The method to that madness has basis in primarily four points. First, those $800+ GPUs can be had for less if one plans and researches before purchase. Maybe not a lot less, but can still possibly get them for cheaper than average. Second, those GPUs have uses other than mining so for that reason I think the investment is better than with a purpose-driven system like the ASICs. Third, the ASICs have yet to be obtainable in a determined timeframe and have an inflated cost of acquisition which will level out after the rush is over. Fourth, purchasing 2-3 Jalapenos for around $500 with ~10Gh processing is one of those give it a try things, if the ASICs have a few alternative uses other than mining then I could see that but if they do I am not aware of it. Of course I am new to this and may not completely understand what the ASIC can and will do.
I understand your logic concerning the power versus cost of the various ASICs but for me these are still in the "maybe" stage. We read a lot about them but there is nothing I have seen that makes want to jump on that particular bandwagon at this time. If the theories about these machines prove to be accurate and they alter the process of mining in the manner most believe they will then yeah I will be looking at the 60Gh model at that time.
I understand your logic concerning the power versus cost of the various ASICs but for me these are still in the "maybe" stage. We read a lot about them but there is nothing I have seen that makes want to jump on that particular bandwagon at this time. If the theories about these machines prove to be accurate and they alter the process of mining in the manner most believe they will then yeah I will be looking at the 60Gh model at that time.
I believe it's too late in the game for GPU unless the price of BTC skyrockets another 100% from current prices ($150)...
I agree with you about the ASIC having a single purpose, however, GPUs will have a single purpose soon as ASIC gets deployed.
The only reason I keep mining is because it's profitable for me since I already paid for my GPUs and rigs a while back, especially at the current BTC prices.
Makes little to no sense to invest $1700 in a rig that won't get a return of investment anytime soon.
At the most, you'll be mining 3.5 GHash per Rig (given you install 4 high end GPUs such as 7990's) and even then, that's a $4000 rig easily and you'll be making 0.30 BTC a day 9 BTC per month at current price/difficulty you're looking at 6 months ROI and that if if the difficulty remains the same, which it certainly won't after ASIC is fully deployed... so maybe you'll have an ROI of a year or more...
the 7990's you can't get them for less than $800 and I don't see ANYONE selling an used high end top of the line card for any other reason than being broke and needing the money or to buy drugs! LOL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131483&Tpk=radeon%207990&IsVirtualParent=1
As you can see, $900 and out of stock, and NONE on ebay
one on amazon: for $1,700 http://www.amazon.com/Radeon-HD-7990-Grafikkarten-GPUs/dp/B009RBP2WY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1364326503&sr=8-3&keywords=radeon+hd+7990
in other words, dream on buying one of those at less than $800!
No way, no can do, impossible right now.
Not trying to shot your project down, just trying for you to be aware of what you can and cannot do and what you should and shouldn't do
best of luck!