GTX 660--ASUS, EVGA, or Gigabyte?

[ozzman1997]

I'm set on the 660 so now I need to figure out what brand to get. A friend told me EVGA is the best since he's always used them and they don't cause any problems, but the non-reference models seem to have better cooling. That's why I have been leaning a little towards EVGA's FTW Signature 2 or ASUS with their DirectCU II system. Gigabyte also has a non-reference design but it looks sort of thrown together. I'd also like it to be quiet, and I've heard ASUS makes the quietest cards. Any suggestions?

 

[iceclock]

whats ur budget and country of origin.

 

[ozzman1997]

I'm from the United States. And my budget is < $240

 

[iceclock]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130825&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

will be fine

 

[ozzman1997]

Thanks. It was the one I was looking at already. Quick question, are the non-reference coolers really necessary? To me there doesn't seem to be a need for them unless you're overclocking, which I probably won't need to do.

 

[iceclock]

no, but evga has a great warranty and customer service thats why i recommanded it ;P

 

[bill9803]

Thanks. It was the one I was looking at already. Quick question, are the non-reference coolers really necessary? To me there doesn't seem to be a need for them unless you're overclocking, which I probably won't need to do.

Usually, non-reference card features better layout, components and cooling design. Most of card makers produced factory overclocked solution. you can consider GIGABYTE GTX 660. It looks there is a decent offer on Newegg.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125443

 

[completelyrandomname]

Non reference coolers will have like bill9803 said better board layout. Better cooling and a more silence computing experience. Again it will also allow for better overclocks.

 

[iceclock]

meh, evga has top quality and one of the best service u can get.