Help a noob. Can't decide on Vid card upgrade

I currently have a GTX 260 core 216 video card in my system, but I feel it is time to upgrade to a dx 11 card(it's been 3 years also that's usually when I upgrade major components). With BF3, Skyrim, Batman: AC as well as some other games that don't play too well or could play better on my system( suchs as Metro 2033, Crysis 2, Shogun, Deus EX HR etc.). If it matters I will list my current specs on my rig

AMD 1090t 3.2ghz six core(plan to overclock)

GTX260 core 216

5gb DDR2 Ram

750 watt PSU

MSI K9N2 Sli Platinum

1.5 TB HDD

The cards that have gained my interest are:

GTX 580

HD 6970

Hd 5970

I didn't list the 6990 since I heard(keyword:"heard") it needs quite a bit of power and needs at least 850-900 watt psu to power it correctly(something along the lines...do recall title of topic I'm calling myself a "noob") Also it is a little out of my price range anyways. I'd just like some input on these cards, especially the 6970 and 580. I know the price between the two is about 120 dollar difference, but I'd like to know whether the more expensive(580) is a much faster(better) upgrade than the 6970 to warrant the extra $120. I hope I didn't confuse anyone with that. Oh and I'm not asking which company is the best: ATI or NVIDIA so no bashing please.

Thanks all in advance. I never post on the hardware threads so if I broke some rule, I'm sorry. But I hope no one flames me to much seeing as it's just a forum and not the Geneva Convention...:) Thanks again

I'd go with the GTX 580

is the 580 worth the $120 extra? Ask yourself is 4-5 frames per second extra is worth it to you and you should know the answer.

Thanks for the fast responses. I wasn't planning on running crossfire/SLI any time soon..I should of mentioned that prior, but it would be quite cheap for the 6970 whenever that time comes. I guess I wanted the best single-GPU card setup for right now. And maybe...just maybe I was drawn to the free copy of Arkham City included with the GTX 560, 570 or 580(just a little).

I was also interested in the 5970, but I've heard from different sources about it not being a good choice, can anyone elaborate?

Thanks again guys for the help, I appreaciate it

[QUOTE="ShadowDeathX"]6970.. Save the money for a second 6970 down the road. Second choice being the 5970.MonsieurX

yeah the 5970 is worse than a 580 msot days id sooner recommend an hd 6870x2

Yeah I think I may stick with the 6970 and crossfire it down the line. Btw that was a typo I meant 6 gb of ram ;). With the money I save I may get myself another 2 gb stick of ram and maybe some cheese. But knowing me Im still gonna think about cause I'm dumb...just dumb no need to make fun of the TC since Im doing it here...sorry I'm just so indecisive on things like this lol. But right now I'm leaning in favor of the HD 6970

Yeah I think I may stick with the 6970 and crossfire it down the line. Btw that was a typo I meant 6 gb of ram ;). With the money I save I may get myself another 2 gb stick of ram and maybe some cheese. But knowing me Im still gonna think about cause I'm dumb...just dumb no need to make fun of the TC since Im doing it here...sorry I'm just so indecisive on things like this lol. But right now I'm leaning in favor of the HD 6970

Steel_Rain777

Go for the new evga gtx 580 classified. It just came out last friday and it is a beast! I should be getting mine in pretty soon.

Go for the new evga gtx 580 classified. It just came out last friday and it is a beast! I should be getting mine in pretty soon.

G13RainbowSix

I have two HD 6950's but I would have to be honest and say that if I were to have the same choice again I would opt on getting the best single GPU card available. The GTX 580 all the way if you can afford it, BUY IT!Grey_Eyed_Elf

hmm if you go with the 580 gtx from where you are now I guarantee you, that you will "feel" disappointed

Id think it would be better to run crossfire 6970 than the gtx 580 classified, no? That thing is $750(ouch). Now I guess it comes down to which brand?

I'm leaning towards XFX and/or Sapphire what do you guys think?

Id think it would be better to run crossfire 6970 than the gtx 580 classified, no? That thing is $750(ouch). Now I guess it comes down to which brand?

I'm leaning towards XFX and/or Sapphire what do you guys think?

Steel_Rain777