Best 970 GPU

[iArranx]

Ok guys im about to order a new GPU and was wondering what is the best 970 brand to buy, my current MoBo is msi gaming 7

 

[rolli59]

MSI, Asus, EVGA, Gigabyte, ....!

 

[Havo_k]

ASUS or EVGA.

 

[Kohwali]

Definitely ASUS Strix. EVGA is rumored to have issues with their 970s right now.

Watch this LinusTechTips video on the ASUS model: http://youtu.be/Eqz4tDM6Wl8

 

[rolli59]

Definitely ASUS Strix. EVGA is rumored to have issues with their 970s right now.

Watch this LinusTechTips video on the ASUS model: http://youtu.be/Eqz4tDM6Wl8

ACX 2.0 cooling is issue fixed.

 

[photonboy]

My personal opinion now is:

1) EVGA ACX 2.0 (compare price to frequency carefully. Don't spend more than about $360)

2) MSI Gaming 4G

3) Asus Strix

4) Gigabyte Gaming G1

They've actually traded places, but here's some more info:

a) EVGA backplate may be included (not sure) but not pre-installed

b) Gigabyte is longer than some, and currently can't disable fans for 0dB mode (or might be my top choice). Still it's not very loud in idle.

If it updates its firmware to shut off fans (if possible) it probably will be my top choice.

c) MSI was my top choice. I'm currently investigating ALL cards to find out if any particular model is prone to coil whine. Saw several MSI models which had it so it's currently not my #1 choice but it may not be any different statistically from other cards.

*I can't find anything definitive:
http://www.pcper.com/news/Graphics-Cards/GeForce-GTX-970-Coil-Whine-Concerns

d) Asus Strix is nearly identical to MSI, though doesn't overclock quite as high.

Summary:
They are ALL great cards. A lot comes down to aesthetics (backplate, color), fan control, and whether there are any ISSUES.

**COIL WHINE:
It seems to happen only at certain frequencies so reducing (or even raising) the GPU clock speed may help. Setting a VSYNC cap can also help since it may reduce GPU load.

 

[Kohwali]

EVGA backplate may be included (not sure) but not pre-installed

That's if you register your GPU with them and it's a limited offer.

Gigabyte Windforce is 312 mm in length so make sure your case can fit that.

 

[iArranx]

EVGA backplate may be included (not sure) but not pre-installed

That's if you register your GPU with them and it's a limited offer.

Gigabyte Windforce is 312 mm in length so make sure your case can fit that.

So would the MSI or the EVGA fit in my zalman z 11plus case then guys?

Also my mobo is MSI
Im now stuck between

http://www.cclonline.com/product/160730/04G-P4-2974-KR/Graphics-Cards/EVGA-GeForce-GTX-970-Superclocked-with-ACX-2-0-Cooling-4GB-Graphics-Card-PCI-E-DVI-HDMI-DisplayPort/VGA2721/

AND

http://www.cclonline.com/product/157634/GTX-970-GAMING-4G/Graphics-Cards/MSI-Nvidia-GeForce-GTX-970-Gaming-4GB-Graphics-Card-GDDR5-1140MHz-2-x-DVI-DisplayPort-HDMI/VGA2697/

 

[rolli59]

They will both fit with the EVGA being slightly cheaper it is the one I would get. The case allows up to 290mm long cards both are shorter.

 

[Kohwali]

The MSI one will come with a backplate, the EVGA one won't.

EVGA's offer for free backplates upon registration ended yesterday: https://www.evga.com/articles/00876/EVGAs-Got-Your-Back/

At the end of the day, I doubt you'd be unhappy with either one. Both are by good manufacturers.

 

[fajelarodel]

The Strongest Above them all. Zotac's GTX 970 Amp! Extreme Edition. Try to Compare its Benchmarks Among those you have mentioned. See it for your self.