Powerful graphics card for Define R3

dkm777

Senior member
Nov 21, 2010
528
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0
So I was thinking - you only live once, and my birthday is coming so I thought what the heck, I'm going to get myself a really powerful graphics card so I can play Skyrim on Ultra. But... I soon ran into a problem - my case. I didn't measure yet, but Fractal Design claims that the Define R3 accepts cards up to 29cm (11.4"). That essentially rules out anything high end with custom coolers. Maybe i should just get another GTX560 Ti for SLI? That would solve the length issue, but introduce its own share of problems like cooling, microstutter and 1GB VRAM limitations. I'm at a loss now.
 

lehtv

Elite Member
Dec 8, 2010
11,897
74
91
My 560 Ti plays Skyrim fine (60fps). I play on High with slightly reduced object/item/actor distances, but I honestly can't see any significant difference between that and Ultra. Whatever difference there is is definitely not worth a graphics card upgrade. Plus I use mods to enhance graphics, mainly improved textures (not the 2K res landscape textures, but objects and actors) and FXAA injector.

If you really must get better performance right now, sell your 560 Ti and upgrade to 7870 2GB then overclock that. Stock vs stock + it'll OC better while using less power. But I'd recommend waiting for the rest of NVIDIA's 600 series lineup, see how things play out. 560 Ti is a fast card.
 
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Timmah!

Golden Member
Jul 24, 2010
1,565
914
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So I was thinking - you only live once, and my birthday is coming so I thought what the heck, I'm going to get myself a really powerful graphics card so I can play Skyrim on Ultra. But... I soon ran into a problem - my case. I didn't measure yet, but Fractal Design claims that the Define R3 accepts cards up to 29cm (11.4"). That essentially rules out anything high end with custom coolers. Maybe i should just get another GTX560 Ti for SLI? That would solve the length issue, but introduce its own share of problems like cooling, microstutter and 1GB VRAM limitations. I'm at a loss now.

I have GTX590 inside R2.

Do not see a reason to buy another GPU for Skyrim. Its graphics is fugly as hell. You cant fix low poly models, shit lightning and terrible rigid animation with any resolution nor high AA setting.
 

dkm777

Senior member
Nov 21, 2010
528
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I have GTX590 inside R2.

Do not see a reason to buy another GPU for Skyrim. Its graphics is fugly as hell. You cant fix low poly models, shit lightning and terrible rigid animation with any resolution nor high AA setting.

But... but... but... the scenery! :awe:
 

evilspoons

Senior member
Oct 17, 2005
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The Geforce GTX 680s listed in the Anandtech launch recap (reference design boards and coolers obviously) range from 10.0 to 10.8 inches, those should fit fine. In fact, I'm not even sure how the length is different between the cards due to them all being reference, they should all be pretty much the same... maybe the 10.8" one is a typo.

7870s range from 9.5 to 11.0", and most 7970s should be under 11.0" too. The XFX Double Dissipation (a custom cooler) actually seems shorter than the stock 7970 cooler by a bit at 10.6".
 
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dkm777

Senior member
Nov 21, 2010
528
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Hmm, if the 7870's will be shorter then there is hope. I think Asus could release a DirectCU II version that is very similar in size to my GTX560 Ti. I guess I'll just have to wait for that. The card can beat a GTX580 when overclocked and uses significantly less power. If there's going to be a price war when lesser GTX600's are released then it'll be sweet.

Edit: hah, looks like Asus already has a HD7870 the size of a GTX560 Ti. All I have to do is patiently wait for it to appear in stores here.

Edit 2: Gigabyte Windforce is also similar length and judging by their past pricing should be cheaper than the Asus and comes with a ridiculously beefy cooler. What would you choose - Asus DirectCU II or Gigabyte Windforce?
 
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NoWorthWhile

Junior Member
Feb 26, 2012
16
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I have a Powercolor PCS+ 7950 fitted inside the Define R3 on a Asus P8Z68-V/B3. It is on the second slot, and fits perfectly fine next to my 2 tuners, and my Noctua NH-D14.

Great silent case this one :)
 

tweakboy

Diamond Member
Jan 3, 2010
9,517
2
81
www.hammiestudios.com
So I was thinking - you only live once, and my birthday is coming so I thought what the heck, I'm going to get myself a really powerful graphics card so I can play Skyrim on Ultra. But... I soon ran into a problem - my case. I didn't measure yet, but Fractal Design claims that the Define R3 accepts cards up to 29cm (11.4"). That essentially rules out anything high end with custom coolers. Maybe i should just get another GTX560 Ti for SLI? That would solve the length issue, but introduce its own share of problems like cooling, microstutter and 1GB VRAM limitations. I'm at a loss now.

WTF is Define R3 ?????
 

RavenSEAL

Diamond Member
Jan 4, 2010
8,661
3
0
nVidia cards are relatively well sized compared to AMD ones. The HD 6970s are freaking monsters.

You shouldn't have a problem fitting a 560TI 448 or a even a GTX580 in there.