Any hints for first setup with 2 GPU´s?

[AlliumPorrum]

I would like to build a new PC, both for everyday surfing and to study some altcoin mining. Since I would like to use basic PC casing, I think that 2 GPU's is maximum. And I also think it's just fine for learning purposes.

Could you please give me some hints about good value/price setup for this purpose? What should taken in account with the components?

My current understanding is:

- CPU does not matter much, maybe some cheap Core i5
- 8 GB's of RAM would be just fine
- For GPU's I think 2 7970's would be fine. Is there any difference between manucafturer's/models?
- How about motherboard; is there any other requirement than 2 PCIe slots? Any hints for some good model?
- How about power supply; how much wattage needed for 2 GPU's?
- Does 2 GPU's set any requirements for casing/cooling?

Thanks already!

[AlliumPorrum]

Anyone?

[gica_contra]

Go with the cheapest cpu if you won't use the computer for everyday work. If this is true 8 GB is also overkill. I don't have experience with many brands but I've heard bad things about XFX. For power, lookup how much a 7970 uses, multiply by 2 and add 200W for good measure. Buy namebrand, don't skimp on PSUs. If you mount them in the PCIe slots get a fan on the side to blow air on them, otherwise the upper card will just suck the hot air of the back of the lower one.

oh, and don't cross-fire them.

[AlliumPorrum]

Thanks giga_contra!

I was thinking Asus' GPU's, but there seems to be quite many different models from them. So should I just take the ones that I can get for lowest price?

Any hints for motherboards..?

[AlliumPorrum]

Let's put it this way; when looking for different chipset on LGA1150, is there something to be noted when building a mining machine: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGA_1150?

I would think that PCIe configuration could have some effect on the performance, but in which way?

[AlliumPorrum]

I just don't get this motherboard thing... Is there ANY motherboard that supports 2 pieces of PCIe x16 cards?? For what I have found, it always says something like "2 x PCIe 3.0 x16(single x16 or dual x8)", so if I understood correctly, with 2 cards it is only 8x.

Could someone please help me with this; which motherboard I should buy to get best out of two 7970's or 290's??