for $2100 am I getting my moneys worth?

[dario03]

Is their a big difference visually and performance-wise in the 295 vs the 260? If so what?

No, their about the same. bit-tech.net | Review - Nvidia GeForce GTX 295 1,792MB & Quad SLI (don't confuse the quad sli with the single gtx295)

In the build I posted you could switch over to 2 gtx260 c216 if you wanted to. Would probably be a little cheaper actually. Going with the 295 gives you the option for quad sli later but thats just a little crazy anyways.

 

[hikaricloud]

Um, there's definitely a noticeable difference between the 260 and the 295...of course, whether it matters or not depends on your monitor and what resolution you play at. The 295 is a ridiculous monster of a card.

Though 260s in SLI start to scratch the surface. You can pick up 2x 260s for around 450 or so, while the 295 is closer to 500 and over. It's really a matter of preference. If you have the money, I would go with the 295, unless you were thinking about a tri-monitor setup, haha.

 

[Evolv]

Well with the 295 you can play at a larger resolution and max every game out. The 260 is a good card, but the 295 is a lot faster. Here are some charts comparing fps:
AnandTech: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 295: Leading the Pack

 

[hikaricloud]

Like I said, it depends on his monitor and resolution size. If he's got a 17" CRT, there's really no point to get the 295.

THOUGH, if you are including a monitor in this build, at least get this one:

Newegg.com - Acer X243Wbd Black 24" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 400 cd/m2 3000:1 ACM with HDCP support - LCD Monitors

and then grab the 295. Super awesome resolutions FTW.

 

[Hussein19891]

The only justification I can think of for getting the 295 with a 24" monitor would have to be if all he plays is Crysis.

Because the GTX 295 is capable of maxing out every other game @ 2560x1680.

 

[hikaricloud]

Well, I would have recommended a 30" monitor, but that would put him out of his budget.

Besides, what monitor does rican have, and he still has a 295? I figure for similar costs to sli 260s, it's not a bad buy.

 

[zmatt]

Once you get above 1900x1200 I think your getting a tad ridiculous with your resolutions. I'm running at 1680x1050 and I just upgraded.

 

[hikaricloud]

I've never seen a reso above 1280x800 I think. Lmao. My desktop has 1164x whatever, or something.

 

[veedubfreak]

Once you get above 1900x1200 I think your getting a tad ridiculous with your resolutions. I'm running at 1680x1050 and I just upgraded.

Once you have a 4k resolution, theres no going back. Also, whats with the biostar x58? Get an evga x58 so if you ever hve issues with it you can actually get it replaced.

Also, cyberpower really is one of the few builders around that i have seen that is worth buying from if you dont have the time to build, or need the warranty.

Also, the 295 is a better buy than SLI 260 due to the extra shaders.

 

[zmatt]

Yeah but evga's break all the time. I haven't had any issues with the Biostar or know anyone who has.