Reference 680 vs Non-Reference 680

[VitalSyntax]

I'm using a Corsair 550D chassis so my airflow is very restricted, I have 2 120mm front intake fans, 1 120mm bottom intake fan and 1 120mm rear exhaust fan. Seeing as a reference 680 would exhaust the air directly out of the case would it be a better option than a non-reference card? I would rather get a Asus Direct CII card because it would be quieter, but I'm worried it may have heat issues since my case doesn't have good airflow.

[gamer tom]

If you want watercooling in the future I would go with a Refernece. If you're just air cooling then get a non-reference for better temps

[killerx525]

There shouldn't be a issue with airflow in your case and the DCII does a great job at cooling down a 680.

[ZeroPlasm]

Get the DCII if you have the money, stock coolers are really noisy when compared to a aftermarket cooler. I think your case has enough ventilation judging from your statement. You could throw in a couple more fans if you are not happy with the cooling performance.

[Brendan]

I found the EVGA 680 had great air cooling with relative low noise. Only fan i can hear when running average games is the mobo SB fan lol.

[mgsstar]

If you use a non-reference card, the card will probably give you better cooling. I think the EVGA GTX 680 Signature 2 features a 2 fan heatsink which exhausts the air out of the case.

[TechFan@ic]

Reference 680's get ridiculously hot , I personally know someone with a 650D that sold his 680 reference because it would get over 90c under load.

Ironically he got a 7970 lightning instead (which is a slightly hotter chip), says it stays in the 70s under load.

But because the cooling on it was much better it stayed within decent thermal levels.

So lesson = don't get reference design cards.

Get a gigabyte windforce 3x or an MSI twinfrozr .

[McBerto]

I personally think a reference card would be better in the case of being a cramped place with poor airflow. You wouldn't want to throw hot air into the case warming it when it does not have adequate airflow. Reference cards or cards with a heat shroud would throw air out of the back rather than in the case.