Difference between ASUS GPU-Coolers.

[Illuminations]

Hello!

I'm currently looking into a Nvidia 900-series GPU. Specifically the GTX 970.

I've always liked Asus' graphics cards very much.
However, since the release of the Strix series, the cards are way too big and bulky.
As I'm using a smaller form factor build, they are way too big.
Neither is the aesthetic look of the Strix cards any good. Too much "bling". The old Direct CU II was much better looking, in my opinion. I really do like a boxy-type look. Minimalistic shapes.

Now though, I have found a smaller version of the GTX 970 GPU, using Asus' Direct CU Mini cooler. The aesthetic looks are much better than the Strix coolers.

My question then is,

How does the Direct CU Mini perform if you compare it to the Direct CU II cooler?

As this card is both smaller, and better looking, it would fit perfect into my smaller size system. However, as it's the same GPU cramped down to a more compact size, has anything been changed with the card in order to make it smaller?

Any major differences in temperature, noise and performance?

As I have read in some reviews, the noise is a bit higher, since the only fan needs to spin faster. But I have seen very little about the comparison to it's bigger brother, the full Direct CU II cooler. Same with the temperatures.

I am interested in seeing if there are any differences between the two.

Thank you!
Axel.

 

[Eximo]

Same PCB as the old GTX760 DCU Mini. GTX760 and GTX970 have very similar power envelopes.

Basically you won't be able to overclock, if you care too, as much with the smaller card. Stock clock rates will be lower as well. That is about it.

Noise levels will make some sense. The Strix has a fanless mode, not sure the DCU Mini offers that, and it likely is louder overall when under full load.

 

[Suztera]

The R9 Nano is one alternative to a GTX 970. Quite a small card.

 

[Illuminations]

Thank you for your answer!

Performance wise will be, pretty much the same then?
Will it just be the temperatures and noise levels whom will be slightly higher?
How will components react? Will a smaller, warmer card with high-power GPU, create more coil whine than, let's say the Strix cooler?
And yes, the Direct CU Mini doesn't have the fanless mode.

I use a EVGA G2 Supernova 750W for power delivery, by the way.

GPU overclock hasn't really got me on. It will be running on standard clocks.

Thank you!
Axel.

 

[Eximo]

You can always attempt to match the Strix clocks and see if it can take it. Then performance would be identical.

 

[Illuminations]

Thank you for your answer!

Allthough, that would result in higher temperatures. Standard clocks will probably be enough, atleast before I've learnt how the card behaves.

Thank you so much for your help!
Glad there are people like you who knows what they are talking about!

Axel.