- Dec 26, 2010
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I sold my gtx580 a couple weeks ago in anticipation of the 7970 launch, but I've been a bit disappointed by its performance / price and my course of action isn't so clear cut. Currently I am using a borrowed 560ti from a friend but that clearly isn't a long term solution. To top things off I am getting a U3011 in a few days so I will obviously need a more powerful setup.
The majority of games I play are a mixed bag, for the next 6 months the majority of my time is probably going to be SWTOR, Skyrim (with high res texture mods), Starcraft 2, Diablo 3, Mass Effect 3, and Witcher 2. That said I do want playable performance if I occasionally fire up the Crysis or Metro 2033 or get some game just to try it out.
Here are the options I am considering now:
1. Get a 7970 / 7950 at launch, depending on price/perf and unlock capabilities. I am hoping that the 7950 will be to next generation what the 6950 is now.
2. 6950 crossfire, probably used for around $450-$500.
3. Scrap by with some used mid ranged card (think 5850 level) until Kepler launches. This will be hoping that Kepler either comes fairly early or will be a large jump in performance.
4. Wait for 7870 and crossfire that. Lots of unknowns regarding price / performance / launch timing.
5. Other? I'm open to suggestions. I could even buy a used gtx 580 for a similar price to what I sold.
Edit: Note that crossfire options would mean I would have to give up my soundcard due to shitty mobo layout that puts the PCIe X1 slot right beneath the primary PCIe X16 slot, really blocking air intake.
The majority of games I play are a mixed bag, for the next 6 months the majority of my time is probably going to be SWTOR, Skyrim (with high res texture mods), Starcraft 2, Diablo 3, Mass Effect 3, and Witcher 2. That said I do want playable performance if I occasionally fire up the Crysis or Metro 2033 or get some game just to try it out.
Here are the options I am considering now:
1. Get a 7970 / 7950 at launch, depending on price/perf and unlock capabilities. I am hoping that the 7950 will be to next generation what the 6950 is now.
2. 6950 crossfire, probably used for around $450-$500.
3. Scrap by with some used mid ranged card (think 5850 level) until Kepler launches. This will be hoping that Kepler either comes fairly early or will be a large jump in performance.
4. Wait for 7870 and crossfire that. Lots of unknowns regarding price / performance / launch timing.
5. Other? I'm open to suggestions. I could even buy a used gtx 580 for a similar price to what I sold.
Edit: Note that crossfire options would mean I would have to give up my soundcard due to shitty mobo layout that puts the PCIe X1 slot right beneath the primary PCIe X16 slot, really blocking air intake.
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