GTX 570s SLI Superclocked vs GTX 580s SLI vs 6970s XF in 2560x1600

[3DVagabond]

GTX 580 is really overpriced. Especially the 3Gb versions.

 

[Jacky60]

I absolutely believe it's true, that is why I posted a review where the memory issues are addressed. For a single monitor, you will have enough ram at 2560x1600.
Please post a article where a reviewer found otherwise.
Surround resolutions are a different case. AA, also adds memory usage, which is addressed in the article I posted. The reviewer mentioned when the 570 sli worked at surround resolutions, and when with certain AA settings, it hit its memory limitations.

I can assure you its not true notty my 6990's with 2gb per gpu regularly 'run out' of ram at 1920/1200 with all details on very high in Arma 2, Metro 2033 also suffers from this and I'd strongly suspect shogun 2 is the same.
Huge maps with loads of stuff going on-ai units etc plus high levels of AA mean I wouldn'y buy any card under 2gb and wish more ati cards had 3gb or thereabouts.

 

[Jacky60]

This is a GREAT point. Considering this PC won't be necessarily a gaming PC... I really only intend on playing BF3 and ARMA 3 (in 2012)

Oops I missed that bit if you really intend playing Arma 3 then you will need as much video memory as possible plus an uber fast machine. I'd probably suggest 580 3gb models, Ideally in tri-sli. Given the demands of Arma 2 I can't imagine anything with less than 2gb being remotely useful in Arma 3 and I've spent the last two years throwing money, SSD's etc at Arma 2 to get it to look decent at 1920/1200 (see sig). Only thing letting me down is my 'pispoor' 920 at 4.2ghz. You'll also probs need a very good 6 core cpu for Arma 3 or maybe even an 8 core depending how bulldozer shapes up. Failing 3 580's get the 6970x fire imho.

 

[ZimZum]

So is 6970 in Crossfire really the best choice here? I am just afraid of micro-stuttering and heat. I read 6970s are HOT HOT HOT.

All multi GPU setups have micro stutter.

As far as heat:

 

[Madcatatlas]

All multi GPU setups have micro stutter.

As far as heat:

so much heat your images burned out...?

 

[ZimZum]

Doh, fixed.

 

[m3t4lh34d]

Bud 6970s arent $360-390... you can get 6970s retail for $320-330 after rebate, and I've got all of mine selling for 260-280 for the fancier versions.

They're very cost effective cards