Will this rig bottleneck my GTX690?

[hokies83]

Get 4gb Gtx 670s or 4gb 680s. 2 of them can max anything out.

 

[djnsmith7]

I will answer your question, using BF3 as an example. With 2 7970's, I can run both cards at 99% usage on Ultra settings @ 1080p (bottleneck not present). My 2500K @ 4.5 doesn't bottleneck my system until I activate the 3rd 7970, where the 3 cards run @ 60% usage per card.

If we use BF3 as an example with your 690, no, a 3770K will not bottleneck your cards (if OC'd). Once you add a 2nd 690 to the mix, as you mentioned you probably would later, your 3770K will bottleneck your system. You would probably see somewhere in the range of ~45 - 55% usage per card, depending on your 3770K OC.

 

[Stg-Flame]

I will answer your question, using BF3 as an example. With 2 7970's, I can run both cards at 99% usage on Ultra settings @ 1080p (bottleneck not present). My 2500K @ 4.5 doesn't bottleneck my system until I activate the 3rd 7970, where the 3 cards run @ 60% usage per card.

If we use BF3 as an example with your 690, no, a 3770K will not bottleneck your cards (if OC'd). Once you add a 2nd 690 to the mix, as you mentioned you probably would later, your 3770K will bottleneck your system. You would probably see somewhere in the range of ~45 - 55% usage per card, depending on your 3770K OC.

So if I dropped it down to SLI 670s or SLI 680s, would I still see the same bottleneck or would that only be present with the 690s?

 

[hokies83]

With a 3770k @ 4.8ghz and my old Gtx 680s i would get 140-210 fps in BF3 maxxed out at 2560x1440.

 

[Stg-Flame]

I thank everyone for their input in this thread. It has helped me perfect my build for the budget I was shooting for.

I just ordered my new setup and have called a few retailers who told me they do stock 27" 2560X1440 gaming monitors, so I'll be heading over after work tomorrow night to check out the prices.

Also, I completely forgot about Newegg finance option, so I only paid half price for my computer and plan on dumping the rest next month. This way I can go pick up a brand new monitor the day my rig arrives

Again, thanks for all the information I received.

 

[hokies83]

NP just make sure u get 4gb cards for 2560x1440 res..

 

[Stg-Flame]

NP just make sure u get 4gb cards for 2560x1440 res..

Both of the 670s I ordered are the 4GB FTW edition.

Which I meant to ask you a question about your monitor. It seems you have a 2560X1440 gaming monitor and I was wondering if that was a 60hz or a 120hz monitor (if that makes ant sense at all). I've checked a few Catleaps and they seem like a solid choice for a gaming monitor, but I'm not sold - especially with this war going on between 60 and 120hz.

Please excuse my ignorance for monitors, but is there a noticeable difference between 60 and 120hz? Previously, I only picked a glossy screen LG that fit my budget and now that I actually have the money where I can choose what I want, I would prefer to have a very good, top quality monitor that will last me a long time.

Do you have any suggestions for a monitor that would fit my build? Preferably an LG and absolutely no Dell.

 

[hokies83]

I also have a 120hz Panel..

The diff in picture is Huge the 2560x1440 ips panel blows the 120hz panel away.

But if your a gamer who wants to compete in something like MLG 120hz is the choice.

Also the Catleaps are LG monitors.. All the 2560x1440 ips panels are LG..

Id suggest saving a ton of money and getting a Koean panel as you can buy 2 of them for the price of 1 LG panel.

Also im not a Fan of Evga there coolers just suck...

You could have went with 2 Galaxy Gtx 680 4gb cards for 100$ more and had much better cooling.


670 459$ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814162118
680 554$ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814162105

 

[djnsmith7]

So if I dropped it down to SLI 670s or SLI 680s, would I still see the same bottleneck or would that only be present with the 690s?

In BF3, it's pretty simple, when considering today's CPUs. If you're using a 2500K @ 4.5 or better (meaning faster CPU), you're golden with 2 GPU's. It's when you add a 3rd or 4th GPU that you run into the bottleneck.

2500K or 3770K @ 4.5 will run SLI as well as it should be run. No bottleneck @ 2 cards, but there will be a bottleneck @ 3+ GPU's.

You can use MSI Afterburner to see exactly what % of each card is being used. This is what I used to chart my GPU performance.

I think you made a good choice with those 670 FTW 4GB cards. Probably would've gone the same route in your position.

 

[djnsmith7]

I'm going to let the power supply experts chime in here, but will that 650w PS be sufficient for that rig with 2 670's?

 

[Stg-Flame]

Well even though I tried to order my build tonight, there was a problem with my payment authorization. My card has a $2,000 limit which I must call the bank and have them increase the maximum limit on my card.

Hopefully a PSU expert will see this topic and let me know if I need to change out my PSU before I complete my order tomorrow after I increase my card's limit.

I'll be at work all day tomorrow starting around 3am, so while I'm gone, I hope someone keeps this topic active just in case an expert is carousing this subforum.

 

[djnsmith7]

I would think you'd want a minimum of 850w, but that's just me. You might want to let a few others chime in before you try to pull the trigger again.

 

[RussianSensation]

A couple guys already told you to get a more powerful PSU than 650W.

A couple reasons why:

1) If you are spending $1k on GPUs alone, does it make sense to spend only $90 on a PSU for them?

2) OC the CPU and those GPUs are pushing it. Will it work, yes. Will it work should you want to upgrade to GTX780 SLI next round or GTX880 SLI? Why save $20-30 now when you can go for an 850W PSU and have it last you 10 years!

3) On a system that uses a lot of wattage, it becomes more important to get a Gold or a Platinum PSU because you start saving $ over time. Over 5-6 years of use, that adds up.

You can get this for about $156.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139015

If you don't need modular, you can save some $ and get this 950W PC Power & Cooling for $120:
http://www.amazon.com/PC-Power-Cooli...er+%26+cooling

I like modular though for tidiness.

 

[djnsmith7]

Russian, I didn't read every post, so the previous PS references was an oversight on my part. As I mentioned, an 850w would be a minimum for me. I like to lean towards more vs less when it comes to power, especially when building a performance system. Modular is the only way I go.

So there you have it Flame. Go with a 950w or 1000w & be done with it.

 

[RussianSensation]

djnsmith7, no worries!

 

[Jeff007245]

If money is not an object, I would get either of these

Monitor

Samsung: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824001565

LG (Soon to be released): I believe LG is releasing a couple 27 inch IPS panels soon, but I cant remember the model number.

As for your power supply, I would look into getting one that will last you a very long time now... Unlike other components such as the CPU, GPU, Motherboard, RAM, and other components, it takes a very long time for a powersupply to become obsolete. Look into getting a platinum PSU as they go on sale very often on newegg and ncix. I got mine for like <200 bucks and 170 bucks or so after rebates.

 

[Stg-Flame]

Thanks again for the input. I'm adding an 850W Gold PSU to my build in place of the 650 I previously had.

As for the monitors, I believe I found the one I want and it's not going to take almost half my paycheck like that Samsung would (though it would be nice to have that one).

I found this while searching reviews on that same Samsung you linked and it looks to be just what I want. For a minute, I thought I would have to give my money to Dell for a quality 2560X1440 panel, then I found the ASUS one.

 

[hokies83]

Thanks again for the input. I'm adding an 850W Gold PSU to my build in place of the 650 I previously had.

As for the monitors, I believe I found the one I want and it's not going to take almost half my paycheck like that Samsung would (though it would be nice to have that one).

I found this while searching reviews on that same Samsung you linked and it looks to be just what I want. For a minute, I thought I would have to give my money to Dell for a quality 2560X1440 panel, then I found the ASUS one.

Better 2 get 2 of these instead there the EXACT SAME PANEL

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-ACHIEVA...154&pid=100011&prg=1005&rk=1&sd=170912994665&

 

[Larnz]

If money is not an object, I would get either of these

Monitor

Samsung: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824001565

Holy Crap, thats nice! Dammit now you've got me thinking of ways to flick off my U2711 and get one of these :/

 

[jacktesterson]

I would change the following:

1. Monitor - Get a 27 inch 3D 120hz monitor, or 27 inch IPS
2. Power Supply - With the amount of money you are already spending, I would already get a decent platinum series power supply. They often go on sale and could dip below $200.
3. SSD - 240 or 256GB SSDs often go on sale as well. They can be had for as low as $160-180. Thats only $40 more for double the space.
4. Optical Drive - Blue Ray Burners are cheap these days.

Can't agree with Points #2,3 or 4

Power Supply - Is it REALLY worth paying such a crazy premium for a few extra percentage points? 80+ Bronze is more than enough. Gold/Platinum is totally not worth it for everyday PC's as its not like the OP needs it to be quiet. I can't hear any of my 80+ Bronze PSU's anyways.

SSD - Most only use there SSD for Windows, Apps and a Few Games. 120GB/128GB is the sweet spot.

Optical Drive- Unless he specifically needs a Blu Ray burner, I'd avoid this too. I would argue more that a drive is not needed at all, burning 25GB of Data on a Blu Ray for "backup" is not ideal.