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Which gtx 980 to use for sli configuration.

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  • Gtx
  • Configuration
  • SLI
  • Graphics
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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October 2, 2014 3:39:53 AM

Hello all. I'm considering replacing my 680 with a 980 In the next couple of weeks. I intend to buy a second 980 after xmas to use in a sli configuration but was wondering which brand or model should I use? My main concern is the size of the non reference models and would I fit them in my computer. I have 3 slots I believe on an asus sabertooth z77.

Thanks for the help.

More about : gtx 980 sli configuration

October 2, 2014 3:44:55 AM

Doorb7 said:
Hello all. I'm considering replacing my 680 with a 980 In the next couple of weeks. I intend to buy a second 980 after xmas to use in a sli configuration but was wondering which brand or model should I use? My main concern is the size of the non reference models and would I fit them in my computer. I have 3 slots I believe on an asus sabertooth z77.

Thanks for the help.


What brand is your first one? Or if you haven't bought them yet and I have just misunderstood you, I would go with 2 MSI 980s, MSI seems to be on top for the new GPUs.
October 2, 2014 3:51:53 AM

I have not bought one yet, i'm worried about the size of the non reference models for the motherboard I have, the msi ones do look good right now, and if I can get 2 of those to fit that's probably what I will be getting. thank you.
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October 2, 2014 3:57:17 AM

Is there yet a game with substandard performance at any reasonable resolution from your GTX680?

(If you can get a great price for selling your GTX680, then great...)
October 2, 2014 3:58:29 AM

I would scrap the GTX 980 and get a 970 instead. 10% performance difference for almost double the price, the obvious is to get the GTX 970. You may also be able to get two GTX 970's at one time. My personal favourite is the gigabyte G1 Gaming GTX 970 but it is 312mm in length and ma not fit your case. Another two great options which are considerably smaller is the MSI gaming and Asus Strix, all great options. Choose on what will suit your case theme best and brand preference, cooling is great for all options as the 970 series cards don't really get very hot, even when overclocked to the extreme.
October 2, 2014 4:06:28 AM

Sorry I should have specified, i'm currently running on 1440p monitors, which is why I am edging towards the 980. Currently my 680 has started to struggle at that resolution when maxed out and now probably is the last time I can get a good price on my 680.
October 2, 2014 4:10:11 AM

even for 1440p, the GTX 980 is not nearly worth the extra. and does not show it in performance either.

Check this out -

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2014-n...

Overclocking the GTX 970 can match and exceed the GTX 980 (but the GTX 980 can be oc'd past that too).

But looking at the 2560x1440 res performance of the stock 970 vs 980, the difference is not big at all.
October 2, 2014 4:15:01 AM

Thanks for the link. The 970 does look like a very serious option. I don't think I have an issue with the length of the cards, I was just concerned if there was any issues with using non reference for sli setups, as they appear to be wider in comparison. Thanks again.
October 2, 2014 4:20:23 AM

If you are going to go SLI, you are far better off saving lots of money with two GTX 970's of your choice, then you could use the extra cash on upgrading components later.
October 2, 2014 4:28:06 AM

Thanks for your help.
October 2, 2014 4:35:33 AM

no problem, would be great to hear on an update after you receive the cards, and your choice of model.
October 2, 2014 4:36:30 AM

no problem, would be great to hear on an update after you receive the cards, and your choice of model.
October 2, 2014 5:31:56 AM

On the original question, I believe the reference cards (970 or 980) are so good to begin with, there isn't much to differentiate between the game cards. With that, what brand is your 680? If among the current crop of solid manufacturers (e.g., Gigabyte, MSI, EVGA, ASUS), then I would stick with the same brand for the benefit of a similar BIOS/UEFI (even though a lot of that has evolved, it should still be familiar).
October 2, 2014 5:48:03 AM

I personally also love the Gigabyte variety this time round, but in your case, where you are worried about size, the smaller MSIs aren't exactly bad either. Also, as said by unknownofprob, the GTX 970 is a much better price/performance card. My personal favourite card right now is easily the 970. But if you have the money, there isn't any real reason not to get the 980s (besides for saving money for later use obviously lol)
October 2, 2014 5:55:05 AM

I would personally go with MSI with both of them. I like the new update on the Twin Frozr coolers. But that's just me. All I can do now is drool hahaha.
October 2, 2014 5:58:34 AM

ZeusGamer said:
I would personally go with MSI with both of them. I like the new update on the Twin Frozr coolers. But that's just me. All I can do now is drool hahaha.


My normal view on things is that ASUS are the best, and MSI are awful (well, not that extreme, but you get my point XD), but this time round, MSI have really outdone themselves, and even though normally I hate MSI brand stuff, they are actually my 2nd favourite, narrowly beaten by gigabyte, a brand I don't even usually consider a contender XD
October 2, 2014 6:50:14 AM

Fitzitz said:
ZeusGamer said:
I would personally go with MSI with both of them. I like the new update on the Twin Frozr coolers. But that's just me. All I can do now is drool hahaha.


My normal view on things is that ASUS are the best, and MSI are awful (well, not that extreme, but you get my point XD), but this time round, MSI have really outdone themselves, and even though normally I hate MSI brand stuff, they are actually my 2nd favourite, narrowly beaten by gigabyte, a brand I don't even usually consider a contender XD


I know what you mean by that. My number one preferred brand for GPU's are usually Asus. But damn! The new twin frozr's just look so sexy as hell! The Asus Strix design doesn't really take my attention for some reason haha. But I'm really going to save up for the twin frozr 970!

I mean, just look at these designs!

!