Is this version of the GTX 970 okay?

[Mechanics]

I'm in a tight budget so I'm trying to look for the cheapest one

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=9512046&CatId=7387

 

[FirstTime101]

For $5 less, ur getting a better cooler, more OC potiential, better looking, better performing card: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-video-card-strixgtx970dc2oc4gd5

Other options: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-card-04gp42972kr
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-video-card-gvn970wf3oc4gd

 

[Coolboy951]

YES MSI makes very great GPU's I would go for it

 

[FirstTime101]

YES MSI makes very great GPU's I would go for it

But its a reference design while there are aftermarket coolers costing less than that

 

[Coolboy951]

Evga's GPU cooling isn't that great either the thermal paste on the GPU is only on 1 side of the chip

 

[FirstTime101]

Evga's GPU cooling isn't that great either the thermal paste on the GPU is only on 1 side of the chip

But the asus Strix isnt bad or the Gigabyte windforce

 

[Coolboy951]

True but MSI is one of those companies that has great cooling but I guess he can go for what he wants

 

[FirstTime101]

I personally would go with the ASUS strix, its cooling is great and it looks great, and performs well too. My advice is to get the Asus 970

 

[Eric92]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127832&cm_re=970_gtx_gaming-_-14-127-832-_-Product

You cannot go wrong with this card. Excellent cooling and it's a powerhouse. I have it myself and it's fantastic. From what I've heard the general consensus seemed to be that the MSI cards and ASUS cards were the best option with MSI maybe having a slight edge. Worth the extra $10.

 

[FirstTime101]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127832&cm_re=970_gtx_gaming-_-14-127-832-_-Product

You cannot go wrong with this card. Excellent cooling and it's a powerhouse. I have it myself and it's fantastic. From what I've heard the general consensus seemed to be that the MSI cards and ASUS cards were the best option with MSI maybe having a slight edge. Worth the extra $10.

It is a really good card but at the same time, there have been issues with coil whine. Thats why i didnt mention it. Asus cards dont have much complaints about this.
EDIT i do believe MSI has a little performance boost (little tho)

 

[Eric92]

I hadn't heard about that. I haven't had any issues with mine but I could be one of the lucky ones! The Strix is excellent I'm sure and would be a great choice.

 

[-cmi-]

If you can get asus strix with same or cheaper price than msi reference, go for asus. If cust cooler version, both are good. But in term of performance, msi gaming are slightly better with better oc potential.