Best GTX 980 SLI Graphics Card Model?

Lunamode

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Im looking for a gtx 980 2-way sli.

There are so many models out there from different companies.
So, which is the best? Generally, I'm looking for one that is known to be quieter, runs smooth, and has great performance.
Dont worry about cost to much.

I'd be using this for 4k Gaming, I have a micro ATX pc.
If anyone can help, it would be much appreciated!
 

George Mulligan

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The reference cooler design is quite quiet. And since you have a micro ATX like me, you'll probably want to stick with that reference cooler design in order to get more of the heat exhausted directly out of the case. I can vouch for my EVGA superclocked version.

And just to double check, have you confirmed your micro ATX board has enough PCIe lanes available for two GPUs? Sometimes the second slot will only be at x4 and you need at least x8 on both slots.

You'll also want to be sure you have a good, high flow case fan(s) to be sure you still have positive case air pressure with your two GPU cards (especially if you go with a reference cooler design).
 

Lunamode

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Okay, yea something that has good cooling and is quiet.
Is this the card you were talking about EVGA GTX 980 Superclocked? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NI5DA2E/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=28GDO9BWV0GIJ&coliid=I2Q3W17A57XEZB

 

Suribachi

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I would have a look at this card: EVGA GTX 980 Superclocked ACX 2.0

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-card-04gp42983kr

Its cheaper and clocked faster, the cooler is quiet and efficiency is excellent, the fans do not even kick on below 60C. Also the card is only 10.51" in length so it can fit in a Micro ATX tower if that is what you run, granted the previous card mentioned is the same size.

Also on that page, it compares realtime prices for the card.

EDIT: As for fans, for intake across hard drives or rads, use static pressure optimized fans and for the exhaust get the high air flow fans as there is nothing to get in the way of the airflow.
 

Eximo

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Two axially cooled cards will struggle in a microATX tower. The bottom card would be very close to the power supply or bottom of the case. The top card would be starved for air being so close to the bottom card.

For tightly packing GPUs the Nvidia reference cooler is ideal. That or water cooling.
 

Suribachi

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That is true. Thank you for bringing that to my attention. In this case, yes, the reference cooler is ideal. Also EVGA's warranty still applies, in most cases, if you want to remove the cooler and set it up for water cooling.
 

George Mulligan

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Yes, that is the model recommended, their 2982 model. As someone else linked, you might find this cheaper elsewhere and from a more computer oriented company.