BEST GPU FOR MY BUILD

[secuuda]

Hi I am just about ready for a new build and have a few products I intended on using but need help with a all around graphics card that will work perfect for my new system.
First I plan on using the corsair Obsidian 550d case along with the Asus P8Z77-V-Premium Board and Intel i7 3770k CPU, corsair Hydro series H100 cooler, Corsair dominator platinum ram, corsair Force GS 480 or the Neutron GTX 480 SSD, Corsair AX850 power supply and Asus Blu Ray combo.
This is where I need help as I have looked at several Graphic cards but hard to know which one will do the job. My requirements are HTPC (Home theatre) Photo and Video editing and of course some Gaming so an all round card, my Price factor is top $500 or less. It seem like the when you look at the description of a good graphics card there is no mention on how they will work in the areas I have defined, so I am looking for a little expertise to fine the ultimate card for my build.
this a list of Cards I am looking at but not sure if they will work for my application.
Asus Radeon GTX 670 Direct Cu ll top DC2T 2DG5
Gigabyte GTX N670 OC 2GB
EVGA GTX 670 FTW 2GB GDDR5 Signature
Asus Matrix platinum HD 7970 3GB
Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 GHZ Edition
and one that a tech suggested Asus Radeon HD 7870 DC2 2GD5-v2
So I am not sure which one would be the best or none of them. Hope I can get a clear and distinctive answer.
thanks
Secuuda

[JohnEBH]

$500 for the card itself?
I'd grab the Gigabyte GTX 670 out of the list you provided and overclock it.
For looks, any of the Asus cards.

[Slik]

NCIX has an EVGA GTX 680 for $465. Can't really beat that. They have a few 680's under $500.

[Killswitch]

I don't have much HTPC experience but AMD generally has the upper hand in that department from what I've read. Photo editing.... no idea lol. Gaming essentially a toss up. Lots of excellent choices from both camps. However the best performance and best value right now would be this for $390 -> Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 OC 1000MHZ 3.0GB 5.5GHZ GDDR5 DVI HDMI 2XDP PCI-E Video Card

You get a top end GPU that currently beats the GTX680 in most areas (due to their latest drivers), AND you get three free games!! Can't really beat that. (sorry Slik haha)

[Dragonstongue]

that is a wicked price for a 7970. Neck and neck in most things to Nvidia top offering. Newest beta drivers with newest revision tilts on favor of 7970, but there are different issues with said driver in regards to clocks, temps, power use etc. AMD knows about said issues, part of the reason the driver is still classed as a beta, but it does work very well.

[Masteroderus]

ASUS - Graphics Cards- ASUS MATRIX-HD7970-P-3GD5

ASUS 7970 with all the bells and whistles, factory OC to 1.1 GHz, and the asus DCUII coolers are quiet even @ 100% fan speed.

499.99!

[Liu Kang]

All good advice listed above. My 2 cents: don't get suckered by the GDDR5, 2GBs is plenty for any single monitor setup...

I won't get into the Green vs. Red debate, but that EVGA 680 would be my first choice.

[Slik]

I'm a hard core Nvidia guy,but I have to admit the 7970 IS the best bang for your buck. Killswitch is right. That said,I would still go for Nvidia. With my configuration,I find that Nvidia is the better card regarding heat,and fan noise etc. In my opinion.

[lootbag]

Taking a look at your list of cards... either choice will be excellent.

I had a ASUS 7970 DirectCUII before the new drivers were released and due to experience those little hiccups, I sold it off.
It was a great card (ran ANYTHING) but keep in mind your case must have good airflow with those aftermarket coolers.

Currently looking to buy a couple EVGA 2GB GTX670 FTW simply because:
- they are bang for the buck within the nvidia family of cards
- in SLI they perform similar to 680 SLI and single 690
- lower power consumption
- use 680 PCB = more stable overclocking (supposedly)
- easy to adapt to watercooling setup because of the standard 680 PCB

If you aren't looking to watercool, NCIX has the Gigabyte cards (7950, 7970, 670) with 3 fan cooler floating around $320 which is a great deal.

[secuuda]

Thanks Guys for the info.
I here what you are saying but I am still not clear how all these cards, will do for HTPC (Home Theater) video and photo editing and I know they are great gaming cards but want to make sure they will be excellent for great HD movies as well. I know its hard to nail down specifics but I wish the Manufacturers would specify in there adds in more detail what the card is capable of besides gaming,like I said they seem to focus on Gamming.
Having said that I do think the the EVGA 2GB GTX670 FTW signature looks great but I also Have read a review and test that the Gigabyte GTX N670 OC 2GB was all round best for a factory oc. Also I will be using the corsair H100 with added SP120 quiet edition and AF120 and AF140 in the case for better cooling and air flow.
secuuda