GPU overkill for dream machine build

[LED_Guy]

I am in the planning stages for a dream machine build:  ASUS X99 Deluxe, 5960X, 64GB DDR4 2800MHz, XP941 512GB (boot), Samsung 850 Pro 1TB (games/applications), 2x Western Digital Caviar Black 4TB (RAID1) (data), NZXT X61 Kraken CPU cooler, 3x Samsung S27D590C

 

I want to run 2 GALAX GTX 980 HOF (SLI), but they are proving hard to come by.

 

For about the same $ I can get 3 GALAX GTX 970 HOF (SLI).  I was hoping for a nice clean build which is why I wanted 2x 980's.  I am afraid cramming 3 cards into the case (Thermaltake Core V51) is going to take some effort and just won't look at good.

 

Thoughts?

 

BTW:  This is a dual use system: heavy numerical modeling and ray trace/optical design + game.  Budget is $7,500

[ImBleu]

I am in the planning stages for a dream machine build:  ASUS X99 Deluxe, 5960X, 64GB DDR4 2800MHz, XP941 512GB (boot), Samsung 850 Pro 1TB (games/applications), 2x Western Digital Caviar Black 4TB (RAID1) (data), NZXT X61 Kraken CPU cooler, 3x Samsung S27D590C

 

I want to run 2 GALAX GTX 980 HOF (SLI), but they are proving hard to come by.

 

For about the same $ I can get 3 GALAX GTX 970 HOF (SLI).  I was hoping for a nice clean build which is why I wanted 2x 980's.  I am afraid cramming 3 cards into the case (Thermaltake Core V51) is going to take some effort and just won't look at good.

 

Thoughts?

 

BTW:  This is a dual use system: heavy numerical modeling and ray trace/optical design + game.  Budget is $7,500

 

I'd recommend going for 2x GTX980 reference models, you could paint the backplate white or matte black and mod the LEDs to make them white. Makes for a very clean build.

 

3x 970s will outdo 2x 980s.

 

I'd also recommend looking at the NZXT H440 or the Phanteks Enthoo Pro for a better case - and a lot better looking.

[LED_Guy]

As I said, this is a dream machine build which is part of the reason for the GALAX HOFs.  They have the highest clock speeds out of the box.  I just don't see using a reference card for this kind of build.  I have a closed loop cooler for the 5960X so I can overclock. 

 

HOF beats a reference card design hands down any day and it can kick ass and take names while doing it.

 

 

 

 

BTW:  Modding the LEDs would be the easy part.  I have been working in the LED industry for the last 25 years.  I have some (LED chips) I made myself.  What color do you want?

[CoolaxGaming]

As I said, this is a dream machine build which is part of the reason for the GALAX HOFs.  They have the highest clock speeds out of the box.  I just don't see using a reference card for this kind of build.  I have a closed loop cooler for the 5960X so I can overclock. 

 

HOF beats a reference card design hands down any day and it can kick ass and take names while doing it.

 

 

 

 

BTW:  Modding the LEDs would be the easy part.  I have been working in the LED industry for the last 25 years.  I have some (LED chips) I made myself.  What color do you want?

You want overkill? Get the tri crossfirex r9 290x or dual 295x2's.

[LED_Guy]

GTX 980 beats out R9 290X (I found that on AMD's website!)

 

295X2 does beat GTX 980, but not the price.  I do have a budget.

[ragnahex]

go the dual 980 route. There really is no point doing anything else at the moment for gaming if you have the funds

[asker509]

Sli 980s I'm not sure what other 980s there are tho

[LED_Guy]

Here are the GTX 980's I was looking at:  http://www.galaxstore.net/product-p/98nqh6dnd2tx.htm

 

They are the fastest out of the box and rumor has it you can OC to 1500MHz without liquid cooling.  Plus the color scheme is awesome.

 

The hard part is actually being able to order them.  They sell out fast and are only available for a few hours at a time