To add to this, more expensive models MOSTLY have better silicon yields (I say mostly because some companies can be scummy with this).The graphics chip is the same.
- The cooler is the most common difference.
- Here you're looking at the cooler and/or reviews to determine whether one design will be quieter than another. They generally all ramp fan speeds to maintain a set temp target, so two cards may both maintain 75C, but one could be significantly quieter while doing so
- More heatpipes = better, more fans = better, thicker = better, etc etc. You know, common physics.
- Some coolers will have better VRAM or VRM cooling than others, even if they both handle the GPU chip/core the same.
- Some will flaunt a [laughably] minor clock speed bump as a "factory overclock".
- With modern GPU boost functionality, these factory overclocks are basically meaningless (IMO)
- Some SKUs will ship with the TDP modified in excess of the "reference" specs.
- This is generally modifiable by the end user via AMD Adrenalin OC settings, MSI afterburner, etc etc software.
- my EVGA 3060Ti has a 220W TDP (factory set), whereas the reference 3060Ti has a 200W TDP
- This may affect/allow the "factory overclock" mentioned above.
- Some SKUs will expand the VRM past the "reference" design. It takes a fair bit of component knowledge to decipher what advertised "improvements" are actually meaningfull/valuable.
- Similar to motherboard VRM design. Is 12 phases better than 6? Sure/yes/probably, but that doesn't necessarily mean 6 phases won't/can't work. Or how do you quantify "better"? 85C VRM temp instead of 88C? Could a better VRM cooling solution throw that out the window? Durability/longevity? How much longer do you perceive 12 phases is going to last you when there's really no data to prove one way or the other.
- Like motherboard VRM design, you really start to realize/worry about these differences when you're pushing OCs far past stock. And with GPU VRM design (unless you're stripping the stock cooler for a water block or something) you're generally going to get a better VRM as a package deal with a better cooler since there's an assumed usage trend. Much like cars.
- Fewer SKUs go much past that. (these are generally going to be crazy expensive)
Im in the US. I'll check that link put. Think the sapphire is the 1 I selected for my build list on a post in systems I put up earlier. I'll search reviews on the ones I've been looking at to make the best choice. Thank you for bringing that upSearch/read specific card reviews if you can. Again focusing on temps (core, VRAM, and VRM) and noise of the cooler.
Sometimes manufacturers will reuse a cooler design across multiple GPU offerings. My brother's Asus Strix 3060Ti has the exact same cooler they used on 3080Ti offerings.....you can imagine it's quite overpowered for a 3060Ti at that point. But it might help if you can't find a review for your EXACT GPU (7900XT in this instance) but obviously try to visually verify that the coolers are the same (design, heatpipes, etc)
Not sure what country you're shopping in but: https://pcpartpicker.com/products/video-card/#c=547&sort=price
Sapphire Pulse cards generally tend to be among the better mid priced offerings (PCPP says Sapphire Pulse 7900XT in USA = $800. If the Sapphire Pulse offering of xxxx GPU is relatively price-competitive I'd rarely hesitate to buy that. (Nitro is their premium line)
The Powercolor Hellhound is sufficiently beefy (3 slots, 3 fans, lots of heatpipes) that it shouldn't pose any issues. Honestly, physically looks like it would perform better than the Sapphire Pulse, but I'd have to read reviews. I'd give a long hard look at this.
AsRock Phantom Gaming OC is a similarly mid tier offering from AsRock (Taichi is their premium line). Looks to be more in the class of the Sapphire Pulse (slightly less robust than the Hellhound), but I'd probably go with the Pulse given the same price. Again, didn't read reviews of these specific cards, just visual and past history.
I generally avoid XFX. Not sure if my reasons are justified or not, so I'll leave that up to you to decide.
All companies make low end cards and high end cards.