Which 970 do I get?

[ben 9902]

I've been looking at getting the 970 for a while specifically the MSI gaming edition because it's the cheapest decent brand I could find, also I'm not looking to overclock at all because I only have a 500w psu (which is the minimum) but it doesn't have a backplate, is this a big disadvantage? Basically what I'm trying to find out is, is there a better card around for the same price. I've been looking at the Gigabyte G1 970 and the minimum psu is 550w could I run it? Also I believe it comes OC'd out of the box?

My specs are

Processor: Intel Core i5 3570k

Mobo : Asus p8z77-v LX

PSU : Xigmatek X-Calibre XCP - A500

Case : Cooler Master 430 Elite

[Theo]

I'd get the strix, Ive had 2 G1's and they both coil whine under aaaaaaaaaany load, not saying all do but mine do

[MeltingPoint]

The backplate is mostly just for aesthetics. Get the cheapest

[eelnico09]

I might be mistaken, but i don't think you can handle a 970 with a 500w psu.

[ben 9902]

Will the msi destroy my psu as it the minimum wattage?

[ben 9902]

I might be mistaken, but i don't think you can handle a 970 with a 500w psu.

It says the minimum is 500w

[lani100]

Asus since it is the one that uses less power and has a backplate and it's silent.

[ben 9902]

Asus since it is the one that uses less power and has a backplate and it's silent.

Is that the Strix or not?

[lani100]

Yes ofcourse

[EzioSan]

i  have msi gtx970 with i5 4460, i never  even hit 300w

[j.dirona]

I'd suggest Gigabyte, I had a strix with a fair amount of coilwhine and had to return it, also if you are OCing the Gigabyte G1 tends to be better in that regard

[Tacitus]

I've got the G1 Gigabyte edition; I get no coil whine, at idle it's quieter than my case fans and under load is barely audible, if at all. Plus temperatures are really low, around 60 degrees under load. Beats any other 970 in that respect.

 

Second best would be MSI for me. Good temp/noise and is often a bit cheaper than the Gigabyte.

[Profquast]

I'm more worried about the quality of that PSU than about the wattage. 500 Watts is plenty guys, I run a 7950 and a FX8320 both overclocked on a 550 Watt PSU, albeit a 80+ bronze one from XFX with the full 550 Watts available on the 12V rail.

[Doughnutnator]

The G1 Gaming has one of the highest factory OC. Mine whines a bit, nothing to worry about and you can OC it to 1500Mhz very easily. my G1 Gaming boosts up to 1520 Mhz with stock voltage, I love it.

[ben 9902]

I'm not looking to oc at all, so idk whether the g1 is worth the extra money?