I'm amazed yet again, I know what I'm going to use on my next build.
However, I've got one question.
Why do they bother making reference cards? Why not immediately jump on the aftermarket coolers?
I'm amazed yet again, I know what I'm going to use on my next build.
However, I've got one question.
Why do they bother making reference cards? Why not immediately jump on the aftermarket coolers?
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Generally speaking, reference cards are just the template. The producers have to spend some time, like it or not, to adapt their existing or new technology to fit the new card(s).
The Nvidia 680 seems to be pretty quiet, I'm very curious as to how quiet they will be able to make the card with aftermarket coolers!
They went from 50+ decibel to 36 with the Sapphire cooler on the 7950/7970.
any1 know rougly when the aftermarket coolers will be out i am trying to whether or not to buy 2xmsi gtx680 today or to wait a week or 2
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Exactly this. Aftermarket coolers take up more space, and require good airflow to function properly, where the reference designs use external air to cool the card over internal air.
I'm very satisfied with the initial results - now I just have to patiently await the GK110 cards to see how much larger the gap gets this generation, though I do smell either a Twin Frozr or DC 680 in my future...
---------- Post added 2012-03-22 at 12:34 PM ----------
Tough to tell, but I would imagine probably a month plus. The manufacturers don't have enough cards as it is right now, and they have to develop the coolers to fit the 680. If you're only talking about waiting 1-4 weeks, I'd buy now.
Currently using a 6970 just on stock settings. Anyone know if I would see a decent gain by going to just a single 7970, or 680 when they drop?
I don't know if the performance increase would be worth the price, tbh...
OT: Is the general consensus that, if we need a GPU now, we should go ahead and buy a reference cooled card instead of waiting for aftermarket cooled cards?
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What would be the aftermarket coolers that should perform the best?
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