I've started to put together a list to build my own computer. After 20 years of computer/communications support I think it's high time I built one. My big question is that of video card memory. I plan on running two 21.5" monitors, using one for the game and the other for things like email, notes, system monitor, etc. The resolution on each one would be 1920x(1080 or 1200).
My major use of the setup would be the Bethesda games (Oblivion, Skyrim, Fallout, FONV), Diablo III, Torchlight I & II, and Minecraft.
I keep reading where one only needs 2gb VRAM for the resolutions exceeding 1920x1080. If I run two monitors, isn't that 3840x1080 effectively? If I just run the game on one monitor and just use the other monitor for email, browser, etc., then am I back to just the 1920x1080 resolution? My budget will permit either something like a GTX 560ti or an AMD 6950 w/2gb. In some ways I'd prefer the 560ti, but I'm concerned about more VRAM being needed for two monitors.
The system I'll be building, if the information is needed to answer the above questions, will feature an ASUS P8Z68 MB, 2500K CPU, Corsair 850 watt PSU, 8gb Corsair Vengeance, WD 600gb 10Krpm SATA 6, all crammed into a Corsair 600T case.
Thanks in advance for any and all answers.
Signed,
Confused on the coast.