GTX580 3GB worth it?

jjj807

Senior member
Jun 20, 2004
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I'm planning on a i2600k/z68 build and really am stuck on what gpu to get. I'm looking to get the best single graphics card now that is worth the money

I was going to go 2GB 6950, but i'm sure i'll regret it once the 7 series drops in Q1 2012.

Is the 3GB GTX580 way too expensive? I want to futureproof my graphics for at least 2 years. I game on a 24 inch 1080p monitor and will play all the newest games until they bore me.

Thanks!

Also for a card like this one, how much power would i need. I'm guessing an antecs 650 earthwatts won't cut it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130655
 

tviceman

Diamond Member
Mar 25, 2008
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It's worth it if you want to spend the money for it. It will last you for quite some time, and your power supply should be able to handle it without a problem. You could, however, get a gtx570 now for half the price, and then in 1 year spend the other $300 to get the best GPU that will be out then... just a thought....
 

Arkadrel

Diamond Member
Oct 19, 2010
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Is the 3GB GTX580 way too expensive?
590$ for a 580 3 GB too expensive?....


Well the 580's are around ~9% faster than the 6970's on avg.

You can get a 6950 OC that to 6970 speeds or beyound, for 220$
(and put 370$ in your pocket, and just accept you have ~9% slower GPU).

If you want the absolute fastest (single gpu) card on the market...
the Nvidia 580 is it, and the price reflects that.

~9% better speed for ~270% price (that model you linked)? is it worth it? Some probably think so.
 
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Obsoleet

Platinum Member
Oct 2, 2007
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I bought a 5870 on launch day that I'm still using, and I don't think I'd buy a video card that's over ~$380. I paid around that for a 5870 and can't see me spending $600+ again.
I bought a pair of PCIE 6800GTs on launch day for $850 and I think that was my max.

I really don't think that card is worth buying personally. You could probably futureproof for 2 years without going with a 3GB card, depending on your definition. A $360 6970 would probably be my pick if I were buying today. It's impossible to live without regret unless you wait for the launchday of the 7 series, which is what I'd do if I had your 4890.
 

jjj807

Senior member
Jun 20, 2004
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Yeah , thanks for the input. I was just trying to see if it was possible to justify dropping 600 hundred on a videocard.

Wait I will.
 

tweakboy

Diamond Member
Jan 3, 2010
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Those GB of memory is trying to attract you. I promise if you play at your HD res you will not use more then 1.5GB video VRAM. So your waisting your money away wanting to get 3GB... its not like its gonna be faster then a proper OCed 580 1.5GB

Also the 5xx series will go for more then 2 more years. It plays all games 1080p 8xAA 16xAF vsync on high detail, maxed out Crysis 2 , Mass Effect 2 , FEAR 3 , framerate is stuck on 60fps,, no matter what its smooth baby! These are the new engines.....and it will be like this for couple years to come. Also stay away from crummy vendors like XFX if possible. Thank you gl and gb
 

blackened23

Diamond Member
Jul 26, 2011
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You don't need 3gb unless you game at 2560 resolution, or use triple monitor.

Anything less, and its a waste of money. Just saw you're gaming on a 24" monitor with a 1980 native resolution. You will get no added benefit from 3gb......
 
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Grooveriding

Diamond Member
Dec 25, 2008
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Worthless for any resolution on a single monitor. Unless you are getting two of them to use for 3 monitor gaming, those cards are of no use.

At $600, you might as well spend another $100 and get a 6990 if you want the best single card around. Barring that, get the regular 580. That 3GB one will do nothing for you that the 1.5GB can't do as well.
 

RussianSensation

Elite Member
Sep 5, 2003
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Galaxy GTX570 for $280. Then take that $300 you save today and buy a new card in 2 years. I wouldn't spend $500+ on a GTX580 when you can get almost 2 570s for that!
 

m3t4lh34d

Senior member
Oct 23, 2008
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Galaxy GTX570 for $280. Then take that $300 you save today and buy a new card in 2 years. I wouldn't spend $500+ on a GTX580 when you can get almost 2 570s for that!

Rofl I've got 6950/6970s for sale from $240-260 in my FS thread, check out a few FS threads here... paying retail isn't worth it in my opinion unless you plan not to upgrade for 3+ years