actually, you CAN. The problem is, the third card won't be that dramatic of a difference. Knowing him though, if it can be done, he will want it done. I'm almost certain you can do it. If it doesn't work, i will drop back to 2 but right now its looking like 3.
I was certain that you can only have 4 GPU max when during SLI or Crossfire.
I heard that 680's are better then 690's. here is a link - http://www.videocard...h_end_gpus.html
Just my 2 cent
in theory 4 GTX 680 would be more powerfull the 2 690s but when using 4 phisical cards it starts to give more driver issues 2 690s would be less hedache then 4 680s