Don't fall of your chair ^^ And few things...

[Wolvo7]

Also I'd get a Sabretooth or a P8Z77-V PRO mobo instead of the Maximus cuz it's a mini-ATX board which means that you'll get less PCI and PCIe ports.

[WildStyle*]

2 x gtx 680 2gb would perform better than 1 gtx 690 and it is also a cheaper option.

2x 680 takes 2 slots, 2x 680 makes a lot more heat, if disaster happens no room for another 680...That and it's not cheaper it's about the same...more power drain than 690...also it's only slightly better than 690...

690 runs much, much cooler...Future proof for another one...Well so on and on...

I chose this mobo because of the Lan port that will do it's job sufficient and the onboard sound card isn't bad aswel now if the Lan works as it is supposed to I will be fine no need for any other slot then, if as I said future holds even much more demanding games I will add another 690 hence the 1050W PSU...

As to soundcard, Getting a external one anyway...

[keynes]

2x 680 takes 2 slots, 2x 680 makes a lot more heat, if disaster happens no room for another 680...That and it's not cheaper it's about the same...more power drain than 690...also it's only slightly better than 690...

Looking at the configurator it is cheaper to get 2 x GTX 680 as opposed to 1 GTX 690 (more than £100 difference)
A lot more heat? From reviews the difference in temperatures on full load varies from 4'C to 7'C depending on the source.

[Grinder]

I would check out if there are any 690's available as 2 x 670's will perform just as good for a lot less money.
I doubt you will have a disaster but if there was thats what a warranty is for.

[steaky360]

2x 680 takes 2 slots, 2x 680 makes a lot more heat, if disaster happens no room for another 680...That and it's not cheaper it's about the same...more power drain than 690...also it's only slightly better than 690...

690 runs much, much cooler...Future proof for another one...Well so on and on...

I chose this mobo because of the Lan port that will do it's job sufficient and the onboard sound card isn't bad aswel now if the Lan works as it is supposed to I will be fine no need for any other slot then, if as I said future holds even much more demanding games I will add another 690 hence the 1050W PSU...

As to soundcard, Getting a external one anyway...

As Ruben has said they are not especially cooler really! Although in my opinion they look cooler (I would think that though)! Also the more demanding games will be a ways off I don't think there are many games out there that particularly tax 1 690 let alone 2!

I would check out if there are any 690's available as 2 x 670's will perform just as good for a lot less money.
I doubt you will have a disaster but if there was thats what a warranty is for.

Aye I had to change my original order with PCS to a different graphics card as the 690 was not in stock! Could be different now though, a quick phone call would sort that out!

[WildStyle*]

I would check out if there are any 690's available as 2 x 670's will perform just as good for a lot less money.
I doubt you will have a disaster but if there was thats what a warranty is for.

By the disaster I meant a really, really, really demanding games to come out...Just more room for another card, you know if I add 2 670 or 680 I have no slots remaining...So 690 is more better for that matter...As I said not that I am going to run and upgrade it anytime soon, that's just in case...Well might of overlooked at the degrees...

[keynes]

As Ruben has said they are not especially cooler really! Although in my opinion they look cooler (I would think that though)! Also the more demanding games will be a ways off I don't think there are many games out there that particularly tax 1 690 let alone 2!

Agree, the GTX 690 is beatifully designed and offers an excellent performance but when there is the choice of a GTX 670 SLI for a very close performance and a significant cheaper price then you may want to reconsider what you are choosing. By the time games are demanding GTX 690 in SLI you may need to upgrade your whole system.

[steaky360]

Agree, the GTX 690 is beatifully designed and offers an excellent performance but when there is the choice of a GTX 670 SLI for a very close performance and a significant cheaper price then you may want to reconsider what you are choosing. By the time games are demanding GTX 690 in SLI you may need to upgrade your whole system.

Almost sound hypocritical but ^^ Yes to that. If you have the money to spend, its certainly an option but if you are trying to optimise your system on a budget it will be no loss to have the 670 in SLI

[WildStyle*]

Not on a budget just trying to get it simple...SLi isn't really simple Well in any case prefer 1 card instead of 2...That to think of it Maybe I should get Sabertooth just to get a little extra cooling...add a killer network card and I should be fine, Shouldn't I?

[steaky360]

Not on a budget just trying to get it simple...SLi isn't really simple Well in any case prefer 1 card instead of 2...That to think of it Maybe I should get Sabertooth just to get a little extra cooling...add a killer network card and I should be fine, Shouldn't I?

The GTX 690 is two 680s in SLI