Overclocking a GTX980, does PCB matter?

[Spev]

So I am using the EVGA setup up program and upgrading my GTX 970 FTW to the GTX 980 from EVGA. However due to stock restrictions they only allow you to upgrade to the regular 980, not any of the factory overclocked versions. I am going to be water cooling this card with an EK Acetal+Nickel waterblock and a EK backplate. I am planning to overclock this card quite a bit.

 

Here is my question: Some GPUs come with custom PCBs and other factors to help them reach factory overclocks, yes? So I'm wondering since this is not one of the factory overclocked versions if I will be missing out on any features that the factory overclocked versions will have, or if I will be able to overclock this card as far as the factory overclocked versions like the EVGA classified? Here is the exact card I will be receiving: http://www.evga.com/Products/Product.aspx?pn=04G-P4-2981-KR I expect to be able to overclock this card quiet a bit considering I have a CPU/GPU loop with 500mm x 45 rad space in my case for the single GPU and CPU.

[FoxHound]

Here is my question: Some GPUs come with custom PCBs and other factors to help them reach factory overclocks, yes? So I'm wondering since this is not one of the factory overclocked versions if I will be missing out on any features that the factory overclocked versions will have, or if I will be able to overclock this card as far as the factory overclocked versions like the EVGA classified? Here is the exact card I will be receiving: http://www.evga.com/Products/Product.aspx?pn=04G-P4-2981-KR I expect to be able to overclock this card quiet a bit considering I have a CPU/GPU loop with 500mm x 45 rad space in my case for the single GPU and CPU.

 

Some of the really high end EVGA cards are binned so you should have a better chance of getting a great chip with something like the classified. This being said I have seen some reference cards at 1600 on water. I think EVGA adds the 3rd set of VRM components that are usually missing from the reference design so that could also be a plus.

 

Edit: My step up 980 is shipping this week and I'm planning on water cooling it with a H90 I'll let you know what OC I can get with mine.

[niofalpha]

The difference is the type of capacitors I believe. It will effect the Overclocking, more so if you go beyond the stock Voltages.

 

JayZ2cents has a video explaining it I believe...