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GTX 600 Series Question

3K views 58 replies 13 participants last post by  General123 
#1 ·
Hey guys,

Got an unopened Asus GTX 670 DCU II (non-top). The seller proposed me to get one of his 3 GTX 690s. Either Zotac, Gigabyte or Asus (Asus being the most expensive and Zotac the cheapest). I am able to return my GTX 670 and pay some extra to get a GTX 690.

Don't know what i should do. I play CoD4, CSS:GO, Crysis 2 and BF3 on a 22inch 60hz monitor.
Mostly CoD4 though.

Here are the two options i am considering:
1/ Keeping my GTX 670 and my Asus 60hz 22inch monitor.
2/ Return my GTX 670 and upgrade it to a GTX 690 aswell as getting the BenQ XL2420T.

Things to consider:
I want a single monitor setup (max 24inch)
I have no intention of getting a surround setup
It will be used for gaming (CoD4 mostly as i play in the competitive scene).

However i would like to know if for option 2 my setup is okay.

i5 2500k currently at 3.3Ghz (stock) with a CM 212 evo.
Asus P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3
Corsair Vengeance 2x4GB @1600MHz
Seasonic X-660 Gold

The GTX 690s available:
Zotac GTX 690
Gigabyte GTX 690
Asus GTX 690

By the way, if anyone has a well explained guide on how to overclock the 2500k to above 4GHz without taking any risks on my motherboard, would be really nice. Some homemade guide would be nice aswell, but clear advises please.

Cheers
 
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#2 ·
The 670 would go better with your current monitor. Even with a 120hz 1080 monitor you still are wasting a good 690. I mean if you aren't going to be running triple monitors, etc. I would just stick with the 670 and save some cash. Save up and get you a high resolution monitor and grab a second 670 for some sli action. Thanks
 
#3 ·
Well a GTX690 = GTX680 x2 which already outperforms a GTX 670
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If you have the budget, it will look nicer and perform better, but the question is do you want to spend that much? I have the GTX 670 ASUS DCUII TOP and I love it, performs everything without worry. As far as CoD4 goes, especially in competitive multiplayer, 120fps can make a difference. The twitchy nature of the game calls for high FPS + responsiveness. The only other thing is your concern for heat and sound. The GTX 690 will run warm, and the fans cooling it will ramp up, so take that into consideration as well.

Either way is a good choice
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Best of luck
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EDIT: again with the ninjas
ph34r-smiley.gif
 
#5 ·
@KILLER_K Yea, but i can't -.- My grandad is paying for my GPU, so theres no saving and upgrading in the future. i either get a GTX 670 or a GTX 690. However since we are currently in China (i live in Europe) but half my family is chinese, i actually feel a bit bad to ask him to spend so much. He is generous so he doesn't mind, but still. So my idea was maybe getting a GTX 690, and when i get home get a 120hz monitor.
 
#6 ·
@Kolmain I get your point, yes a GTX 690 costs alot of money. But since i will have to buy the monitor with my own money (my grandad is paying my GPU), i'm not willing to buy a 120hz monitor if im using just a GTX 670. If i would have a GTX 690 then i would probably get it.

Anyone can tell me how to OC my 2500k on my current mobo?? stable and not too high (dont wanna risk).
 
#9 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by benceh View Post

@Kolmain I get your point, yes a GTX 690 costs alot of money. But since i will have to buy the monitor with my own money (my grandad is paying my GPU), i'm not willing to buy a 120hz monitor if im using just a GTX 670. If i would have a GTX 690 then i would probably get it.
Anyone can tell me how to OC my 2500k on my current mobo?? stable and not too high (dont wanna risk).
If you are going to get a 120HZ monitor that has a higher resolution than 1080p then I would say go for it. I don't believe that with your setup a 670 is going to be able to hit 120FPS SOLID on any current/next genertation game.

That card will be a good card for a very very long time! I would not pass up the opportunity. Also if you think about it when a 670 starts to be considered old or low performance you would still have over 2x the power of a 670!

As far as OCing your i5

STOP ASKING in this thread. Use the search option there are TONS AND TONS of guides and people talking about OCing there i5.

Also it would be worth looking in your bios for an auto overclock function. It will not push your CPU as far as manual overclocking but it will give you a good base line and if you are new to OCing that would be a very good place to start.

You can def squeeze some extra power out of that CPU!
 
#10 ·
@givmedew So you 're saying the GTX 690 would be a better investment? In my shop there are only 1080p 120hz monitors (24inch). So i'd be getting the BenQ XL2420T.

@PBIBBY24 Even on a 120hz? You don't think the GTX 690 should give me a noticeable performance boost over the GTX 670 on a 24inch 120hz monitor? (BenQ XL2420T).

@Extempt Not interested in the GTX 680s anymore, as they only give a 5% performance boost over the 670s for a big price difference. And i don't want/like SLI (dual card setup).

By the way, what is the difference between a single and dual gpu? apart that a dual gpu contains 2 single gpus.
Is a dual gpu the same as having 2 single ones installed? Cause alot of people recommend a single card setup over SLI (dual card setup) due to problems.
 
#12 ·
I believe a 690 is funtionally the same as a SLI, just no bridge. So driver-wise, it'll act like SLI, and be able to take advantage of SLI profile patches with new driver releases. The problem right now is that the current driver release, and the one before it (neither are WHQL) only support an 82Hz refresh. You could use the last WHQL driver, 301.42, with 120Hz monitor and lose the SLI profiles contained in the newer drivers, play with the new drivers at max 82Hz refresh (not fps), or hope the next WHQL driver once again supports 120Hz refresh.

I have a Catleap 2B out for delivery today and a 680 SLI running 304.79 drivers, so I can confirm this evening, but that's the way I see it right now.
 
#13 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by benceh View Post

@givmedew So you 're saying the GTX 690 would be a better investment? In my shop there are only 1080p 120hz monitors (24inch). So i'd be getting the BenQ XL2420T.
@PBIBBY24 Even on a 120hz? You don't think the GTX 690 should give me a noticeable performance boost over the GTX 670 on a 24inch 120hz monitor? (BenQ XL2420T).
@Extempt Not interested in the GTX 680s anymore, as they only give a 5% performance boost over the 670s for a big price difference. And i don't want/like SLI (dual card setup).
By the way, what is the difference between a single and dual gpu? apart that a dual gpu contains 2 single gpus.
Is a dual gpu the same as having 2 single ones installed? Cause alot of people recommend a single card setup over SLI (dual card setup) due to problems.
For 120HZ to matter your video card need to be able to hit 120FPS and yes you will be able to keep that card for a longer time and I really don't see a 670 hitting 120FPS on next gen games.

As far as dual GPUs the 690 is 2 680 GPUs without the issues you may face bye running 2 separate cards. I can not speak for NVIDIA as I just ordered my first NVIDIA card in over 5 years (GTX680 Superclocked) But for ATI/AMD 2 Cards is a nightmare I think that the NVIDIA cards are better at SLI but I am no pro at that all I can say for sure is that with 1 single card you will not have to worry about any issues!
 
#14 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by givmedew View Post

For 120HZ to matter your video card need to be able to hit 120FPS and yes you will be able to keep that card for a longer time and I really don't see a 670 hitting 120FPS on next gen games.
As far as dual GPUs the 690 is 2 680 GPUs without the issues you may face bye running 2 separate cards. I can not speak for NVIDIA as I just ordered my first NVIDIA card in over 5 years (GTX680 Superclocked) But for ATI/AMD 2 Cards is a nightmare I think that the NVIDIA cards are better at SLI but I am no pro at that all I can say for sure is that with 1 single card you will not have to worry about any issues!
A GTX690 = Two GTX680s on one chip, which is SLI.
kookoo.gif
 
#15 ·
Well I just so happen to have a 670 and a BenQ XL2420T, Lol. For example in BF3, I turn shadows on low and turn off Ambient Occlusion and BAM I am in the 95- to 150 range (Avg around 93 with all the map avg together). Gaming on a 120hz monitor is Amazing. It really makes a difference and it is worth every penny. Imo, I turn shadows low and terrain on low any ways when I snipe so it makes no big difference to me and it really doesn't look bad at all either, at all. But if you can get the 690 go for it you can keep shadows on ultra
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go for it!
 
#16 ·
I disagree with a lot of these statements. I have my sig rig, i5-3570k, GTX 670, and a single 120hz 1920x1080 monitor. Even at medium settings, BF3 is 80~120 FPS, definitely not 120 constant. If you want to go nuts, and have the money, you SHOULD buy a 690 and the BenQ. You need the 690 (dual GK104 Keplar) to run 120 FPS constantly on beyond medium settings on BF3. I plan on SLIing my 670's fairly soon because the dips to 60~80 FPS on busy maps ruins the experience a bit.
 
#17 ·
Okay guys, thank you for all your answers.

Now my only issue is that, i don't really understand the GTX 690. GTX 690 is the performance of 2 GTX 680, is it exactly the same as having and gtx 680 sli? So if i'm correct, the gtx 690 is 2 gtx 680 already SLI'ed in one single card??
All i am worried is about SLI issues, and some games malfunction over SLI, like CSS, and probably CoD4. What do you guys think?? I think there should be less issue in the way that there won't be any troubleshooting with the card. However, FPS wise ingames that aren't user friendly towards SLI, i might have some issues no?
 
#18 ·
While surfing on the internet, i found out there might be another issue with getting a GTX 690 maybe even with a current GTX 670.
I have a P8Z68 V PRO/GEN3 and a i5 2500k. So no PCIe 3.0 support, only 2.0.
Maybe i should either get a Z77 and an Ivy bridge processor? (That wouldn't change much to my current setup, would just enable PCIe 3.0)
Or maybe i should get a X79 board and a 6 core processor?
frown.gif
( (Not in my budget). Also 40 pcie lanes for X79 and 16 pcie lanes for Z77.

Any solutions to not hold back a GTX 690s performance? What would be the best setup (mobo+cpu) to suit it without changing too much of my current setup??

By the way, i am able to get an Ivy Bridge processor for free, as my dad wants a PC, so i can give him my i5 2500k and he can buy me an Ivy Bridge processor. Either the i7 3770k or the i5 3570k.

NOTE THAT THIS PC IS FOR GAMING ONLY (NO EDITING)

Option 1/ GTX 670, i5 2500k, p8z68 v pro gen3 (with posibility to get z77 and ivy bridge processor, pretty useless for just a gtx 670)
Option 2/ GTX 680, " " " " " " " (same as above, but the GTX 670 would be a better bargain in price/performance).
Option 3/ GTX 690, Any Ivy Bridge CPU and Z77 Platform or my current setup (i5 2500k with p8z68 v pro gen3).

If the gtx 690 doesn't run at atleast 90% of its performance on a Z77 platform, then i won't be bothered in getting it.
I would love to get a X79 with a 690 but the price is too much of an issue.
I don't think there should be a big difference between a Z68 and a Z77 platform (apart pcie 3.0)
So if the upgrade isn't worth it, i would rather save my money.

Don't forget all i do is gaming on a 120hz / 60hz 24inch monitor. So maybe the GTX 690 isn't worth it on a single monitor.
Also, don't forget the games i play: CoD4, CSS, BF3, MW3, Crysis 2. (Crysis 3 when it comes out) The game i still play the most is CoD4 (which a gtx 570 could handle) since i play in the competitive scene.

PS: I could maybe if i am really lucky get the GTX 690 with a 2011 socket 6core Intel Core i7 3930K. But again, I'm only gaming, so i don't know if spending such an amount is worth it. I use to game alot, but now i'm gaming a little less due to school. But lets say, about 30 hours a week.
 
#19 ·
One thing everybody forgot to mention regarding the 690 is that even if you're on a single 1920 x 1080p 120 Hz monitor the moment you flip the 3D Vision switch you will lose 45% of FPS.

So yes it's overkill if you're just running it on a single monitor but not at all if you running 3D vision and want to enjoy that little feature that Nvidia does very well.
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If you're purchasing an Nvidia supported 3D Vision monitor that's the route to go.

If were just talking 120 Hz gaming then optimally you want to keep it over 100 FPS for best results. SLI 670 or better is going to be your best bet.

As for the 690 performance it comes within 6% of two 680's in SLI performance on average. Less power consumption, less heat dissipation, single slot running at PCIe x 3.0 x16, hardware frame metering, and the best quality built GPU today.

Edited to add if you're on Sandy Bridge then you won't be able to take advantage of PCIe x3.0. Not that much gain anyway, at least yet. Need SB-E or Ivy for 3.0.
 
#20 ·
@Arizonian Okay, thank for your detailed answer. I either want to keep my single GTX 670 or get a GTX 690, because i don't like the fuss of two cards. (SLI).
I see you have a GTX 690 (Ivy Cruncher), on a Z77 platform and a IB cpu that i would be able to get. What are your impressions? (I won't game in 3D, only 2D on 120hz).
Do you think an IB and a Z77 are enough to power 90% (or more) of the GTX 690? Or do you think it would be smarter to get an X79 with a SB-E if i am getting a 690?

The thing is that, with only a gtx 670, i know i will be less convinced to get a 120hz monitor, however i know that if i have a gtx 690, i will more likely be getting one. Otherwise the gtx 690 would be a total waste.

But if you tell me that gaming on a 24inch 120hz or 60hz monitor requires no more than a GTX 670 on most of the games, and so i should save my money for something else (i go other interestes: clothing) then i think i would stick to my GTX 670 + 60hz monitor setup.

1/ GTX 670 with 24inch 60hz monitor
2/ GTX 690 with 24inch 120hz monitor

Cpu and Mobo decision will come later. Either my current setup, or X79 with SB-E or Z77 with IB.
 
#21 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by benceh View Post

@Arizonian Okay, thank for your detailed answer. I either want to keep my single GTX 670 or get a GTX 690, because i don't like the fuss of two cards. (SLI).
I see you have a GTX 690 (Ivy Cruncher), on a Z77 platform and a IB cpu that i would be able to get. What are your impressions? (I won't game in 3D, only 2D on 120hz).
Do you think an IB and a Z77 are enough to power 90% (or more) of the GTX 690? Or do you think it would be smarter to get an X79 with a SB-E if i am getting a 690?
The thing is that, with only a gtx 670, i know i will be less convinced to get a 120hz monitor, however i know that if i have a gtx 690, i will more likely be getting one. Otherwise the gtx 690 would be a total waste.
But if you tell me that gaming on a 24inch 120hz or 60hz monitor requires no more than a GTX 670 on most of the games, and so i should save my money for something else (i go other interestes: clothing) then i think i would stick to my GTX 670 + 60hz monitor setup.
1/ GTX 670 with 24inch 60hz monitor
2/ GTX 690 with 24inch 120hz monitor
Cpu and Mobo decision will come later. Either my current setup, or X79 with SB-E or Z77 with IB.
Honestly a 2500k at 4ghz would not bottleneck it. You'll be fine with just about any modern intel cpu.
 
#22 ·
@General123 Alright, i thought so, but the motherboard? 40 pcie lanes for X79 and 16 pcie lanes for Z77 and Z68. I read that the 690 won't benefit from PCIe 3.0 (if it does its about 3%, not noticeable). So my idea on upgrading to Z77 is crossed as it isn't worth it.

Maybe i can get the GTX 690, and get a X79 motherboard, and save up and in a few months get a SB-E cpu?
Will there be a clear performance boost between those two builds:
GTX 690 - X79 - Intel Core i7 3930K 3.2GHz (6core SB-E) - 24inch 120hz monitor
or
GTX 690 - Z68 - i5 2500K 3.3GHz (4core SB) - 24inch 120hz monitor

Will overclock slightly the cpu used.

Only willing to upgrade to X79 if there is a clear performance boost, i only use my build for gaming, no editing or what so ever.

By the way, do we get the same issues from a GTX 690 as we get from any two cards in SLI?
I hear some people getting SLI problems, the GTX 690 shouldn't have those problems?
 
#23 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by benceh View Post

@General123 Alright, i thought so, but the motherboard? 40 pcie lanes for X79 and 16 pcie lanes for Z77 and Z68. I read that the 690 won't benefit from PCIe 3.0 (if it does its about 3%, not noticeable). So my idea on upgrading to Z77 is crossed as it isn't worth it.
Maybe i can get the GTX 690, and get a X79 motherboard, and save up and in a few months get a SB-E cpu?
Will there be a clear performance boost between those two builds:
GTX 690 - X79 - Intel Core i7 3930K 3.2GHz (6core SB-E) - 24inch 120hz monitor
or
GTX 690 - Z68 - i5 2500K 3.3GHz (4core SB) - 24inch 120hz monitor
Will overclock slightly the cpu used.
Only willing to upgrade to X79 if there is a clear performance boost, i only use my build for gaming, no editing or what so ever.
By the way, do we get the same issues from a GTX 690 as we get from any two cards in SLI?
I hear some people getting SLI problems, the GTX 690 shouldn't have those problems?
In video rendering and benchmarks - Yes. In games like BF3, crysis etc - No. However I do think the SB-E will last much longer.
 
#24 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by General123 View Post

In video rendering and benchmarks - Yes. In games like BF3, crysis etc - No. However I do think the SB-E will last much longer.
You're answering the difference between having a X79 based rig compared to a Z68 based rig?? Or the SLI problems??

Okay okay, so you would suggest that i keep my current 2500k and p8z68 v pro gen3?? And maybe next year upgrade to a ivy bridge Z77 platform?
 
#25 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by benceh View Post

You're answering the difference between having a X79 based rig compared to a Z68 based rig?? Or the SLI problems??
Okay okay, so you would suggest that i keep my current 2500k and p8z68 v pro gen3?? And maybe next year upgrade to a ivy bridge Z77 platform?
Well if you are only worried about gaming a 2500k will do perfectly fine with a 690, and you can wait for Haswell which should be a much bigger improvement over the current gen cpu's, and upgrade to the high end of that.
 
#26 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by General123 View Post

Well if you are only worried about gaming a 2500k will do perfectly fine with a 690, and you can wait for Haswell which should be a much bigger improvement over the current gen cpu's, and upgrade to the high end of that.
This. Save your money for the Haswell, keep your 2500k and get a 690 and a 120 hz monitor. This will be the best bang for the buck and prepare you for haswell next year.
 
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