Upgrading from 7950 for triple screens

[rpmmatt]

OK, looking to replace my 7950 as I have recently switched to a triple screen setup, and while the 7950 is still OK, it doesn't really cut it for 5760x1080 anymore.

My budget is about £400 max, and looking at current prices comes down to 2x nVidia 780's, 2x AMD 290's, or one nVidia 970. Really I would like 2 970's but budget doesn't quite get there, but it is worth getting one now and buying a second when budget allows. My MB supports SLI and xfire, so just comes down to bang for buck really.

Thoughts.

 

[MasterOC]

tbh 2 x 970's would be my choice , closely followed by 2x 290's , I really couldn't justify a 780 with its vram limitations anymore , at that res the more the better. im maxing most things out at 4k without AA well above 60fps ( bf3 avg 90fps @ 3840 x 2160 )

they've all got enough oomph but only 2 of those will last you imo

 

[tommybhoy]

so just comes down to bang for buck really.

Thoughts.

2 X 290@£430- no competition there tbph.

You can even sell 2 sets of codes for ~£80=290 CrossFire for £350 nothing can touch it for bbfb, maybe less if you get lucky like some and get £50+ for a code on auction.

I would choose the Powercolor PCS+ personally as they are about the only company trying to combat coil whine at the moment(9 series are the worst offenders for coil whine which is a shame as they are great cards) and the 3 slot coolers are much better, but the MSI gaming is a true 2 slot design and shorter in length.

The 290's dump out a lot of heat though, good airflow is needed.

 

[Confused Stu]

290's in Crossfire love 5760x1080, so I'd definitely recommend them. Just make sure your case has good airflow through it and that your PSU can cope (decent 750W minimum, 850W with a little overclocking headroom, bigger for overvolting).

I haven't tried any of the Nvidia cards on the list, so can't provide a comparison I'm afraid.

 

[Final8y]

Im tempted to get 3 MSI gaming's as a stopgap, this week only has a pound off offer LOL.

 

[tommybhoy]

Im tempted to get 3 MSI gaming's as a stopgap, this week only has a pound off offer LOL.

Spoiler

Spoiler

 

[rpmmatt]

Thanks for the advice guys, but decided not to eat next month and went for 2 970's.

Just tested the first card, and get 100fps more than my 7950 at 5760x1080p on Warthunder.

Only downside is the card is so small it looks a little unimpressive Anyway, off to get the 2nd card installed and test more games.

 

[snips86x]

While I think AMD have the price vs performance, you cannot ignore the fact the nVidia 9 series are something incredible. 2x970 in SLi would be far cooler with higher overclocking headroom over the 290.

The alternative is to get a 780Ti or a 980.