Monitor / Graphics upgrade - budget: 300-400? - Hardware & Software

Current setup: i5-2500k @ 4.5Ghz GTX 570 8GB RAM some 500GB HDD 2 x VH232H monitors (1080p) Ever since I got some extra space on my desk, I've been thinking about upgrading my current setup. However, because of the GTX5xx series limitation, I can't run triple monitors on a single card. I'm probably going to sell the GTX570 if I make this upgrade, making the budget somewhere around 300+ (whatever). The question is: I don't seem to use my dual monitors much, so I wouldn't have too much use for a triple monitor setup. However, having a center screen is nice. So would it be better if I: 1. Got a third VH232H and upgraded my graphics card? 2. Sold one of my VH232Hs and just get a 2560x1440 IPS main monitor, upgrading my graphics card? Also, what graphics card would be the most "bang for buck" graphics card out there right now? I don't really care for running Crysis on maximum, but 60fps on most multiplayer games is nice. Would probably end up buying this kind of stuff on eBay, by the way.

I would go with option 1. 1440p is really useless if you dont want to run things on ultra :P But dont get me wrong 1440p is amazing. xD

Gaming graphics card of choice is the GTX 770 or the GTX 780 (for what you described I recommend the 770). Preferably EVGA with an ACX cooler.

[QUOTE=flayne;41366215]Gaming graphics card of choice is the GTX 770 or the GTX 780 (for what you described I recommend the 770). Preferably EVGA with an ACX cooler.[/QUOTE] Is the 770 that much better over the 760 when there's a $150 price difference between the two?

[QUOTE=fishyfish777;41370862]Is the 770 that much better over the 760 when there's a $150 price difference between the two?[/QUOTE] That's up to you to decide. I just give you the two top of the line cards, that aren't the Titan and the 7990. [url]http://gpuboss.com/gpus/GeForce-GTX-770-vs-GeForce-GTX-760[/url]

[QUOTE=fishyfish777;41365552]Current setup: i5-2500k @ 4.5Ghz GTX 570 8GB RAM some 500GB HDD 2 x VH232H monitors (1080p) Ever since I got some extra space on my desk, I've been thinking about upgrading my current setup. However, because of the GTX5xx series limitation, I can't run triple monitors on a single card. I'm probably going to sell the GTX570 if I make this upgrade, making the budget somewhere around 300+ (whatever). The question is: I don't seem to use my dual monitors much, so I wouldn't have too much use for a triple monitor setup. However, having a center screen is nice. So would it be better if I: 1. Got a third VH232H and upgraded my graphics card? 2. Sold one of my VH232Hs and just get a 2560x1440 IPS main monitor, upgrading my graphics card? Also, what graphics card would be the most "bang for buck" graphics card out there right now? I don't really care for running Crysis on maximum, but 60fps on most multiplayer games is nice. Would probably end up buying this kind of stuff on eBay, by the way.[/QUOTE] A 2560x1440 monitor will beat the hell out of any triple-monitor solution you throw at it. Just be warned that the resolution requires massive amounts of graphics power. I've never had the 570GTX but I had the 580GTX and sometimes I had to lower my settings, but you don't really need anti-aliasing at that resolution so it's not much of a trade off. Get the yamakasi catleap Q270 (the one I have) and get the 880GTX next year.

[QUOTE=flayne;41370907]That's up to you to decide. I just give you the two top of the line cards, that aren't the Titan and the 7990. [url]http://gpuboss.com/gpus/GeForce-GTX-770-vs-GeForce-GTX-760[/url][/QUOTE] The 7990 really shouldn't be recommended. Neither the Titan, really. Either get a GTX 780 or a GTX 690 if you really want to waste money. The GTX 770 is probably your best choice.

[QUOTE=GoDong-DK;41375522]The 7990 really shouldn't be recommended. Neither the Titan, really. Either get a GTX 780 or a GTX 690 if you really want to waste money. The GTX 770 is probably your best choice.[/QUOTE]The GTX 690 is dual GPU not really suitable for anyone but people who have limited space or want to run 4 GPUs at 16X in PCI-e slots.

[QUOTE=Alex_DeLarge;41375025]A 2560x1440 monitor will beat the hell out of any triple-monitor solution you throw at it.[/QUOTE] Care to explain?

[QUOTE=fishyfish777;41365552] Also, what graphics card would be the most "bang for buck" graphics card out there right now? I don't really care for running Crysis on maximum, but 60fps on most multiplayer games is nice. Would probably end up buying this kind of stuff on eBay, by the way.[/QUOTE] If you're going to sell and replace the GTX 570 then here's something I can help advise. [quote]1. Got a third VH232H and upgraded my graphics card?[/quote] For your situation a GTX 660 is fine enough if you're only going to game on a single 1080p screen. It performs a little better than your GTX 570 and supports triple monitors. You can a good branded one for $210 on Newegg or 10-20$ less on Ebay: [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127707[/url] [quote]2. Sold one of my VH232Hs and just get a 2560x1440 IPS main monitor, upgrading my graphics card?[/quote] For a large resolution like that you can still get by with your GTX 570 as long as your reduce your graphic options. If you want to make a large upgrade though then depending on your PSU and motherboard you can add in a second GTX 570 or instead sell it and get a GTX 760/770. Also to note that AMD's next GPU series will be released in October this year.

[QUOTE=100 cotton;41395666]Care to explain?[/QUOTE] High resolution, no separation between bezels, great performance and rarely requires anti-aliasing.

Never underestimate how much power a 2560x1440 screen takes to run in games. My 7950 could barely handle it, and the 780 is ok in most games but it can drop to 50 sometimes. And it can nowhere near max Arma III.

[QUOTE=rhx123;41407910]Never underestimate how much power a 2560x1440 screen takes to run in games. My 7950 could barely handle it, and the 780 is ok in most games but it can drop to 50 sometimes. And it can nowhere near max Arma III.[/QUOTE]You can still run games at 1080p on a 1440p monitor.

[QUOTE=RoboChimp;41407955]You can still run games at 1080p on a 1440p monitor.[/QUOTE] It's true, but it doesn't look as nice as native. I'd say 2560x1440 monitors are towards the "luxary" end of the scale, and you should be prepared to adjust your GPU budget accordingly.

[QUOTE=rhx123;41407910]Never underestimate how much power a 2560x1440 screen takes to run in games. My 7950 could barely handle it, and the 780 is ok in most games but it can drop to 50 sometimes. And it can nowhere near max Arma III.[/QUOTE] The ArmA 3 part is not really eligible yet, considering it's still in beta.. Not that I expect much.