GPU recommendation for U3011 / U2711

[Jeff J]

Hi

I'm replacing a Samsung 214T that just died. For various reasons (photo editing, etc), I do not want to drop below 1600x1200 resolution (particularly the 1200 part), and do not want any less actual vertical space (inches) with the new monitor. I'm considering the Dell U3011 or U2711, but am open to other recommendations in the 24+" size class.

I'm also going to need a new GPU solution for whatever display I get. Is there a "best" option for running 2560x1600? Budget is definitely not unlimited (no dual 580GTX's, please), but $4-500 is probably doable.

Image quality is definitely my primary objective. Noise and (to a lesser extent) power consumption are also important. I'm not a big FPS gamer, but I'd still like to get decent native resolution framerates if I do decide to unwind with some gaming. I will most likely not overclock anything - just "out of the box" performance.

Since I'm replacing a dead system, I need to buy now and can't wait for whatever's around the corner.

Thanks,
Jeff J

 

[RavenSEAL]

Amd hd6950

 

[Skurge]

AMD cards do great at those resolutions. Get a 6970 since you aren't going to overclock.

Oh and welcome to the forum!

 

[JAG87]

If you can't afford dual GPU, I wouldn't bother with 2560 resolutions. If image quality is your primary objective, performance with a single GPU will not be enough.

Of course if you are okay with running your games at a lower resolution (either with scaling or with a black frame) then there is no reason not to get the U2711/U3011.

 

[Grooveriding]

Because of resolution, 2x6950 crossfire is perfect for your budget. So long as your power supply and motherboard can accommodate the setup.

 

[Skurge]

Because of resolution, 2x6950 crossfire is perfect for your budget. So long as your power supply and motherboard can accommodate the setup.

I didn't think of that. 6950s are under $250 right now. Probably the best suggestion you are going to get if your mobo and PSU are up to it.

 

[thilanliyan]

2x6950 (the 2GB cards) would be my suggestion for that budget and res.

 

[Jeff J]

Thanks for the input. Twin 6950's sounds like a very nice setup, but is at the very top of my desired price range. That's the card that can be Bios-flashed into a 6970, right?

Would I be giving up much by dropping down to something in the twin 560Ti / twin 460GTX class? Keep in mind that we're talking about Photoshop here, not Crysis....

I can sense already that this "monitor replacement" is going to turn in to a complete new rig really quickly...

Jeff J

 

[RavenSEAL]

Thanks for the input. Twin 6950's sounds like a very nice setup, but is at the very top of my desired price range. That's the card that can be Bios-flashed into a 6970, right?

Would I be giving up much by dropping down to something in the twin 560Ti / twin 460GTX class? Keep in mind that we're talking about Photoshop here, not Crysis....

I can sense already that this "monitor replacement" is going to turn in to a complete new rig really quickly...

Jeff J

If you feel that CUDA is something you're gonna need for photoshop 3D stuff, then I would go with the SLi GTX560ti or a single GTX580 both for around $550 USD.

 

[zebrax2]

Go for a single 6950 2GB. If you need more performance you could crossfire it later on

 

[snuuggles]

You know, I wonder if the HP zr30w would be something you would consider. They did a review on this site, I would check that out. One thing you might be interested in is that the zr30w will *natively* display 1280x800, meaning you could feed it that resolution (say, for games that weren't keeping a high-enough frame-rate at full resolution) and not have to put up with additional input lag or weird non-native resolution display issues. It would also allow you to get a *much* cheaper gpu for now, and wait to buy one that could do "full" 2560x1600 when you wanted to step up to that.

Again, the lower resolution would be for games where the single gpu wasn't providing enough frame-rate. For most applicaions and games, you would just run at full resolution without a problem.

HTH!

 

[happy medium]

Keep in mind that we're talking about Photoshop here, not Crysis....

So this is not for games? or both?
Are you against a 1920x1200 monitor?

I like this Dell Ultrasharp 24 inch 1920x1200 ips panel.
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...=baynoteSearch.

And if your not gaming or just a part time gamer , why not a gtx560 2GB card for photoshop.
I believe Cuda/ more video memory is better with these video editing things.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...x560%202gb

 

[Jeff J]

So this is not for games? or both?
Are you against a 1920x1200 monitor?

This will primarily be for Photoshop and other generic office applications. I'm sure it will see some gaming, but let's just say I probably don't fit the target demographic of the average FPS.

It would be more accurate to say that I want a big, high image quality display, and want to make full use of it regardless of what application I'm running.

I'm not against 1900x1200, so long as pixel pitch stays reasonable with a 24" display.

The HP zr30W is also on my list, but it sounds like the Dell actually scales reasonably well, so that might be choice #1.

Jeff J

 

[bunnyfubbles]

A dual GPU setup will go to waste if you're not avidly gaming on it. It doesn't matter if you're in to FPS games or not, what matters is if you're into any kind of games at all.

I wouldn't waste money on a dual GPU setup if it wasn't going to be used for gaming at least on the order of ~10 hours a week, and I certainly wouldn't go dual GPU if I wasn't playing games that don't facilitate it - its just too much heat production and power consumption to properly justify when you'll see absolutely 0 benefit from dual GPUs in photoshop and general office apps.

 

[digitaldurandal]

See if you can find a deal on a single GTX 470 or 465 in the fsft forums. This card will do well in CUDA and be able to drive your new 30 inch screen well. It will be able to play the latest games on the occasion you would like to although you will not be able to turn on all the eye candy, and you should be able to get one for 200 or less.