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MSI or EVGA?

Tags:
  • EVGA
  • Upgrade
  • Graphics Cards
  • Graphics
  • GTX 970
  • MSI
  • Nvidia
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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October 9, 2014 9:29:18 PM

I'm looking to upgrade from my current GTX 470 card to an Nvidia 970.
I've read good things about both EVGA and MSI models, but I was wondering which one to jump for? Most importantly, which one runs cooler? As I'll have to stick with stock cooling for now due to money limitations.
(Also, is it possible to water cool these cards? I eventually want to Dual SLI with it, but will stock air cooling be enough once I do this?)

Also, as a side note. I eventually plan on building a brand new rig, and will move this card over once I do, I just want a slight performance boost for the moment until I have the money to build said new rig.
My current rig is as follows, just for reference:

OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

Motherboard: ASUS p6X58D-E

CPU: Intel i7 950 3.07GHz

RAM: I can't actually remember, and the stickers with the part numbers/information have long peeled off. But they add up to 12 GB, and are of varying speeds (not preferable, I know, and I'm looking forward to getting rid of the bloody things)

Graphics Card(s): Nvidia Geforce 470 GTX (I used to have two of them, which I ran SLI. But I now only have one, due to the other one frying itself.)

Hard Drive: 1 TB Seagate

Tower Case: Cooler Master HAF 932 Advanced – High Air Flow Tower


Sorry to bother, and sorry for my knowledge of such things being limited.
Thanks for any and all help, tips, and advice!

More about : msi evga

a c 98 U Graphics card
a b Î Nvidia
October 9, 2014 9:53:14 PM

I tend to do away here from EVGA though I'm brand loyal of EVGA. Grab MSI model as it has great potential of getting 1500MHz+ on air cooling. Will send you link soon on its review where it is mentioned about the speed.
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October 9, 2014 10:21:15 PM

EasyLover said:
I tend to do away here from EVGA though I'm brand loyal of EVGA. Grab MSI model as it has great potential of getting 1500MHz+ on air cooling. Will send you link soon on its review where it is mentioned about the speed.


Ah, thank you!
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a c 98 U Graphics card
a b Î Nvidia
October 9, 2014 10:36:03 PM
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October 9, 2014 11:03:16 PM

Out of all the 970's, the evga is the lowest performing of the bunch. You wont be disappointed with the msi. If you can find the gigabyte G1 for around the same price as the msi it is your best option as it is the cream of the crop.

It's going to be hard to get a hold of online. Start calling around to computer stores in your area. Both cards are highly sort after and sold out most places.

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October 9, 2014 11:10:48 PM

Oh! And I just thought of something. Is this card going to be able to fit inside my case with my current mobo?
Sorry, I'm just full of questions.
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October 9, 2014 11:22:05 PM

your case has a max VGA Card length of :320.7mm
msi 970 = 269mm
gigabyte g1 970 = 312mm

They will both fit :) 
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October 9, 2014 11:23:57 PM

MSI GTX 970 Gaming

- Base core clock of 1051mhz w/boost 1178mhz (silent mode) / 1114mhz w/boost 1253mhz (gaming mode) / 1140mhz w/boost 1279mhz (OC mode); these selections apply to MSI's gaming app, otherwise the default core clock is 1114mhz w/boost 1253mhz
- Memory clock of 1753mhz (7010mhz effective); Samsung IC's
- 6 Phase power delivery
- 2 x DVI port, 1 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DP v1.2
- Dual fan HSF design featuring idle fan shutoff (when under 60c); the overall height of the cooling solution is slightly less than two slots to provide better cooling for sli configurations.
- *1 x 6pin ATX power connector and 1 x 8 pin ATX power connector; combined max rated draw of 300w (75w pcie, 75w 6pin, 150w 8pin).
- Overall length of ~27cm (269mm)

Pros:

- Improved power delivery
- Samsung memory IC's; factory clocked for 7ghz but will often overclock to 7800-8000mhz
- *High maximum rated power draw (for overclocking purposes)
- Quiet air cooling solution
- Smallest/thinnest card (of the three compared); better for small cases and will perform better in sli configurations temperature wise
- Features a metal plate/heatsink covering the memory IC's and some circuitry on the front side of the PCB; more effective cooling in comparison to the STRIX card

Cons:

- No backplate
- *4 memory IC's on the rear side of the PCB; could result in lower overclocks due to no airflow/heatsink contact, also loses potential for a full cover block to properly cool all the memory IC's
- *Poor vrm cooling solution; small secondary heatsink that receives little airflow due to the placement of the 2 fan HSF design



Gigabyte GTX 970 Gaming G1

- Base core clock 1178mhz w/boost 1329mhz
- Memory clock of 1750mhz (7000mhz effective); Samsung IC's
- 5 Phase power delivery
- 2 x DVI port, 1 x HDMI 2.0, 3 x DP v1.2
- Triple fan HSF solution
- 1 x 6pin ATX power connector and 1 x 8 pin ATX power connector; combined max rated draw of 300w (75w pcie, 75w 6pin, 150w 8pin).
- Overall length of ~31cm (312mm)
- GPU Backplate

Pros:

- Improved power delivery
- Highest factory core clock/boost
- Samsung memory IC's; factory clocked for 7ghz but will often overclock to 7800-8000mhz
- High maximum rated power draw (for overclocking purposes)
- Most effective cooling solution (especially when it comes to VRM section of the board)
- Best air cooled solution
- *Highest stock TDP/Power Limit (for overclocking purposes)
- Backplate
- Most display connectivity 3xDP 1xHDMI 2xDVI

Cons:

- Loudest cooling solution of the three cards
- Largest and tallest card; not ideal for small cases or Sli conifgurations
- *4 memory IC's on the rear side of the PCB; could result in lower overclocks due to no airflow/heatsink contact, also loses potential for a full cover block to properly cool all the memory IC's
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a c 98 U Graphics card
a b Î Nvidia
October 9, 2014 11:24:32 PM

Your case HAF Advanced can support GPU upto length of 320mm whereas the MSI card has length of 269mm. So no issue from case compatibility.

Your mobo has PCIe 2.0 slot not 3.0. Still this is negligible context. Card will run on your mobo as well.

Good Luck.
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October 9, 2014 11:27:04 PM

Thank you both so much! Going to try and track down the card if I can. You've both been incredibly helpful!

Also, that listed con on the memory IC's on the rear side not cooling well isn't going to be an issue with my setup, with just air cooling, is it?
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a c 98 U Graphics card
a b Î Nvidia
October 9, 2014 11:28:58 PM

Glad to assist.
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!