Reference overclocking 980 in Sli

robertwest

Honorable
Nov 18, 2012
21
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10,520
Hey guys,

I've sold my tri-sli 680GTX 4GB setup and looking to go and purchase one 980 now and a second one in a few months. The reviews on overclocking these cards are amazing (both 970 and 980), but i'm wondering what the heat will do in these brand-solutions such as the Strix?

Is there a noticable difference in the overclocking capabilities between the reference and brand cards? The difference between the MSI reference and Asus Strix is $100,- here....Heat dispursement of the reference cards looks more ideal as it blows it out the back of the case.

I'm gaming on 2560x1600 (maybe going to a 4k in a year or so). Would it be advisable to wait on the 8gb cards?

Rig:
-Haf X case (with some upgraded intake/outtake fans)
-i7-3930k with Noctua D14
-Asus rampage IV extreme
-16gb g.skill ddr3-2133mhz
-OCZ ZX1000 watt
 
Solution
That depends on your case's ability to move air, with a case like that I would not worry at all, and because of good airflow and the obviously better cooling capabilities of the brand cards over the reference you are undoubtedly going to get better performance.

as for which ones overclock better I am not aware but if you figure out which cards are best your case will easily remove the excess heat.
That depends on your case's ability to move air, with a case like that I would not worry at all, and because of good airflow and the obviously better cooling capabilities of the brand cards over the reference you are undoubtedly going to get better performance.

as for which ones overclock better I am not aware but if you figure out which cards are best your case will easily remove the excess heat.
 
Solution