Best of the Gtx 970's

[wookalar007]

So I've decided on the gtx 970, but I'm not sure which model to get. I've heard the msi doesn't come with a backplate, but It looks visually appealing at I would have chosen it. If there is a model you'd like to recommend, please put its performance in memory and core clock and how high it could go in over clocking. And if you could also please include if it has a metal/plastic/ or not backplate.
Thank you!

 

[Forgotten031511]

Without a doubt the Gigabyte G1. I spend months researching cards for my system and of course I go the 970. From there I had to find the right model. I have used Gigabyte for years without any issues and love their products. Furthermore their Windforce Cooling system, price, and overall quality...I will swear by Gigabyte!

 

[maxtex]

So I've decided on the gtx 970, but I'm not sure which model to get. I've heard the msi doesn't come with a backplate, but It looks visually appealing at I would have chosen it. If there is a model you'd like to recommend, please put its performance in memory and core clock and how high it could go in over clocking. And if you could also please include if it has a metal/plastic/ or not backplate.
Thank you!

The best 970s are EVGA FTW+ ACX 2.0+, MSI Gaming 4G, Gigabyte G1, and Asus Strix. Just depends on what you're looking for, if you want pure performance or a more balanced, and cool and quiet card. Also, make sure the card you want can fit in your case, especially the G1 is really long.
The G1 and EVGA FTW+ are the fastest (and best for overclocking too), the Asus is the slowest, and the MSI is in the middle of the bunch. Mind you, it's not what you'd call a huge difference, so all the cards are gonna be very fast and from what I've seen, they all tend to overclock quite well.
As for backplate, the Gigabyte and Asus came standard with one since the launch, and now EVGA has a backplate too but only on the FTW+ model. So the original FTW (with no +) and the SC models don't have one. (And if you opt for EVGA, whichever card you choose just make sure it has the ACX 2.0 cooler and not the (old) ACX one).
Last thing to consider is that the fans on the MSI Gaming, Asus Strix and EVGA FTW+ cards don't spin in idle, while the fans on the G1 always spin. Maybe some of the other EVGA models have this too, but possibly only the FTW+ has this feature.

Personally, I'd drop the Strix since it's the slowest (although I do like its looks) and the G1 because it's not really my style (and it's also a bit too long for my case). Then, I'd also drop the MSI, so I'd choose the FTW+. The MSI would have been my first choice if it wasn't for EVGA releasing this FTW+ edition, which is my favorite 970 right now because it's one of the fastest and it also looks really good now with that backplate (plus it's not a huge card, and I like my cards a bit smaller).

 

[wookalar007]

Of all the models, which would you say performs the best, and the quietest level, with nice temps?

 

[maxtex]

Well, for that, check out the reviews online where they compare gtx 970s to each other (on sites like this one, or anandtech, techpowerup, guru3d, etc.).
Also, they can all be quiet with the right fan curve, and the temps you don't have to worry about, none of them reach high temps. If you have a case with bad airflow then an option could be one of those new white-with-red Asus cards with the blower design, although no idea how quiet they are (probably not very).

 

[Forgotten031511]

I can share that the Gigabyte G1 is silent, I never heard the card even at full load. Also, the temps on my card are usually around 70C under full load for many hours on BF4 1080p ULTRA.

But everyone has their own preferences, as maxtex suggested check out some comparison reviews. If you want advise from first hand experience, Gigabyte G1 all the way!

 

[Devouringbowl57]

I agree with Forgotten I play BF4 at ultra and can't hear a thing with my g1 gaming and my max temps are like 66, kinda depends on your case cooling though because that windforce cooler just dumps hot air into the case. My computer doubles as a space heater when I play games, so if you have a case with bad airflow go reference.

 

[uglyduckling81]

I got a Strix second hand, I was trying to get an MSI but that's the luck of the second hand draw.
Got a respectable overclock on it 1475mhz/8000gbps GPU/Memory.
Fan no higher than 44% and the GPU doesn't go over 69 degrees C.
I have 4 case fans on the lowest setting and the GPU fan is completely inaudible over the case fans which are already very quiet.
The 970's pretty much come down to the quality of the chip it self which is luck of the draw.
I suppose if I was really trying to push the card and upping the voltage the extra cooling might come into play but so does the noise.