Gigabyte GTX 970 Gaming G1 or OC?

[crivpy]

The OC model is $20 cheaper but has a lower out of the box frequency. Is it worth it the extra $20 for the Gaming model?

 

[Suztera]

You can overclock the OC version to be just as quick as the gaming model or even higher.

 

[unknownofprob]

Overclocking is easy and not worth $20 for the manufacturer to do it for you. However; The G1 Has a backplate which is defiantly worth it.

 

[Max Mustermann]

The main difference is the backplate and the GPU gauntlet sorting. The backplate is just looks but the gauntlet sorting is important. It means the GPU's are cherry picked and only good ones will be used in the G1. The GPU's who failed the gauntlet sorting will be (presumably) used for the Windforce OC.

 

[crivpy]

The main difference is the backplate and the GPU gauntlet sorting. The backplate is just looks but the gauntlet sorting is important. It means the GPU's are cherry picked and only good ones will be used in the G1. Those who failed the gauntlet sorting standard will be presumably used for the windforce oc.

What's so different about the OC backplate?

 

[unknownofprob]

The Windforce has no backplate, the G1 only does.

 

[Max Mustermann]

The backplate changes the appearance, thats it. Maybe the 4 memory IC's on the backside could be connected to the backplate with some thermal tape but that would harm the warranty.

 

[unknownofprob]

I'd get the G1 just for the backplate alone, that in itself is worth $20 to many.

 

[frank thee tank]

also the G1 has 4 copper heatpipes vs 2

 

[Leeuwenhok]

also the G1 has 4 copper heatpipes vs 2

But once the GPU is in the case, the backplate won't be noticeable, even through a windowed case. Correct me if I'm wrong.
And can someone post pics of the GPU with and without backplate?

 

[Snookslayer]

All $300+ cards should have backplates even if the only function is looks. I won't buy one that doesn't.