Need help picking a 580

[CtrldLoonacy]

Hey, first things first...

HAF 922
P8P67 Pro
i5 2500K (Still Stock)
2x 4gigs Ripjaws X
GPU - Embarrassing (Sapphire HD5550 .5gb)
Corsair 750w TX v2
Monitors - I'd like to use my TV as the main (Samsung 32" 1080p Model 530?) and a 19" Samsung LCD monitor (1280x1024) on the side.

I'm going to be buying a card by tomorrow from NewEgg...

At first I was set on getting the evga OC'd 580 1.5gb, but then started reading up on having more than one monitor and how I'd need more ram if I could get it. -Here's the vanilla 3gb card.

In the future I'm sure I'll get another HD monitor, so I'll definitely put the extra memory to use...at some point.

Since I'm now at a higher price point should I just go for the MSI N580GTX Lightning Xtreme? -This is the card I was looking at when I was building my "dream pc", so it's still pretty much my top choice. But the big thing that sticks in my head is eVGA's warranty. 3 years versus forever.

Can anyone give me any advice or steer me one way or the other? It's a pretty big purchase, so I guess I'm just looking for all the assurance I can get before I pull the trigger.

 

[MrBurns_20]

I have a EVGA 580 DS I couldnt be happier. I have a 470 sitting on my shelf after my EVGA 280 died. Point being they RMA is easy and simple and they wont treat you like a moron if you have a problem. My 2 cents. BTW read the reviews on any card before you order.

 

[CtrldLoonacy]

Yeah, I've experienced evga's CS in the past and have been pretty happy. Again, that's the main thing that makes me want to pick a eVGA card. I haven't read too much on the DS card/s, I just know that they have the dual-fans which Should keep them a bit cooler. I don't know any details though.

I'll be buying something within the next few hours and am really starting to lean toward the MSI Lightning Extreme. Yay? Nay? Anymore input would be great at this point. Thanks everybody. -A scared, remorseful buyer.

 

[ilysaml]

i would stay away from EVGA as long as it's a reference design card. you need a better cooling for more headroom overclocking and lower noise .
check this Twin Frozer II (Factory Overclocked)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127567
Gigabyte with 3 fans (Factory Overclocked)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125364
The MSI lightening is good also but sounds a little pricey, TWIN FROZER II can achieve the extre 30 MHz with eyes closed

Also check reviews and feedback on each card before you make a choice

 

[CtrldLoonacy]

Don't I need the extra vRAM for multiple monitors?

 

[ilysaml]

sorry i didn't read all post i just read the title and gave my recommendation.
yes for sure, when using 2D/3D nVidia surround setup (3 monitors) you'll need the extra VRAM in order not to have a frame buffer issue especially when dealing with a 5760x resolution. but there's a problems, 3 monitors on nVidia requires 2 GPUs in SLI mode
http://www.nvidia.com/object/3d-vision-surround-system-requirements.html

and the lightening sound to be a good option

 

[CtrldLoonacy]

Thanks for that link. For a while I'll just be using two displays. When I do get a new monitor it will be more of a replacement than an addition. Sorry I didn't say that.

That's all I needed, really. Consider it bought. -Thank You

 

[CtrldLoonacy]

Best answer selected by CtrldLoonacy.

 

[ilysaml]

you're welcome, enjoy Xmas with the GTX 580 gaming power