Displays, GPUs, UHD... decisions, decisions. Help please!

danfly

Junior Member
May 19, 2014
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I currently have the following rig:


Intel i5 4670K
ASUS Z87 PRO 16 GB DDR3-1333
(2x) MSI Radeon R9 270 2GB
Dell 3008WFP (2560x1600). (Picked up off Craigslist for a steal of $300, has a blemish and dead spot in the middle but was a solid, lucky and amazing upgrade from the 2x 1440x900 TN panels I was running.)
Samsung 213T (1600x1200) in portrait mode (work "holding" monitor)


I use my computer for programming with Visual Studio, visualization just for fun, a bit of photo editing in GIMP, media repo and server for all my Blu-rays, games, everything. It handles the job pretty well. Right now, my two graphics cards can handle about anything at medium/high settings and have good performance. I play BF3 and BF4, and have been playing Crysis 2's campaign again. Looking to get the new Wolfenstien game as well when it comes out, and perhaps some other old games I can get cheaply.
Now, I was considering several scenarios that could play out with my machine. I just bought the video cards open box for $151 each. I upgraded from a Sapphire 7850 2 GB overclocked, which was decent at most titles but couldn't match the detail of this pair at 2560x1600. So the total for that upgrade was $302. About the price of a 760 Ti. So I thought it was a good performing deal and bought them.


I have been considering adding another 2560x1400 or 1600 monitor to my computer. I simply love the expanse of desktop area and graphical clarity they afford you. At a local electronics retailer, there is an open box Dell U2711 for ~$400, and another open box HP ZR2740w for ~$365 (prices before tax). Those sounded like great deals to me, and buying one would flush out my desk quite well. 2560x1600 monitors seem to be much too expensive for me, unless I have another lucky find somewhere from a local user.
But what if I want to game in eyefinity? would my (2) 270's push both monitors well enough for that?. I would say probably, but what do you think?
I then thought it may be wise to wait for UHD monitors to become popular. This would result in 2 possible outcomes:

  1. UHD becomes cheaper as it is adopted more and more by the mainstream.
  2. UHD popularity drives down the cost of 2560xxxxx panels as they are rendered obsolete.
1 will most likely happen. But gaming on UHD monitors would probably punish my graphics cards I have now, meaning I'll have to upgrade and render my $302 just spent moot. 2 may or may not happen. Seeing as how few 2560 class panels are manufactured/sold, they might simply discontinue manufacturing and let the few left out there sit on store shelves till someone buys it at a mediocre price.
Here's another point to think about: I have about 25 days left to return the R9 cards if I choose to do so.
My questions are the following:

  1. Does my choice of graphics cards present a good value, or should I return them and search for a setup with better value?
  2. Do you think my computer will handle UHD gaming?
  3. Do you think 2560 class monitors will become cheaper in the coming year, or should I snap up one of those monitors while I still can?
I know it was a long post. Thanks in advance for your insight.
tl;dr: Is stuff gettin' cheaper?
 

Shmee

Memory & Storage, Graphics Cards Mod Elite Member
Super Moderator
Sep 13, 2008
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I will tell you this, that 290s are getting cheaper. Try to pick up 2 of those if you can. Not sure about the monitor pricing though.
 

lopri

Elite Member
Jul 27, 2002
13,310
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270s are a good value individually but I am afraid the (2x) part might ruin that value. It's usually not a good idea to SLI/CF mid-range cards, especially if you are thinking of long term performance.
 

IEC

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Jun 10, 2004
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What kind of games? We might be able to get a better idea of the performance level you're looking for with that information.
 

tweakboy

Diamond Member
Jan 3, 2010
9,517
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www.hammiestudios.com
I love my Sammy 1ms 4k ,,,, 1 billion colors

its perfect for me, been using 2304x1440 on a monitor sony.. that passed long time and now,, Im loving this high res.. I can see ssoo much and the display port is clearer and better looking then apple.. thx gl