To SLI or not to SLI (BF3, Skyrim, GTA 4)

[zero koopa]

So looking at my specs down below I know I am due for either a new pc or total overhaul of this current one.

I play a lot of BF3 and lately its been locking up and I feel that I would like to upgrade and not play on the lowest graphics in every single game I own.

I know a lot of people have had issues with their SLI configurations in BF3 and generally across other games as well. I was wondering, what everyone's opinion on SLI for these games (BF3, Skyrim, GTA 4) would be. Should I go with 2 EVGA gtx 560 or 570's, or one evga gtx 680?

I was looking to get a core i7 or i5 with a compatible mobo.

 

[OVerLoRDI]

What resolution?

 

[zero koopa]

What resolution?

Currently I am using a 19" monitor at 1440x900 but will most likely get 2 24" monitors so the standard 1920x1080. I just never know if something is gonna bottleneck the other or if the hardware is overkill.

 

[Slate1]

Currently I am using a 19" monitor at 1440x900 but will most likely get 2 24" monitors so the standard 1920x1080. I just never know if something is gonna bottleneck the other or if the hardware is overkill.

At those resolutions, looks like overkill for me. Hell, at 1440x900, one card should be more than enough.

 

[RussianSensation]

That CPU is a huge bottleneck in both GTA 4 and BF3. For SKYRIM, you'd want > 1GB of VRAM, so 560/560Ti are out. 570 is old technology and with 660Ti for $300, hardly makes sense. Assuming you upgrade your CPU, and want to game on 2 monitors, HD7950 CF or GTX670 SLI would do nicely. Perhaps you can start with a single 670 and go from there.

If you plan on using 1 monitor, GTX670 or an after-market 7950 + OCed are what I'd get. If you are on a budget, GTX660Ti is a good card for $300 but at that point I'd get an after-market 7950 and overclock it. So 670 or 7950 OC. I wouldn't spend $ on a 680. The performance is too close to a $375 factory preoverclocked 670 and yet costs $500 and loses to a $440-450 HD7970 Ghz edition. I think the 680 is the most overpriced choice. Save $100 and get a 670 if you are leaning towards NV.