Which gtx 960 version + directx 12

[Kritonios]

Hello, I will probably buy a gtx 960 but I don't know which version to buy. First, I saw the asus strix directcu version and I loved the design (and I also found it is a good overclocker + it has some nice features). But then I saw the big gigabyte version with 3 fans, which is obviously a great overclocker and I like its design as well as the feature it has with the fans that won't start spinning until a temperature is reached (I know the asus one has it, too). Also, I saw two versions of this card in gigabyte's site and I don't know what's the difference between them and why one needs 2 six pin connectors and the other needs 1 6pin and 1 8pin. I also saw the evga ftw version which has the highest stock clock speeds So which one would you recommend me? Remember, I like these ones but if there's a better one don't hesitate to tell me. Finally, keep in mind that I would like to overclock a bit.(Btw, are performance gains of directx 12 that big?)
Thanks.

 

[junkeymonkey]

I guess they all got there pros and cons about them , but if something were to be wrong with the card its hard to beat evga's support to get it resolved .

that can go a long way if something were to pop up - and most folks think NVidia they first think evga as the vendor [opinion]

in the end it all about your personal preference of what you want and looking for

 

[Math Geek]

I don't know what's the difference between them and why one needs 2 six pin connectors and the other needs 1 6pin and 1 8pin.

the difference is how much power the card needs. the 960 sips power overall, but the added cooling and overclocking and such takes a lot more power. so a 6 pin to an 8 pin gives it a lot more power to work with for various needs.

the mobo gives the card 75w through the pcie slot. a 6 pin gives 75w of power to the card while an 8 pin gives 150w! so moving to an 8 pin gives the card a lot more power to work with. if your looking to overclock as high as possible, one with an 8 pin or more would be ideal to give it the power it needs. the evga ftw edition is already super overclocked but it can go a bit more. the others are clocked lower though still overclocked above reference design. they can maybe oc to a higher % over stock but i have not seen many that will break what the ftw edition already does out of the box. it costs a bit more but seems like it is the best for overclocking.

the asus strix oc's very well but does it quieter and cooler than the others. i like this one myself despite it not oc'ing as high due to being cool and quiet which is something i value.

lots of options but in the end it is your call. read some reviews and see how each card did to help you decide what is right for you.


edit: fixed my oversight

 

[junkeymonkey]

saphire has some great cards as well ??

do they now make NVidia cards seeing he asked about a gtx 960 ??

 

[Math Geek]

hehee, your right !! i forgot they only make amd cards. let me fix that real quick 😀


and to answer the directx 12 question. no one really knows yet. there are no games that use it yet. only a few tech previews that seem promising but nothing finished yet. it'll be next year before we start to see dx12 games so it is only guess work what effects it will have to a system. so far it looks like amd is favored based on the tech previews but this will change a number of times as drivers and developers adjust to the new protocol.

 

[junkeymonkey]

not to say I would blame them to start making NVidia cards at the rate AMD is going