980ti reference vs Asus Strix OC vs the rest

[Harpss1ngh]

Hi all,

Other than factory overclock are there any other functional differences between reference and non-reference, will the non-reference overclock higher than overclocking reference cards? Assuming both can clock to the same speeds.

I know Asus and the others have different power designs, but do they really make all the difference?

Can I use the bios mod on a reference card and hit the same overclocks as a Strix OC can when it's overclocked beyond its factory overclock, for example?

I've seen reviews where people have hit similar levels on reference cards as others on non-reference and wondering if that's common and/or whether the other cards have silicon that is binned much higher.

Assuming the card will be under water, so not limited to it's cooling

 

[X584EVA]

A non reference dual 8 pin would be the way to go if you want to push it hard with a custom Bios and overclock. The power phase design and caps used etc do help over a reference card. Of course how much you ultimately get out of the card will be down to the silicon lottery.

There's a great thread here on Overclock.net with custom bios and overclocks for the Gigabyte G1 and Extreme. People seem to be getting 1400MHz+ core clocks with relative ease.

 

[Harpss1ngh]

Awesome, thanks.