Need help to choose between EVGA GTX980 or EVGA GTX980 ACX 2.0

[magroski]

I was browsing EVGA website and I noticed that they offer 2 versions of Geforce GTX980:

• 
  Geforce GTX980
  Geforce GTX980 ACX 2.0

According to EVGA, the ACX2.0 version runs cooler, quieter and draws less energy (and I've seen some reviews claiming this is true). So, if this version really is better, why is it also cheaper? What's the catch?

The same question goes for the SC and SC ACX versions.

Pricing and descriptions here:
http://www.evga.com/Products/ProductList.aspx?type=0&family=GeForce+900+Series+Family&chipset=GTX+980

 

[middlemarkal]

IT'S all depends on your case, if it has very good ventilation take the ACX that keeps tghe heat in yout case, else thake the reference (1 fan) that exaust the heat outside your case from the rear.

also 2 970 in SLI is the way to go IMO.

 

[jimthenagual]

Strange. Not sure why it would be cheaper to get an ACX over the ACX 2.0. I just bought mine and went 2.0 as it is superior in pretty much every way.

 

[magroski]

IT'S all depends on your case, if it has very good ventilation take the ACX that keeps tghe heat in yout case, else thake the reference (1 fan) that exaust the heat outside your case from the rear.

also 2 970 in SLI is the way to go IMO.

Interesting... Thanks for both advices.

About the dual GTX970, do you know if there is any performance comparison available?
Price-wise, GTX980 and 2 x GTX970 are on the same level, but I'd have to throw extra bucks to get a 1000w power supply, right?

 

[magroski]

Strange. Not sure why it would be cheaper to get an ACX over the ACX 2.0. I just bought mine and went 2.0 as it is superior in pretty much every way.

In my head, the only explanation is that the ACX2.0 version has a weaker frame or is made of cheaper materials than the ACX

 

[jimthenagual]

For two 970s, a 750W is about right, they are very efficient. And I agree, two 970s would chew a 980 up. Kind of a waste at 1080p, but if you are on a higher resolution monitor, something to think about. Here are some benchmarks to compare

http://www.techspot.com/review/898-geforce-gtx-970-sli-4k-gaming/

 

[magroski]

For two 970s, a 750W is about right, they are very efficient. And I agree, two 970s would chew a 980 up. Kind of a waste at 1080p, but if you are on a higher resolution monitor, something to think about. Here are some benchmarks to compare

http://www.techspot.com/review/898-geforce-gtx-970-sli-4k-gaming/

Nice, thanks for the link.

4k monitors are expensive as hell (and rare to find) here in Brazil. I currently own a MSI gaming notebook that I use plugged to two 21" 1080p monitors, but due to performance I only use one of them when I'm gaming.

Do you think it's worth rigging 2x970 to 3x1080p monitors?