Nvidia 970 Reference vs MSI/Asus

[bvm1228]

I found the reference 970 at my local Best Buy and was tempted to get it but with the offerings from MSI and Asus, I don't know which one to pick. Considering the MSI and Asus 970's seems to always be out of stock, what do you think I should go for?

[vlkn´]

If you want to sli, go for the reference design.

If not, wait until they´re restocked

[Shaqo_Wyn]

I found the reference 970 at my local Best Buy and was tempted to get it but with the offerings from MSI and Asus, I don't know which one to pick. Considering the MSI and Asus 970's seems to always be out of stock, what do you think I should go for?

 

IMO the aftermarket MSi or Asus is worth it. The reference is perfectly capable of keeping the GTX 970 within acceptable operating temperatures but the aftermarkets coolers run cooler and quieter.

[zonkdiesel]

IMO the aftermarket MSi or Asus is worth it. The reference is perfectly capable of keeping the GTX 970 within acceptable operating temperatures but the aftermarkets coolers run cooler and quieter.

 

 

The cooler on the reference 970 is better than the majority of the aftermarket cards. The reference 970 has the same Titan cooler that the 980 has. 

[Mick Naughty]

The cooler on the reference 970 is better than the majority of the aftermarket cards. The reference 970 has the same Titan cooler that the 980 has. 

Not all the ref 970's have the titan cooler, nor do they have vapor chambers even if they have the titan cooler.

 

If you are planning on going sli or your case offers bad airflow the get a blower. Open air coolers can be just as loud and cool the same as a blower. Depends on the case and conditions.