Which GTX680 would you buy?

[20mmrain]

The whole reason why i was even looking at the Asus DirectCU, MSI Lightning and Evga Signature 2 was because they didn't have 1 fan haha.

I figured as much..... that's why I stated what I stated. " (If you can live with the single fan it would be the way to go.)"

Edit though on the EVGA GTX 680 Classified..... it does not require EV Bot to work. (Not saying it is still an option for you) (Just stating that it does not require it.) (It just has an option to use it)
but it still is way over priced for what it is capable of doing. It is not the 1400mhz or 1500mhz overclocking moster on air people were thinking it would be.

I still stick with my answer on the EVGA signature card. If you throw Asus's card in the mix that would be my second choice. Asus has a good rep.... and it is better assembled then the MSI card IMO.

 

[MxPhenom 216]

I figured as much..... that's why I stated what I stated. " (If you can live with the single fan it would be the way to go.)"

Edit though on the EVGA GTX 680 Classified..... it does not require EV Bot to work. (Not saying it is still an option for you) (Just stating that it does not require it.) (It just has an option to use it)
but it still is way over priced for what it is capable of doing. It is not the 1400mhz or 1500mhz overclocking moster on air people were thinking it would be.

I still stick with my answer on the EVGA signature card. If you throw Asus's card in the mix that would be my second choice. Asus has a good rep.... and it is better assembled then the MSI card IMO.

the MSI card got a better review then the Asus, and Asus seems to be having issues with getting the cards in stock and stability issues especially with the 670s.

 

[20mmrain]

the MSI card got a better review then the Asus, and Asus seems to be having issues with getting the cards in stock and stability issues especially with the 670s.

The GTX 670 in general are having issues. It's not just the Asus version. It will never be admitted to the public.... but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see all the bad threads out there in different forums. I also base this opinion off of other experience.

The Asus card may have got a worse review by a few forums.... but I argue this. In the event something does go wrong with either of the cards.... I would rather have a Customer service department I can actually get a hold of instead of buying a better reviewed card having it go dead.... but then can't get a hold of the company who made it. Asus has a much more solid customer service staff then MSI IMO and in my experience (Several times)

I am sure you will be happy with what ever card you decide. I am just giving my opinion based on things I have seen/read/ have tested 1st hand/ and things I have experienced in my own personal life as a customer.
It seems every time I go with MSI and allow their advertising to make my decision for me... I get screwed. I don't find their software to be worth a damn. Nor do I find their Customer service to know what they are talking about. As well as every time I have talked with them you get an off shore customer service member who is very hard to understand and does not spend much time with you before they start blaming the problem on another component that is not theirs. (As well as I have ran into them denying RMA's for any small reason they can find)
With both EVGA and Asus you get a US Customer Service REP.... who will divot a large amount of time to your issue and you get a speedy and timely return.

If you get an MSI card that works from the beginning.... I am sure you won't ever have a problem with it. Same with the Asus Cards and EVGA cards. But I would just rather have the extra security that's all.

 

[MxPhenom 216]

The GTX 670 in general are having issues. It's not just the Asus version. It will never be admitted to the public.... but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see all the bad threads out there in different forums. I also base this opinion off of other experience.

The Asus card may have got a worse review by a few forums.... but I argue this. In the event something does go wrong with either of the cards.... I would rather have a Customer service department I can actually get a hold of instead of buying a better reviewed card having it go dead.... but then can't get a hold of the company who made it. Asus has a much more solid customer service staff then MSI IMO and in my experience (Several times)

I am sure you will be happy with what ever card you decide. I am just giving my opinion based on things I have seen/read/ have tested 1st hand/ and things I have experienced in my own personal life as a customer.
It seems every time I go with MSI and allow their advertising to make my decision for me... I get screwed. I don't find their software to be worth a damn. Nor do I find their Customer service to know what they are talking about. As well as every time I have talked with them you get an off shore customer service member who is very hard to understand and does not speed much time with you before they start blaming the problem on another component that is not theirs. (As well as I have ran into the denying RMA's for any small reason they can find)
With both EVGA and Asus you get a US Customer Service REP.... who will divot a large amount of time to your issue and you get a speedy and timely return.

If you get an MSI card that works from the beginning.... I am sure you won't ever have a problem with it. Same with the Asus Cards and EVGA cards. But I would just rather have the extra security that's all.

If i ever do have a problem with something from the beginning I always go to the retailer i bought it from for an RMA which is ussually newegg.

 

[20mmrain]

If i ever do have a problem with something from the beginning I always go to the retailer i bought it from for an RMA which is ussually newegg.

Which is a good point. LOL I just think I am maybe using this opportunity to vent my problems with MSI.

Either way bud you will get a great card with what ever brand you go with. The GTX 680 is a beast of a card... and I look forward to seeing what you can do with it.

 

[mog22wai]

I'm waffling...I can't decide whether to go for the EVGA 680 FTW 4GB now or wait for the 7970 Ghz Edition. If you had to pick one of the 2 which would you recommend?

7970 Ghz would perhaps be less expensive and maybe more powerful? My 5970 is shot and I can't make up my mind. I was certain of the FTW... until AMD's announcement last week.

 

[Protagonist]

I'd buy any stock GTX680, then overclock it at my own pace coz i never seem to overclock a GPU for at list 6 Months, i always find the stock clock adequate for any game i throw on a GPU, on the other hand factory over clocked is a good choice too but never my target.

Plus GDDR6 is coming out next year....

 

[Irony]

Since money is not of concern, I say do this:

Its so pretty...

 

[chrislue]

ASUS GTX670-DC2T-2GD5 GeForce GTX 670 2GB 256-bit ...

Seriously, I just can't see spending $100 extra for what amounts to no noticeable performance improvement...

I'd say Gigabyte is a better choice regarding saving money plus performance.

 

[Irony]

I'd say Gigabyte is a better choice regarding saving money plus performance.

And it does have triple fans. = cool card.

 

[mstenholm]

I killed two MSIs folding. Asus or Gigabyte for me. I still don't know what this can do. I'm a slow OC'er

 

[MxPhenom 216]

I ordered a Evga GTX680 Signature 2

 

[Xero717]

I love my EVGA GTX680 Reference Card. I can OC it to 1231 boost clock with 60% fan (at 65% fan noise becomes noticeable) and keep temps under 56 C (They are usually actually lower!). I've been tempted to push it further to be honest, but i think that's far enough for everyday gaming.

I do think i got lucky with my chip. And to be honest, no matter how good the components are on a card, or the manufacturer you get it from, the majority of the burden is placed on the quality of the chip. I'd say go for the manufactuer/model that you know has the highest bins, and do not settle for any less.

Edit:

I was typing this before you put up your response I think you made a good choice!

 

[MxPhenom 216]

I love my EVGA GTX680 Reference Card. I can OC it to 1231 boost clock with 60% fan (at 65% fan noise becomes noticeable) and keep temps under 56 C (They are usually actually lower!). I've been tempted to push it further to be honest, but i think that's far enough for everyday gaming.

I do think i got lucky with my chip. And to be honest, no matter how good the components are on a card, or the manufacturer you get it from, the majority of the burden is placed on the quality of the chip. I'd say go for the manufactuer/model that you know has the highest bins, and do not settle for any less.

and it seems Evga has some of the best chips. During the GTX400 series. If you got an EVGA you have like a 80% chance of getting a cherry card compared to any other vendor.

 

[Sinzia]

I have both a Galaxy and a Zotac reference board... If you're in the US and register the Zotac you get a lifetime warranty, and there's no "void if removed" stickers on the cooler if you want to use anything aftermarket.

Galaxy's registration system also sucks hardcore, and only a 3 year warranty.

 

[D007]

SO im going to be buying a GTX680 next week as a lot of you guys already know since ive been touting it all over the place, but im just not sure which one I want. I really want the Lightning card, but for 599 im not sure its worth it since I won't use a lot of its features, but the cooler and quietness is nice along with the fact the voltage is unlocked. I was also looking at the Evga Signature 2 with the dual fan cooler for 519, since it would also be a little quieter and cooler, but no where near Lightning cards level. Money isn't much of an issue which is another. Go big or go home, but 599 for a GPU. Not to sure about that. The lightning card is just sexy.

Keep in mind of course what resolution you game at.. If not super high res the 680 may be a waste of your money. Rather sli 670. or get one 670 and best your bang for buck ratio..

 

[MxPhenom 216]

Keep in mind of course what resolution you game at.. If not super high res the 680 may be a waste of your money. Rather sli 670. or get one 670 and best your bang for buck ratio..

1920 x 1200

But i wanted to go high end. I had the money. Ive never had a full on flagship card before and the 680 fit the bill very well.

 

[phanbuey]

Which GTX 680 should you buy? The one that says GTX 670 on it ... more specifically the EVGA FTW GTX 670

 

[MxPhenom 216]

Which GTX 680 should you buy? The one that says GTX 670 on it ... more specifically the EVGA FTW GTX 670

if i got a 670 id get the MSi PE edition for $10 more then the Evga FTW

 

[phanbuey]

if i got a 670 id get the MSi PE edition for $10 more then the Evga FTW

MSI warranty sucks big time.

 

[MxPhenom 216]

MSI warranty sucks big time.

its 3 years like Evgas now.

 

[D007]

its 3 years like Evgas now.

I'd say at 1900x1200 go 670. ^^

That's imo.

1920 x 1200

But i wanted to go high end. I had the money. Ive never had a full on flagship card before and the 680 fit the bill very well.

Yea I did the same thing, now I regret spending the extra money. You may get like 1 fps more in games. The difference is not worth it at all. Usually the difference is worth it but this time Nvidia brain farted and made the step down card, just as good as the "flagship card". This is one of the few times something like this happens. I'd take advantage of it..

 

[Irony]

I ordered a Evga GTX680 Signature 2

Finally. It'll be an awesome upgrade from your 470. You'll be able to actually enjoy skyrim!

 

[btarunr]

I already have the one I'd buy. Fast, quiet, stylish.

 

[MxPhenom 216]

yeah this Evga GTX680 Signature 2 is the best upgrade I have gotten in a long time. I can't hear a thing out of it and im maxing BF3 at all Ultra with 4x MSAA at 1920 x 1200 at 80FPS. and runs at like 60c.