[H] has reviewed the 680 v 7970 both on max oc's, should put the argument to bed now.
Here's the figures strictly for the enthusiasts(
the ex overclockers who now prefer stock performance may look away now
):
Full review here:
http://hardocp.com/article/2012/04/04/nvidia_kepler_geforce_gtx_680_overclocking_review/1
'The Bottom Line
One thing is certain after our overclocking, the default GPU Boost settings are not the highest frequency the GeForce GTX 680 is capable of. The GPU frequency can certainly be improved by manual overclocking. There is a bit of headroom yet to be had with this GPU. We strongly feel that it is voltage that is holding this GPU back. We look forward to custom-built GeForce GTX 680 video cards. With a custom-built PCB, custom-HSF, and all the high-efficiency hardware add-in-board partners like to use, we can't wait to see custom capabilities with the GeForce GTX 680.
Despite the not-so Earth shattering overclocking results we achieved today, the GeForce GTX 680 is still able to compete well with the Radeon HD 7970, even overclocked. The fact remains that for a less expensive price
[USA review remember
] the GeForce GTX 680 remains a cost saving venture for a similar experience. Overclocking will buy you 15% or so better performance on a reference design board, but if you are interested in overclocking, we suggest you look toward custom add-in-board video cards for what may truly be possible out of the GeForce GTX 680.'
There you have it, unless you absolutuley need Cuda/PhysX/Nvidia3D/Eyefinity?, then imho, buy the cheapest of the two that you can find.
Anyone who could tell the difference sitting side by side with no fps counter really must be called Steve Austin!
I thought that this very heated subject deserved it's own thread even if the review has already been posted in one of the other threads.