Most versatile components, best use of money?
Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2011 1:08 am
Hello,
So I'm gathering information and hoping to get some opinions on how I can best begin buying components, with the goal of eventually creating an amazing 3D surround system.
Currently I have an i5 PC with an ATI 5850 card, and a $2000 starting budget for now. I'm still not 100% clear on all the options available, or what the future roadmap will look like for nvidia and ATI as far as 3D goes (I guess one knows for sure). But basically, I don't want to buy an nvidia card if I don't have to, but if it will give me the best flexibility I will.
I live in a small apartment and have a desk that's about 30"x60", and have a single monitor arm with a 24" 60hz display. I've been thinking about getting two nvidia gtx 580 cards, possibly with water blocks for watercooling. Then I'd get a single Alienware AW2310 display for 3D. Unfortunately my current motherboard doesn't do SLI (only crossfire), so I'd need to get a new $350 motherboard since I'd like the option to do triple SLI in the future.
Anyway, the idea of using a dual or triple projector setup seems even more appealing to me. Right now I have one projector (non 3D) projecting at about 10' onto a 100" screen. It's great for movies, but I don't have it set up for games from the sofa unless I use my wireless xbox controller with the PC for supported games. Also, in order to do a multi-projector setup I'd have to build a 150 degree curved screen, and I have no idea how to do that don't have a garage or tools
Alternatively, I could just set up three 2D displays on my desk and forget the 3D. I've never tried 3D nor surround gaming, so I don't know which is more enjoyable (if I had to choose only one). This is a 3D forum so I'm guessing the opinions will be biased that way
Let me know what ideas you all have on how I should spend my money to get the best options going forward.
So I'm gathering information and hoping to get some opinions on how I can best begin buying components, with the goal of eventually creating an amazing 3D surround system.
Currently I have an i5 PC with an ATI 5850 card, and a $2000 starting budget for now. I'm still not 100% clear on all the options available, or what the future roadmap will look like for nvidia and ATI as far as 3D goes (I guess one knows for sure). But basically, I don't want to buy an nvidia card if I don't have to, but if it will give me the best flexibility I will.
I live in a small apartment and have a desk that's about 30"x60", and have a single monitor arm with a 24" 60hz display. I've been thinking about getting two nvidia gtx 580 cards, possibly with water blocks for watercooling. Then I'd get a single Alienware AW2310 display for 3D. Unfortunately my current motherboard doesn't do SLI (only crossfire), so I'd need to get a new $350 motherboard since I'd like the option to do triple SLI in the future.
Anyway, the idea of using a dual or triple projector setup seems even more appealing to me. Right now I have one projector (non 3D) projecting at about 10' onto a 100" screen. It's great for movies, but I don't have it set up for games from the sofa unless I use my wireless xbox controller with the PC for supported games. Also, in order to do a multi-projector setup I'd have to build a 150 degree curved screen, and I have no idea how to do that don't have a garage or tools
Alternatively, I could just set up three 2D displays on my desk and forget the 3D. I've never tried 3D nor surround gaming, so I don't know which is more enjoyable (if I had to choose only one). This is a 3D forum so I'm guessing the opinions will be biased that way
Let me know what ideas you all have on how I should spend my money to get the best options going forward.