT45 Full Copper Dual 120mm Radiator + 4 x Corsair SP120 Quite Edition Fans (~$380)

The rest of my build is laid out below:

NZXT Switch 810 ATX Case
Intel Core i7 - 4770k + EK Supremacy Water Block w/ Naked Ivy PresiceMount Kit
Asus Maximus IV Hero + EK Mosfet/SB Asus M6G Water Blocks
Corsair Vengeance 8GB 1866MHz (2 x 4GB)
2x Crucial M500 120GB SSD (RAID 0)
Antec HCG 850W Modular Power Supply
Alphacool NexXxoS XT45 Full Copper Triple 120mm Radiator
XSPC X2O 750 Dual 5.25” Bay Reservoir/Pump
Phobya Black Nickle Compression Fittings (90*, 45*, 0*)
PrimoChill PrimoFlex Advanced Blood Red LRT Tubing 3/8"ID x 1/2" OD
6x Corsair SP120 Quite Edition Fans (radiators)
3x Corsair AF120 Quite Edition Fans (case flow)

I look forward to hearing your opinions and any Input is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions feel free to ask! Also if you noticed anything that would be incompatible or troubesome please feel free to point it out!

Regards,
PyspherE

 

[icraft]

I would go for two aircooled GTX 770 2GBs, maybe 4 if you are running massive resolutions. Otherwise get the two watercooled 760's. It's better than one 770.

 

[geofelt]

You are planning on spending serious money for liquid cooling to get marginal benefits.

I would build with a top end air cooler such as noctua NH-D14 or Phanteks.
It will cost less, be quieter, and be more reliable.
If you will be running on a single monitor, then a good single graphics card will be all you need.
I would instead buy a GTX780 or GTX780ti up front and be done with it.

It you will be triple monitor gaming or planning on a 4k monitor(expensive) then dual cards would be in order.

And--- most games can only use 2-3 cores, so the extra $100 for a 4770K does not give you much more for your money. I would use a 4670K instead unless $100 means little to you.