Get GTX 690 or 780 Ti?

[Slizzo]

Single GPU or bust, I have a 7970 and 7950 in my main rig and CrossfireX is literally turned off every time I install a new driver, as I have too many stuttering issues with my games (possibly due to 120Hz monitor?) I think you'll be good with the 780 Ti and honestly, even though the stock cooler is pretty, are you really going to be staring at it 24/7 to justify not getting a much better aftermarket card? My computer is housed in a Fractal Design Define XL R2 inside my desk, so my opinion could be different.

Thing that annoyed me the most with my GTX 470 SLI setup was that SLI was turned off at every driver update. Never had the issue with crossfire being disabled on my 4870X2 though, however as long as Catalyst AI was on that meant Crossfire was on.

 

[Aithos]

Wait for aftermarket designs such as Zotac's AMPed / EVGA with ACX or w.e cooler / MSI gaming series / ASUS Direct Cu II etc etc.

As for temps etc 83c doesnt seem that bad at 40 dBA on such a mammoth GPU. I am lucky I guess with a case with some sound dampening materials my systems dBA levels are about 3-5 lower than say a solid traditional case and 4-7 dBA lower than something like the HAF series which is all mesh.

http://tpucdn.com/reviews/NVIDIA/GeForce_GTX_780_Ti/images/temp.gif

I mean lets face it at this point you have about 20-25 days until non reference 780Ti are released since they are ment to target the 290x non reference cards.

The aftermarket designs on some of the cards are already available. I got an email from EVGA this morning about the ACX superclocked 780ti that comes with a core clock speed of over 1ghz being available now. It's $729 instead of $699 (USD) but for the overclock and the aftermarket cooler for a single card that's a pretty good option.

I personally would go with a 780ti (which you're already leaning it seems). A single card with performance basically equal to a 690 is a better option, you won't have to be as religious with driver updates or anything. It's also cool, quiet and as others have said you can always add a second if you find yourself going to 2560x1440 in the future.

They also have game bundles for the holiday (In the USA at least, not sure in EU) so you get some new games that you can sell if you don't want them...