N560GTX-TI vs N560GTX-TI OC

[Mhalroth]

Hello all, I recently got an MSI N560GTX-Ti (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127594) graphics card and I noticed there is another one for sale (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127565) that appears to be exactly the same model but is factory overclocked.

My question is, are they exactly the same model, parts, everything except for the factory OC? And if I use MSI Afterburner to OC my card, will that make it exactly the same as the factory OC card? Is the only point to buying the factory OC one and paying $20-30 more just to save a few minute not having to OC it yourself with afterburner, or is the factory OC one built better to handle the OC or something?

Quick question on a completely unrelated subject that I can't find the answer to on Google: Can I use an electrostatic "dust-grabbing" cloth to clean dust off my motherboard, etc. (in addition to compressed air) or will this damage it?

Thanks!

 

[amuffin]

Every chip is different!

From my own experience higher binned chips sometimes aren't as good for overclocking.

 

[Mhalroth]

Every chip is different!

From my own experience higher binned chips sometimes aren't as good for overclocking.

Appreciate the reply but can't say I understand what that means?

Do the same manufacturer, same model, etc. cards use different chips? (in other words, are they using a different card for the OC version of the MSI card I was asking about?)

 

[amuffin]

No, they use the same chip. But not every chip is the SAME, meaning some might perform slightly better than others, run cooler, and overclock better.

 

[baconizer]

IMO overclocking yourself is a much better option, just remember to find a OPEN-STYLE PCB where hot air is dispersed inside your case, not outside. DO NOT buy reference-style where the PCB is closed off, therefore pushing the hot air outside the case, these cards usually overheat when doing extreme overclocks.