i7 at 4.1 : what video card(s) should I pair with it?

[Habeed]

My current rig is an i7 clocked at 4.1 ghz and I've got a GTX 460 for now.

I'm trying to think ahead a little : how much GPU power do I need to hit a point where in most games the load is basically balanced between the CPU and GPU. That is, where the CPU is at near 100% utilization and so is the GPU.

My 460 bottlenecked on my old e6400 system (at 3 ghz) so that Bad Company 2 ran at about 30-40 fps. (vs a smooth 60 fps all game with my current processor)

Will I need 2 580s? More? If I need that much power to balance the gpu power with the cpu, I'll wait another year until 580 class performance costs less and consumes less power.

 

[happy medium]

2 gtx580's should be all you need. mabe 3?

The most important question is at what resolution?

 

[Qbah]

It will be a sad day when a Core i7 @ 4.1 GHz won't be enough to power a graphics subsystem.

Budget? Resolution? And you'll get your answers

 

[Habeed]

Budget : not now. It's not that I couldn't blow $600-$1000 on gpus if I really wanted to, it's just that every single game that I actually play doesn't need more power. I want to down-migrate my 460 into my old e6400 system (it's running on a $10 video card because the old 8800GT failed), and I will keep my eyes peeled for bargain prices on 6970 or 580 class performance cards.

I'm really just wondering if I need 2 cards or one.

Resolution : 1920x1200.

I heard, this is a rumor now, that a core i7 @4 ghz DOES bottleneck on something like tri or quad SLI superclocked 480s. So there is a point where I've got enough GPU, I need a new CPU.

 

[biostud]

6950 or 570, no reason to put more in ATM when gaming at 1920x1200

 

[SpeedZealot369]

6950 or 570, no reason to put more in ATM when gaming at 1920x1200

I agree. Maybe you can get a good deal on a 5850 or something like that. that should be plenty for that resolution as long as you're not cranking the AA to like x16

 

[Triggaaar]

I heard, this is a rumor now, that a core i7 @4 ghz DOES bottleneck on something like tri or quad SLI superclocked 480s. So there is a point where I've got enough GPU, I need a new CPU.

For most game I think you're right (that it's your GC that will bottleneck), but there will be some games (like flight sims) that will push your cpu more than the average, and bottleneck sooner.

570, 580 and 6970 are all good choices, but if you won't miss the cash there's no reason for you not to get 2 cards and enjoy the performance.

 

[Triggaaar]

that should be plenty for that resolution as long as you're not cranking the AA to like x16

Why wouldn't he crank the AA to x32 (nvidia only)? If you're going to build something that fast, surely that's the point.

 

[biostud]

Why wouldn't he crank the AA to x32 (nvidia only)? If you're going to build something that fast, surely that's the point.

because if he can get the same gaming experience for fewer $, I'm sure he would like that.

 

[Jacky60]

2 x 6970 or 2 x 580 or one of either. The more GPU power the prettier the eye candy and newer better games will hopefully demand more. I'd make sure you get 1.5gb-2 gb RAM per card to at least be vaguely future proof so forget 1gb cards as they'll be holding you back sooner rather than later.

 

[exar333]

OP might be limited on how much power he can run with his rig. I would think a 6970 or 570/580 would be plenty for most games.

 

[Wreckage]

Start with 1 580 and then go from there. If you don't want to spend that much get a 570OC. As always it depends on your budget/resolution.

 

[Lonyo]

What motherboard? (Or do all 1366 motherboard support SLI?)

 

[solofly]

6950 or 570, no reason to put more in ATM when gaming at 1920x1200

Got Metro 2033?

 

[Habeed]

Got Metro 2033?

Yes, but I never play it because the game itself is not that fun. The world's over and you're sneaking through the subways fighting mutants? Stabbing people in the back with a rusty knife or using a worn out firearm to kill them?

Actually, that sounds pretty fun..brb...

 

[solofly]

My point was max the game out and come back then...

 

[batmang]

I'm thinking a 9800 Pro will suffice.

Seriously though, 570 or 6970 is perfect for that res.

 

[Triggaaar]

because if he can get the same gaming experience for fewer $, I'm sure he would like that.

Well most of us choose to save a bit of money, but he's asking about top performance. You don't have to have high AA for a great gaming experience, but surely it improves the experience a little, otherwise what's the point in it?

 

[terentenet]

2 or 3 480's or 580's will do the trick. I have a 4GHz i7 as well, 3 GTX480's and I'm very happy with the result. I game at 2560x1600 though..
1920x1200, 2 5(4)80 in SLI will suffice for all games, with AA.

 

[biostud]

Well most of us choose to save a bit of money, but he's asking about top performance. You don't have to have high AA for a great gaming experience, but surely it improves the experience a little, otherwise what's the point in it?

I will seriously doubt that you'll be able to notice the difference when going over 8xaa, unless you stop to look for the differences.