Which setup to go with?!? Hard decision...

[Thebrave246]

Yeah, well on Tigerdirect there is no 7970 Lightning or Matrix on there which is where I am getting my credit from that website. So if you want to look on there and see what is available please be my guest. They have the MSI GTX 680 Lightning which is my first choice right now and I am looking at getting a good sound card and pair of headphones/headset to go with it and clip-on mic if need be. Then if I can swing it a keyboard if I have the extra cash after the memory. Any suggestions?

They have the ASUS Essence STX and ASUS Vulcan ANC headset on Tigerdirect?

 

[3DVagabond]

I don't frequent Tiger Direct. So, forgive me if I'm missing something.

Matrix
Lightning

 

[Thebrave246]

I don't frequent Tiger Direct. So, forgive me if I'm missing something.

Matrix
Lightning

Says those are both unavailable to purchase right now through Tigerdirect and no problem man.

 

[3DVagabond]

I see. If you don't try and add them to your cart you can't tell they are out of stock.

 

[Thebrave246]

I see. If you don't try and add them to your cart you can't tell they are out of stock.

Yeah, I will ask in live chat support tommorow to see if they are coming in stock soon like this week sometime or the 7970 Lightning editions. I will switch out the 680 Lightning for one of those if they do in fact come in stock. But to get back to the real matter at hand. Sound options, should I go bigger or smaller for the sound card like an ASUS Xonar DGX (small) or ASUS Essence STX (more espensive). I also need a good headset or pair of headphones with clip on mic. Sennheiser headphones? Razer Blackshark Expert 2.0? I don't know.

 

[Thebrave246]

Just need some help picking basically what to get with my 680 Lightning. I guess I should go with the sound upgrade then over the keyboard. So maybe I should get the ASUS Essence STX, because it will be a nice big upgrade over my onboard and not just for gaming but movies and everything. Any input about this over the Xonar series would be appreciated. Also about headset/headphone choice would be helpful as well. I hear getting a good pair of headphones with a clip-on mic is better then just a generic gaming headset.

 

[Thebrave246]

The 7970 Lightning over the 680 Lightning for sure. The Matrix over both of them. Unless triple slot is an issue for you.

Dual 670's is also a waste of money @ 1080p, IMO. That's why I suggested a single card and a monitor upgrade. You can get whatever flavor you prefer, AMD or nVidia.

Looks like the 7970 Matrix will be available next week on Tigerdirect, so by the time my returns process I can order that card next week most likely. Is it worth it over the 680 Lightning and 7970 Lightning? I guess the reviews on it with the benchmarks done last October are outdated so the newer drivers would boost this card nicely over a 680 then correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[3DVagabond]

Looks like the 7970 Matrix will be available next week on Tigerdirect, so by the time my returns process I can order that card next week most likely. Is it worth it over the 680 Lightning and 7970 Lightning? I guess the reviews on it with the benchmarks done last October are outdated so the newer drivers would boost this card nicely over a 680 then correct me if I'm wrong.

The Lightning is an excellent card. It's probably splitting hairs at that point, but the Matrix is just a bit stronger built. More power stages a bigger cooler, and higher factory clock. Full size DP eliminates the need for adapters, since monitors don't have mini DP, and the Lightning not having dual link DVI creates the need for additional adapters should you require it. I know it's considered legacy, but it's still the most popular high bandwidth connection.

The Matrix was a bit faster than the 680 in October. The difference would be greater now.

 

[cmdrdredd]

I'm betting your mobo is having a fit with recognizing the cards properly. I had to reseat them a few times in my Maximus V Gene.

Something nobody mentioned and you did not mention is what Motherboard you are running and what bios revision. It's important. Not to mention your power supply. A cheapish PSU won't do you any favors.