New GPU, thinking of GTX680

Mariusmssj · 19 Apr 2012 at 21:28

Hey everyone,

I just sold my MSI 570, and using 8800GTS until I buy a new graphics card.

I was thinking of buying the EVGA GTX680 but I really dislike the reference coolers they are really loud and don't cool too well.

And I just saw that OCUK is doing 14 satisfaction guaranty so I am thinking of buying the Gigabyte 680 (since EVGA is out of stock) to see what the reference cooler is like, if its too loud and too hot, could I just return the card and wait for non reference custom GTX680?

Thank =]

Gregster · 19 Apr 2012 at 21:33

I have the EVGA and trust me, when I game, I can't hear it. Very quiet. If I bench and put the fan on full though it is loud.

My case helps (CM Haf 922 case) but others have said it is very quiet also.

jeff6475 · 19 Apr 2012 at 21:36

worth getting and you should be able 2 send it back no probs if it doesnt suit your needs

MichaelM · 19 Apr 2012 at 21:37

1. There are no indications that the reference cooler on a 680 is noisy or that the card can be considered hot. Aftermarket cooling is actually a waste of money in my opinion.

2. 680's are overpriced. Get a 7970 instead or wait for the inevitable 680 price cut.

Mariusmssj · 19 Apr 2012 at 21:38

aaa I see, do you think I should get a reference EVGA or wait for the signature 2 edition?

Another thing is that if I buy the reference EVGA I quality for step-up program don't i?

jeff6475 · 19 Apr 2012 at 21:40

that looks a sweet card

Gregster · 19 Apr 2012 at 21:42

No step up program for the 680 owners sadly

Edit.

I have never seen temps go over 61c running BF3 full ultra for a few hours (I am an addict). Great card, even at the reference level.

Mariusmssj · 19 Apr 2012 at 21:44

Straing from their website, so you better register your card while you can to qualify!

Available Step-Up Products

EVGA maintains a list of current graphics cards as well as motherboards available to Step-Up to. Products listed are mostly stock (not factory overclocked, or water cooled) due to stock limitations.
EVGA EU

Motherboards
EVGA Z68 SLI - (130-SB-E685-KR)
EVGA Z68 FTW - (160-SB-E689-KR)
EVGA X79 FTW - (151-SE-E777-KR)
EVGA X79 Classified - (151-SE-E779-KR)
EVGA X58 FTW3 - (132-GT-E768-ER)
EVGA X58 Classified3 - (141-GT-E770-ER)

Graphics Card
EVGA GeForce GTX 680 - (02G-P4-2680-KR)

Xire · 19 Apr 2012 at 21:44

If you really dont want a reference cooler, just wait a week or so, a lot of non reference cards are out soon (ive got the windforce gigabyte on order)

Gregster · 19 Apr 2012 at 21:45

oooo thanks for that link, I will do that now

Step-Up Information:

The EVGA Step-Up allows you to upgrade your product within 90 days of your original purchase date. For details, look over our Step-Up section under Support.

This product is not available for Step-Up. Please read the terms and conditions of our Step-Up program.

Mariusmssj · 19 Apr 2012 at 21:50

gregster said:
oooo thanks for that link, I will do that now

Step-Up Information:

The EVGA Step-Up allows you to upgrade your product within 90 days of your original purchase date. For details, look over our Step-Up section under Support.

This product is not available for Step-Up. Please read the terms and conditions of our Step-Up program.

I think you need the extended warranty for that, but the serial codes do match the serial code that OCUK is selling. Email EVGA and check where is the issue! You got nothing to loose and step-up to gain!

Mariusmssj · 19 Apr 2012 at 21:51

Xire01 said:
If you really dont want a reference cooler, just wait a week or so, a lot of non reference cards are out soon (ive got the windforce gigabyte on order)

Well because of evga step up i am willing to try the reference card

Mojo · 19 Apr 2012 at 23:00

at £430, it's impossible to justify the price of a GTX680 over a £370 7970.

There was a VTX3d card on this week only that was non-reference, but I think you've just missed it

Mariusmssj · 19 Apr 2012 at 23:04

Mojo said:
at £430, it's impossible to justify the price of a GTX680 over a £370 7970.

There was a VTX3d card on this week only that was non-reference, but I think you've just missed it

I already own a Nvidia 3D 120Hz monitor so ATI card is not an option for me!

Gregster · 19 Apr 2012 at 23:34

I have done the extended warranty and will prolly do the step up to a 4gig version at some stage.

Mariusmssj · 20 Apr 2012 at 07:48

Xire01 said:
If you really dont want a reference cooler, just wait a week or so, a lot of non reference cards are out soon (ive got the windforce gigabyte on order)

Let me know when you get it and what are your thoughts about it

Mariusmssj · 20 Apr 2012 at 07:49

gregster said:
I have done the extended warranty and will prolly do the step up to a 4gig version at some stage.

nice, it seems that 690 should be coming soon!

straxusii · 20 Apr 2012 at 07:57

Go for the reference cooler, it is cool and quiet

Obviously 7970 is slightly better value at the moment but reference 7970s are significantly louder.

Rusty0611 · 20 Apr 2012 at 09:14

Mojo said:
at £430, it's impossible to justify the price of a GTX680 over a £370 7970.

There was a VTX3d card on this week only that was non-reference, but I think you've just missed it

It's not. 3D, Physx... to name a few solid reasons. Also consider AMD's driver reputation.

Easy choice in those situations but if you're not interested in those points then yes, the 7970 is a no brainer.

Mariusmssj · 20 Apr 2012 at 10:11

Well the EVGA GTX680 is not in stock and other option I have is Gigabyte, But from what I heard EVGA is overall better and it comes with more things inside the box.

So do you think it's worth to wait until they stock EVGA or just buy Gigabyte?

@Rusty0611 I already have have nvidia 3D ready monitor with glasses, so ATI is not really an option for me