Reference cards?

[t-scene]

I'm looking at GTX 980 Ti reference cards.

Just wondering if they are all the same? Other than EVGA's SC version.  (Which is what a different bios?)

[Godlygamer23]

If it's a reference design, they're the same. The SC version is overclocked out-of-the-box.

[MegaDave91]

I don't recommend models such as the superclocked because the minute amount they are overclocked is easily attainable on a bone-stock model.

[Godlygamer23]

I don't recommend models such as the superclocked because the minute amount these models are overclocked can easily be attainable on a bone-stock model.

They're good for people who want the performance, but don't want to overclock.

[Enderman]

All reference cards are identical from all brands. The only difference is clock speed

[MegaDave91]

They're good for people who want the performance, but don't want to overclock.

And to those people I'll say if hesitation prevents them from overclocking (even the little amount required to match SC)-- ask for advice on a forum. The interest may spike later on.

 

I had bought a 3570 with no intentions of overclocking. I latter regretted that decision.

[t-scene]

I don't recommend models such as the superclocked because the minute amount they are overclocked is easily attainable on a bone-stock model.

Yea I'm not spending $20 extra for that little overclock.

[Guest]

They're all identical, hence the "reference" design. But make sure to read up on that cooler a bit, the card runs fairly hot with it (really limits your overclocking capabilities) and it's not the most quiet design either. Rule of thumb is: Only get a reference cooler if you definitely go with a dual-GPU setup or if you'll watercool them anyway.