Deciding between different GTX 980s

[harikirirocker]

http://www.evga.com/Products/Product.aspx?pn=04G-P4-2983-KR
EVGA GeForce GTX 980 Superclocked ACX 2.0
$569.99
VS
http://www.evga.com/Products/Product.aspx?pn=04G-P4-2982-KR
EVGA GeForce GTX 980 Superclocked
$619.99

Can anyone explain to me why the cheaper of the two seems to have better specs and reviews? I'm a little baffled....

Also, anyone want to offer an opinion VS an Asus model?

http://www.asus.com/Graphics_Cards/STRIXGTX980DC2OC4GD5/
ASUS Strix GeForce GTX 980 with factory-overclocked core
$579.99

I've always been partial to Asus and EVGA but have always used EVGA cards and Asus mobos. The specs on the cheaper EVGA seem to edge out the other two slightly. I'm also open to other brands if people strongly believe they are better. Hoping to at least figure out why the cheaper product seems better. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[cowboydude99]

The ACX 2.0 cooler is the one you want. The other has had problems which I believe was corrected with the 2.0.

I can't say WHY it is cheaper, but I'd go for that one.

 

[ImDaBaron]

Is the cheaper one missing a back plate?

 

[cowboydude99]

The Superclocked is a reference model and it does have a back plate. Big price difference for just the backplate.

The ACX 2.0 isn't a reference card and it doesn't have a backplate. My choice is the ACX cooler.

 

[ImDaBaron]

Yeah they do that on the 970s tooI think it's a 30 dollar difference between the one with a back plate and one without

 

[cowboydude99]

Yeah they do that on the 970s tooI think it's a 30 dollar difference between the one with a back plate and one without

In this case it is $50! Crazy...

 

[ImDaBaron]

Yeah they do that on the 970s tooI think it's a 30 dollar difference between the one with a back plate and one without

In this case it is $50! Crazy...

Ridiculous...in the case of the 970...the price is basically on par with models that perform better and have the back plate like the MSI model and the Asus Strix. I'm assuming this is also the case with the 980. I would advise to get the Asus model OP. I'm not very happy with EVGA's cards right now.

 

[JUICEhunter]

It costs NVidias AIB partners more to use the reference cooler than it does to use their own cooling solution that is made in house which why there is no reference cooling 970 to keep the cost down.

 

[harikirirocker]

Wow, that is insanity, all for the backplate. Feel like an idiot, if I knew that woulda been a no-brainer. I'll go with the cheaper one, or consider the Asus model. Thanks for the feedback everyone! Feel free to keep throwing out suggestions, or other brand comparisons, more info never hurts!