4k monitor locked and loaded.
Now this leaves me with a half of a 780 SLI setup to replace. I killed the other Lightning by accidentally rediscovering nuclear fusion with a really smart overclock. Can I just stick any 780 in with this thing and be happy? Am I good to go with the cheapest unit I can find? I know they didn't use the best GDDR5 in the Lightning, I don't think paring different ram between units will raise any concern other than compatibility.
Decent price option, probably the closest alternative seeing as it's MSI:
MSI Twin ForzR Gaming Geforce GTX 780 OC Edition 3GB
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/MSI-Twin-ForzR-Gaming-Geforce-GTX-780-OC-Edition-3GB-/121497770399?pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item1c49d4d99f
Questionable, 2nd option, but still has in store replacement warranty from a very reputable retailer:
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-computer-components/calgary/evga-gtx-780/1034466659?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
Edit: Looks like amazon lists the 780 Lightning new for $620
http://www.amazon.com/MSI-Computer-Corp-N780-LIGHTNING/dp/B00ER8HDME
yeah right...an average $100 difference? that's an entire week's beer budget!
Secured a new power supply, will drop by Memory Express and pick it up later this morning. EVGA SuperNOVA 850 B2...finally going back to a modular PSU!!!!!
it's time to settle on a 2nd 780 now
you're gona need atleast a 980 or 970 to do 4k