Wow, I am so confused....any help out there?
Ok, before I get going, here's my current setup:

Samsung 59PD550 3DTV
AMD Phenom II X6 1055T
Radeon HD5670
Corsair 750W power supply
Windows 7 64
4 GB RAM

I just recently discovered that I could use third party drivers (like Tridef and IZ3D) to allow me to play my games in 3D. However, I've been fairly disappointed in the performance I'm getting when doing so, which I'm guessing is due to the limitations of my video card. I can get games like The Witcher 1, Starcraft II, League of Legends, etc to run, but I have to drop resolutions way down as well as graphical options to get them playable. I didn't even try The Witcher 2 because of this. I also was not happy with the general bugginess and hassle of having to deal with these third party software options (some games wouldn't work at all).

So what I'd like to do is go with an Nvidia card since they seem to support the 3D themselves. Is this correct? I'm really confused about 3DTV Play vs. 3Dvision. I've read so many threads about both that now I'm thoroughly confused; whether or not it will work with my Samsung TV, if I have to have an Nvidia card to use 3DTV play (my current card needs updating anyway, see below), using somethig called Rollermod..... so confused.

Another question is: What would it take, video card wise, to run something like the Witcher 2, or upcoming games this year like Elder Scrolls: Skyrim, in 3D at a reasonable resolution and graphics settings? I play games at 1920X1080 normally (but dropped it lower to make Witcher 2 playable) and don't mind to play them at lower res to make 3D work.

Is this possible for under $500? If not, what would it take? Better yet, what's the cheapest way I could go to achieve these results? I built the desktop myself, so I have a little knowledge about how things work but I'm also not entirely sure it's just the video card that needs upgrading.

Thanks a lot for any help you guys have.
Ok, before I get going, here's my current setup:



Samsung 59PD550 3DTV

AMD Phenom II X6 1055T

Radeon HD5670

Corsair 750W power supply

Windows 7 64

4 GB RAM



I just recently discovered that I could use third party drivers (like Tridef and IZ3D) to allow me to play my games in 3D. However, I've been fairly disappointed in the performance I'm getting when doing so, which I'm guessing is due to the limitations of my video card. I can get games like The Witcher 1, Starcraft II, League of Legends, etc to run, but I have to drop resolutions way down as well as graphical options to get them playable. I didn't even try The Witcher 2 because of this. I also was not happy with the general bugginess and hassle of having to deal with these third party software options (some games wouldn't work at all).



So what I'd like to do is go with an Nvidia card since they seem to support the 3D themselves. Is this correct? I'm really confused about 3DTV Play vs. 3Dvision. I've read so many threads about both that now I'm thoroughly confused; whether or not it will work with my Samsung TV, if I have to have an Nvidia card to use 3DTV play (my current card needs updating anyway, see below), using somethig called Rollermod..... so confused.



Another question is: What would it take, video card wise, to run something like the Witcher 2, or upcoming games this year like Elder Scrolls: Skyrim, in 3D at a reasonable resolution and graphics settings? I play games at 1920X1080 normally (but dropped it lower to make Witcher 2 playable) and don't mind to play them at lower res to make 3D work.



Is this possible for under $500? If not, what would it take? Better yet, what's the cheapest way I could go to achieve these results? I built the desktop myself, so I have a little knowledge about how things work but I'm also not entirely sure it's just the video card that needs upgrading.



Thanks a lot for any help you guys have.

#1
Posted 06/07/2011 08:16 PM   
Yes its possible for under 500. Actually for 500 you could get SLi GTX 560 Ti's and max all of those games.

Or you could roll with the single GTX 580. Performance would be a bit less but its 1 card and has more VRAM.
Yes its possible for under 500. Actually for 500 you could get SLi GTX 560 Ti's and max all of those games.



Or you could roll with the single GTX 580. Performance would be a bit less but its 1 card and has more VRAM.

#2
Posted 06/07/2011 08:23 PM   
Thanks for the response.

Would I be able to max current and upcoming 2011 games for cheaper than $500? I mean, if I don't have to spend that much.... /biggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':biggrin:' />

Also, what about 3D Vision versus 3DTV play? With my Samsung 59PD550, I'm confused as to which one will work....if either. Is one better than the other?
Thanks for the response.



Would I be able to max current and upcoming 2011 games for cheaper than $500? I mean, if I don't have to spend that much.... /biggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':biggrin:' />



Also, what about 3D Vision versus 3DTV play? With my Samsung 59PD550, I'm confused as to which one will work....if either. Is one better than the other?

#3
Posted 06/07/2011 08:36 PM   
3D Vision is only for 120Hz 3D computer monitors that support it so it would not be for you.

3DTV Play should work on your Samsung 3D Plasma, though.

As far as 2 x GTX 560, it is very possible your motherboard would not support SLI. If you are leaning that way, definitely make sure it does before buying the cards. 1 x GTX 580 would not have that issue.
3D Vision is only for 120Hz 3D computer monitors that support it so it would not be for you.



3DTV Play should work on your Samsung 3D Plasma, though.



As far as 2 x GTX 560, it is very possible your motherboard would not support SLI. If you are leaning that way, definitely make sure it does before buying the cards. 1 x GTX 580 would not have that issue.

#4
Posted 06/07/2011 09:09 PM   
Thanks again!

What's the difference in 3DTV Play versus 3D Vision? Is one better than the other?

Also, most of my confusion came from seeing posts from Roller, and something called Rollermod, that would make 3D vision work on my display? Know anything about this?

I'm guessing from what I'm getting so far that it won't matter. If I get an Nvidia video card, I can get 3DTV Play for free right? I'm just thinking that if one's better than the other, I should go that route, possibly getting a new display.
Thanks again!



What's the difference in 3DTV Play versus 3D Vision? Is one better than the other?



Also, most of my confusion came from seeing posts from Roller, and something called Rollermod, that would make 3D vision work on my display? Know anything about this?



I'm guessing from what I'm getting so far that it won't matter. If I get an Nvidia video card, I can get 3DTV Play for free right? I'm just thinking that if one's better than the other, I should go that route, possibly getting a new display.

#5
Posted 06/07/2011 09:18 PM   
Oh! I'm glad you mentioned that Gilador.

My motherboard is a GIGABYTE GA-890GPA-UD3H and, therefore, SLI wouldn't work. Glad you made me realize that. So a 580 would be the way to go it seems?
Oh! I'm glad you mentioned that Gilador.



My motherboard is a GIGABYTE GA-890GPA-UD3H and, therefore, SLI wouldn't work. Glad you made me realize that. So a 580 would be the way to go it seems?

#6
Posted 06/07/2011 09:27 PM   
3d vision= full hd 1080p/60hz (60fps )

3dtv play= 720p/60hz or 1080p/24hz (24fps)
3d vision= full hd 1080p/60hz (60fps )



3dtv play= 720p/60hz or 1080p/24hz (24fps)

#7
Posted 06/07/2011 09:27 PM   
[quote name='cougar528' date='07 June 2011 - 03:18 PM' timestamp='1307481491' post='1248916']
Thanks again!

What's the difference in 3DTV Play versus 3D Vision? Is one better than the other?

Also, most of my confusion came from seeing posts from Roller, and something called Rollermod, that would make 3D vision work on my display? Know anything about this?

I'm guessing from what I'm getting so far that it won't matter. If I get an Nvidia video card, I can get 3DTV Play for free right? I'm just thinking that if one's better than the other, I should go that route, possibly getting a new display.
[/quote]
Rollermod is a .inf that converts 3DTV Play to 3D Vision. It works on all HDTVs, but there is no advantage in doing so if the HDTV it's used with does not support the superior 3D Vision modes. So it's of value only on all 2010 Samsungs and a few 2011 Samsungs, namely the D7000 and D8000 LED TVs. In your case, it would be counter productive because your TV supports only Framepacking 3D, not checkerboard or frame sequential. You are stuck with 3DTV Play unless you ditch your TV for a Samsung model as listed.
[quote name='cougar528' date='07 June 2011 - 03:18 PM' timestamp='1307481491' post='1248916']

Thanks again!



What's the difference in 3DTV Play versus 3D Vision? Is one better than the other?



Also, most of my confusion came from seeing posts from Roller, and something called Rollermod, that would make 3D vision work on my display? Know anything about this?



I'm guessing from what I'm getting so far that it won't matter. If I get an Nvidia video card, I can get 3DTV Play for free right? I'm just thinking that if one's better than the other, I should go that route, possibly getting a new display.



Rollermod is a .inf that converts 3DTV Play to 3D Vision. It works on all HDTVs, but there is no advantage in doing so if the HDTV it's used with does not support the superior 3D Vision modes. So it's of value only on all 2010 Samsungs and a few 2011 Samsungs, namely the D7000 and D8000 LED TVs. In your case, it would be counter productive because your TV supports only Framepacking 3D, not checkerboard or frame sequential. You are stuck with 3DTV Play unless you ditch your TV for a Samsung model as listed.

#8
Posted 06/07/2011 09:38 PM   
I'd go with Tridef or maybe iz3d until Nvidia also supports side-by-side via 3DTV Play.
I'd go with Tridef or maybe iz3d until Nvidia also supports side-by-side via 3DTV Play.

46" Samsung ES7500 3DTV (checkerboard, high FOV as desktop monitor, highly recommend!) - Metro 2033 3D PNG screens - Metro LL filter realism mod - Flugan's Deus Ex:HR Depth changers - Nvidia tech support online form - Nvidia support: 1-800-797-6530

#9
Posted 06/08/2011 05:21 AM   
I'm starting to get this figured out. Thanks to everyone for being so helpful. You guys deserve internet cookies! The following might be the last questions I have.

In your opinion, is playing games in 3D at a max of 24fps worthwhile? I played the Witcher 2 (two playthroughs) and didn't really mind it getting between 20-30 fps. But I don't want to go through the expense of buying a new vid card for something that wouldn't pay off. I could just stick with Tridef (as bothersome to me as it is) and stick with AMD graphics (for crossfire purposes for future games). In other words, I want the 3D effect to be worth all the hassle.

The max resolution for 720p 60hz is 1024x768 right? To me, it seems having to drop to that low of a resolution on such a large screen, would degrade my overall experience. Is this wrong in your opinion? I really enjoy what 3D has to offer and like hearing what other people have to say about their experiences. I might see myself being ok with that low of a resolution if the 3D blows me away.

Also, is there any word whatsoever from Nvidia concerning supporting my Samsung. I'd take a wild guess and say probably not. :)
I'm starting to get this figured out. Thanks to everyone for being so helpful. You guys deserve internet cookies! The following might be the last questions I have.



In your opinion, is playing games in 3D at a max of 24fps worthwhile? I played the Witcher 2 (two playthroughs) and didn't really mind it getting between 20-30 fps. But I don't want to go through the expense of buying a new vid card for something that wouldn't pay off. I could just stick with Tridef (as bothersome to me as it is) and stick with AMD graphics (for crossfire purposes for future games). In other words, I want the 3D effect to be worth all the hassle.



The max resolution for 720p 60hz is 1024x768 right? To me, it seems having to drop to that low of a resolution on such a large screen, would degrade my overall experience. Is this wrong in your opinion? I really enjoy what 3D has to offer and like hearing what other people have to say about their experiences. I might see myself being ok with that low of a resolution if the 3D blows me away.



Also, is there any word whatsoever from Nvidia concerning supporting my Samsung. I'd take a wild guess and say probably not. :)

#10
Posted 06/08/2011 11:45 AM   
[quote name='cougar528' date='08 June 2011 - 05:45 AM' timestamp='1307533507' post='1249144']

Is playing games in 3D at a max of 24fps worthwhile?[/quote]
No.
[quote]
I played the Witcher 2 (two playthroughs) and didn't really mind it getting between 20-30 fps.[/quote]
This is a bad analogy. In your Witcher case, the vid card was updating the game scene at 20-30 times per second, but the monitor refresh rate was 60 fps. The 24 fps we're talking about is a monitor refresh rate of 24 fps which is much worse than a 'game' rate of 24 fps.

[quote]But I don't want to go through the expense of buying a new vid card for something that wouldn't pay off. I could just stick with Tridef (as bothersome to me as it is) and stick with AMD graphics (for crossfire purposes for future games). In other words, I want the 3D effect to be worth all the hassle.[/quote]
Exactly right. Since the bottle neck is your TV, you are not going to get a great 3D experience no matter which card you have. I've tried all four of the current 3D drivers: 3D Vision, TriDef,iZ3D, 3DTV Play. I would rank them 3D Vision > TriDef > iZ3D > > > > 3DTV Play. 3DTV Play is way behind the rest because it supports only Framepacking so you get the double bad of low rez and Video mode processing.

[quote] To me, it seems having to drop to that low of a resolution on such a large screen, would degrade my overall experience. Is this wrong in your opinion?[/quote]
You are 100% correct, 720P on a 1080P does indeed degrade the overall experience.
[quote]I might see myself being ok with that low of a resolution if the 3D blows me away.[/quote]
Image quality is every bit as important in 3D as it is in 2D. If I had to go resort back to scaled 1280x720 to do 3D, I would stick with 2D at 1920x1080.

[quote]Also, is there any word whatsoever from Nvidia concerning supporting my Samsung. I'd take a wild guess and say probably not. :)
[/quote]
Agreed. I predict that Nvidia will never do SBS mode because it's a stop gap measure, so it isn't worth their while.
[quote name='cougar528' date='08 June 2011 - 05:45 AM' timestamp='1307533507' post='1249144']



Is playing games in 3D at a max of 24fps worthwhile?

No.



I played the Witcher 2 (two playthroughs) and didn't really mind it getting between 20-30 fps.


This is a bad analogy. In your Witcher case, the vid card was updating the game scene at 20-30 times per second, but the monitor refresh rate was 60 fps. The 24 fps we're talking about is a monitor refresh rate of 24 fps which is much worse than a 'game' rate of 24 fps.



But I don't want to go through the expense of buying a new vid card for something that wouldn't pay off. I could just stick with Tridef (as bothersome to me as it is) and stick with AMD graphics (for crossfire purposes for future games). In other words, I want the 3D effect to be worth all the hassle.


Exactly right. Since the bottle neck is your TV, you are not going to get a great 3D experience no matter which card you have. I've tried all four of the current 3D drivers: 3D Vision, TriDef,iZ3D, 3DTV Play. I would rank them 3D Vision > TriDef > iZ3D > > > > 3DTV Play. 3DTV Play is way behind the rest because it supports only Framepacking so you get the double bad of low rez and Video mode processing.



To me, it seems having to drop to that low of a resolution on such a large screen, would degrade my overall experience. Is this wrong in your opinion?


You are 100% correct, 720P on a 1080P does indeed degrade the overall experience.

I might see myself being ok with that low of a resolution if the 3D blows me away.


Image quality is every bit as important in 3D as it is in 2D. If I had to go resort back to scaled 1280x720 to do 3D, I would stick with 2D at 1920x1080.



Also, is there any word whatsoever from Nvidia concerning supporting my Samsung. I'd take a wild guess and say probably not. :)



Agreed. I predict that Nvidia will never do SBS mode because it's a stop gap measure, so it isn't worth their while.

#11
Posted 06/08/2011 12:46 PM   
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