Reference 970 Model

[Maxwell233]

Why don't I see anyone here recommend the 970 reference model like the one found here. I really like the look of the reference model and with my new windowed case I'm trying my best to make my new build look less shitty.

Is it usually a bad idea to go with a card with no 3rd party manufacturer?

Any thoughts or opinions on this would be great, you can't even find the card on Newegg by searching 970, not sure why it seems the guys at Newegg are trying to hide the card.

 

[Tom Waller]

I have looked at this and think the design is pretty neat. I heard the fan keeps it rather cool too.
Personally I think this is the best looking design on the market!! I've looked on sites which have this and all the reviews are 4/5 out of 5. I even watched a friends PC when he installed it and how well it performed.

I'm currently saving for one!

 

[byakuya000]

The reference card usually has a lower clock rate than the non-reference. That's why most people recommend the non-reference design.
Non-reference design also have their own coolers which people say is better than the reference.

 

[Gallarian]

Reference graphics cards are usually just that; something that 3rd party manufactures refer to when designing there own improved models.

As a rule of thumb, 3rd party Nvidia card brands like EVGA, ASUS and MSI will improve cooling systems, reduce noise output and even improve performance by tweaking or overclocking the GPU.

When looking at reviews of the 970, you'll always see the reference cards below 3rd party cards. Thats why you'll find it hard to find one - they're just not as good, and therefore not many people want to buy them.

As for looks, I agree that Nvidias recent cards have a good look about them. But thats not to say that the 3rd party cards don't look good. The ASUS Strix, MSI G1 and EVGA ACX 2 models all look great and vastly out-do the reference.