EVGA GTX 680 Signature or Reference?

[DrexelDragon]

Hey guys, what is the difference between the reference GTX 680 and the Signature 680, other than the look of the card? I did some research but I could not find anything that compares them, thanks!

 

[Smartazz]

It looks like the Signature has a factory overclock and some of them have two fans. Personally I would go for the dual fan model because reference blower cards tend to be very loud while gaming.

 

[DrexelDragon]

Yeah, I looked at the card with two fans. The only thing I was worried about was the fact it blows the hot air directly into the case. I have a THOR V2 so I think I'll be alright I have pretty good airflow but I'm not sure..

 

[Smartazz]

That case looks like it has some good airflow, but you are right that the dual fan model will blow hot air into your case. What CPU do you have and will you overclock it?

 

[DrexelDragon]

I have the 3570K overclocked to 4.8 gHz on an H100

 

[Smartazz]

If your voltage isn't insane on that 3570 then I think you should be fine with a dual fan card. The 680 and the 3570 don't typically generate a lot of heat.

 

[DrexelDragon]

Its not I'll have to double check buts its somewhere around 1.28ish, I got a good chip lol

 

[hokies83]

Its not I'll have to double check buts its somewhere around 1.28ish, I got a good chip lol

That is good about what mine does my 3770k needs 1.35v for 5ghz 24/7

If your going air cooling.. Why not try looking at some non ref designed cards? The GB windforce card is like 399$ and is great at that price point.

As it has the 680 pcb and people seem to be having great success with flashing the bios on them and getting crazy overclocks.

 

[DrexelDragon]

I just like the look of the reference cards over the non ones, we'll see..So What's your temps on your 3770 at 5ghz? I tried to get up there but my temps went up to over 100C lol What cooling are you on?

 

[hokies83]

Same cooler as you..

My Max temps are in the low to mid 90s..

But i dont run my cpu 100% load for hrs on end so not hurting anything.

I have a Cosmos 2 with Cougars in push pull.

 

[DrexelDragon]

Gotcha...Yeah I'd probably be alright just like you but when I run prime it gets real hot. But like you said no one really runs it at full load for hours on end but I get nervous lol