Whats the difference?

One is refference and one is not.
Meaning, Nvidia creates the refference cards, and then other manufacturers buy them and modify them (coolers, overclocks) and create non-refference cards, that are usually a bit better, but also a bit more expensive.
 


Is the MSI GeForce GTX 970 worth the money? Or do I need to buy it from another manufacturer?
 
I myself went for the Gygabyte G1 Gaming version, as it`s a bit stronger. At the same time, the MSI is a bit more silent, if you are very interested in that.

However, you will not be dissapointed no matter what (good) model you take from MSI, Gigabyte, Asus, EVGA.
 

But why is it the best? Beter performance? More silent?
 

Sorry if I wasn't clear - best performance and best overclocking. Other cards are quieter than the G1 for sure