Stuck in a pickle!

[JxStaalx11]

Ok. So I wanna buy a new card. I know I wanna get a 980 ti. But I'm not sure which one. I do plan on water cooling it. The reference ones always seemed to be sold out. Or on one site it's like $1000 and I'm not paying that for the reference when it's on Amazon at. $669. I do not want a MSI one. Not a fan of MSI.

[DarkBlade2117]

EVGA ACX2.0. Nearly the same price as reference. Don't get the overclocked ones, they charge more. Haha

[Emanuel_M]

Ok. So I wanna buy a new card. I know I wanna get a 980 ti. But I'm not sure which one. I do plan on water cooling it. The reference ones always seemed to be sold out. Or on one site it's like $1000 and I'm not paying that for the reference when it's on Amazon at. $669. I do not want a MSI one. Not a fan of MSI.

i think PNY has a hybrid 980ti linus has a video on it

[2FA]

There are several with aftermarket coolers but reference boards such as the EVGA ACX 2.0.

[soaringchicken]

You can get any card as long as it has a reference pcb.

[Naeaes]

ROG Poseidon?

 

Also, I'll share my stupid low-tech trick.

Use the EKWB configurator to pick any GPU with reference design, get the product code for a block you like and find the product page for it. It'll have a compatibility list you can use to find all the cards that accept that block. Many cards have reference board even if they have a custom cooler. Here's an example list. Before purchasing, find a trustworthy forum post that'll verify the compatibility since EKWB mainly relies on visual verification only.

[JxStaalx11]

So if I go get the classified 980 ti i can get a water block later?