Best GPU for a black&white build?

[Jords]

Trying to colour code my new build but having difficulties choosing a GPU, I don't want to paint it and void the warranty so that's out the option,

I was thinking either an R9 290 or GTX 970, but which ones would look best in a black and white build?

Also about the Galaxy HOF editions, I don't think I want to spend the extra for them ones.

 

[WildCard999]

Black & White MSI GTX 970: http://us.msi.com/product/vga/GTX-970-4GD5T-OC.html#hero-overview
or
All Black w/White Lettering/Trim R9 290: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150701

 

[Jords]

Now I have not seen that black and white MSI, that would be perfect, where can I get this in the UK?

 

[WildCard999]

Now I have not seen that black and white MSI, that would be perfect, where can I get this in the UK?

If you click on that link I posted above that has the white & black MSI then look on the page for the tab were it says "Where to Buy" it will redirect you to a different page were you can select the product and find a place that will sell it. I would find it for you but I dont have access to UK sites from where I am now (work).

 

[Jords]

I've looked though them all and none have the black and white one there, it's either different colours or it comes up with the standard red and black one, however I am looking on my phone so soon I will have a look properly on my PC

If I can't find it do you think the xfx is really the only one as I've not heard great reviews on that brand.

 

[WildCard999]

I've looked though them all and none have the black and white one there, it's either different colours or it comes up with the standard red and black one, however I am looking on my phone so soon I will have a look properly on my PC

If I can't find it do you think the xfx is really the only one as I've not heard great reviews on that brand.

XFX is my go-to brand for AMD GPU's. Been using them for quite a long time and never have had any issues. And for customer support (even though ive never had to call them) seems really involved in there products and will usually read and respond to reviewers on sites like Newegg.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150697
^^^Check out the reviews.

Theres also the 290X version which is slightly faster.

 

[Jords]

Been on my PC and have found it on Newegg but I notice the price is quite a bit cheaper than the normal GTX 970 that MSI makes,

Is there a reason for this, Is there a downgrade in performance compared to the standard red and black version?

 

[WildCard999]

It could just be a sale based on color, I know this sounds stupid but I see it constantly in Corsair 380T and 780T cases where there exactly the same ('cept for color) but can be like a $30 difference.

 

[Jords]

It doesn't sound stupid at all, I have seen quite a lot of the same thing, I am looking at comparisons and reviews to see if there are any other differences between them, I do quite like the look of the Asus GTX 970 also, How do you think this would look in a black and white build?

 

[Gam3r01]

That MSI card isnt using the Twin Frozr V cooler, and that is why it costs less.
You are sacrificing cooling potential, and therefore OC potential, for color.

 

[Jords]

But is it the same performance wise? Apart from it will get hotter and cant OC aswell?

 

[Gam3r01]

Technically its not the same performance, however for all intents and purposes you will not see a difference between the two until you OC.
They will perform very close to identical FPS wise.

 

[Jords]

So do you think it will be best to go for an all black GPU with better performance or would I be ok with the Black and white one?

Also is there any common problems with the Black and white one which the other doesn't have or is it pretty good in them terms?

 

[Gam3r01]

The XFX models of the R9 series have had thermal issues, not everyone has experience this, but they are present.
That aside, the 970 is still a bit better off than the 290x anyway, so with any *slight performance loss wouldnt really matter.

There arent any problems with it, the cooler just isnt as refined as the Frozr. Its still made by MSI, and that specific card does carry their military class 4 components.

 

[Jords]

Just checked for postage to my area and the black and white shoots up from £219 to £300 while the others are only £270,

Do you think its really worth the extra £30 from the other and probably better models?

Also What other GPU's from the GTX 970 or R9 290 range would look good in a black and white build except XFX?

 

[Gam3r01]

You can always paint the cards if you really need to.
EVGA has some balck and grey models.

 

[Jords]

I would love to do that as they turn out amazing, But I don't want to ruin it and thing I am most concerned about is the warranty, I don't want to void it in case something goes wrong.

Also is EVGA a good trusted brand and is there any common problems with them?

 

[Gam3r01]

Evga has some of the best service on the market. They aren't anything special with the 970, but they are quality.

 

[Noah Siano]

What I would do is pick a graphics card that you like the shape of and has a backplate. Then paint the shroud and backplate white, and bam, it matches your system and you like the look of it. You could try something like this: http://www.tomshardware.com/news/modded-krait-gtx970-msi-gaming,28569.html

 

[Jords]

I do really like that MSI one, What would be the best paint be to use and what would happen if the GPU went wrong and had to return it, Would MSI accept it?

 

[Noah Siano]

I would use some Rust-Oleum gloss protective enamel spray paint. It's the stuff I used on my card and it turned out looking fantastic. Plus you can pick it up at lowes, walmart, wherever for a few bucks.

Well, I'm not sure the official stance on returns of a product that has been taken apart. From what I read on my evga card, I was covered to send it in for warranty so long as i still had the warranty sticker on the back. All you're doing is taking the cooler off and putting it back on with your own thermal paste, and people do that with cpu's all the time so it should be okay.
But, i would just assume it voids the warranty and if it doesn't, then you weren't let down!

 

[Jords]

Hey and thanks for everyone's help!

I have contacted MSI about this, And just taking apart the GPU to replace thermal paste or something will not void your warrenty as long as its put apart properly, However painting will void it, So I am going to use PlastiDip as I have heard it can peel off and if anything does go wrong, I can peel if off, and everything should be fine!

Thanks for the help everyone!