Reference Differences Among Companies

[adimeister]

Yea I know the difference between ref and non ref GPUs. But my QUESTION is, are there any REAL differences between REFERENCE GPUs among companies? Because I'm looking for a new GPU, the 780 with the Titan Cooler. But the only available in HK right now is from INNO3D. I know it's not that famous compared to ASUS, GB, EVGA, and MSI.

Are there any chances that INNO3D would use sub-par components on the 780 reference? Or will Nvidia provide EVERYTHING, from the chips, pcb to the last screw? I know all reference GPUs look the same, but what's underneath is my real question.

 

[inzone]

Usually Nvidia/AMD will provide their reference boards to their partners for them to tinker with and how much they are allowed to change depends on the manufacturer. For the most part all the partners are allowed to customize the cooling solution , then they are also allowed to give a so called "Factory Overclock" to the board but that would have to meet the approval of the manufacturer.
I have seen where a partner will change everything except the GPU and improve on the reference design but that would have to meet with the approval of the manufacturer.

So I think the answer to your question would be that a partner would not be allowed to make changes to the reference board without prior consent and final approval from the manufacturer.

 

[adimeister]

I see, so you're saying that all the reference design GPUs are all equal? From every bits of pieces being used in the pcb to the screws..? I just wan to make sure because the price of the 780 isn't a joke, and I don't want to buy from a company that is a joke. hehe But I understand that Inno3d is famous only in asia and europe, not in the US.

Thanks for you time bro.

 

[inzone]

There is too much competition in the US and we have Evga, Asus, Saphire, XFX, Power Color, MSI and Gigabyte so Inno3D may have decided not to compete.

I do understand your concerns about a company using substandard components in the card. Once the manufacturer makes the video card and we're talking AMD/Nvidia then that card is called the reference card and there is the reference design. If a board partner wants to build the card from the ground up they have to follow that reference design to the exact specifications and it must perform exactly the same and the manufacturer (AMD/Nvidia) will make absolutely sure that it does or it will pull the contract from the board partner. The manufacturer will act as the quality control on all cards produced by the board partners. Any changes no matter how small will have to be approved and verified by the manufacturer before the card is made .

Don't forget the manufacturer is standing behind every card and they require warranty support from each partner on all cards. So your chances of buying from a joke company are slim.

 

[adimeister]

I see, thank you bro. I just needed some assurance because I didn't know about this part of the hardware. Learning more from you, thank you! I just hope it would last me at least 5 years. haha This is the first GPU that I'll be buying, so yea...