GPU Power Phases?

[aesthetiques]

I'm a bit confused by how much a better/higher power phase number affects my experience.. Currently I have a pair of msi's Gaming 980 ti, and I see that the 980 ti classified is released. How can I figure out how much performance difference I'll see from getting the evgas?

 

[Philfreeze]

More phases means that there is less load per phase (assuming they need about the same amount of power). This does increase the lifespan a bit (usually not that much though) and it will give you more power so you can sustain a higher overclocking.
If you run both at the stock speed then there really won't be that much of a difference coming from the power phases.

If you need to know more:
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-motherboard-voltage-regulator-circuit/4/

 

[aesthetiques]

Well I want to be able to get an OC of over 1500 mhz, but the msi's are only running at a max of around 1478..I'm just thinking of usage longevity =\ I know its a bit early to compare the 980 ti classified, but I'm just a bit confused as to how much different it'd be and if I should try to get my money back and buy the classifieds.

EDIT: Honestly that doesn't say much besides that it has more overclocking potential..is that basically it? I know that the current cards don't have like *any* tolerance for upping % power limit.

 

[Philfreeze]

Correct it is pretty much only a OC thing since the power phases are usually good enough for the stock clock.
If you OC your system it will however put more load on the lines which will stress the transistors and the output power will not be as stable anymore.
This means that you can probably overclock it more and when you do it the card will hold longer (the card won't suffer from the increased load).

If you can change it then I would probably do it.
I think the classified is better suited for overclocking but I didn't read a review on the Ti version yet so I can't really tell you for sure.

 

[Ark77]

Well I want to be able to get an OC of over 1500 mhz, but the msi's are only running at a max of around 1478..I'm just thinking of usage longevity =\ I know its a bit early to compare the 980 ti classified, but I'm just a bit confused as to how much different it'd be and if I should try to get my money back and buy the classifieds.

EDIT: Honestly that doesn't say much besides that it has more overclocking potential..is that basically it? I know that the current cards don't have like *any* tolerance for upping % power limit.

IDK guys but am I the only one over here that has a MSI GTX 970 running at 1490 Mhz on the core?