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Review: ASUS GeForce GTX 980 Strix
We review and test the ASUS GeForce GTX 980 Strix. Fitted with that h00t of a cooler, a custom PCB, quality components and a factory overclock this product is bound to perform, whilst staying very silent. Heck, the DirectCU II based cooler won't even spin with GPU temperatures up-to roughly 67 Degrees C. The card has 4 GB graphics memory, is energy efficient and factory overclocked for you. Oh and hey, it overclocks nicely as well to almost 1500 MHz on the GPU boost frequency.
Read our review right here.
Review: MSI X99S XPower AC Motherboard - 10/07/2014 05:18 PM
Join us in a review on the MSI X99S XPower AC motherboard,a gorgeous looking high-end X99 motherboard. MSI took the X99 chipset and then started adding, resulting in a gorgeous motherboard that has SL...
Review: MSI GeForce GTX 980 Gaming OC - 10/03/2014 09:14 AM
We review that all new MSI GeForce GTX 980 Gaming OC edition graphics card (GTX980GAMING4G). Armed with some more performance this model comes with that new TwinFrozr V cooler. The GM204-400 chip is p...
Review: GeForce GTX 970 SLI review - 09/26/2014 01:47 PM
The last review for this week is again a review on the GeForce GTX 970 but this time in a 2-way SLI. As such we'll be going from fast to faaaaast. In this review we'll run the standard benchmarks, b...
Review: Palit GeForce GTX 970 Jetstream - 09/25/2014 09:50 AM
We review the Palit GeForce GTX 970 Jetstream. With a boost clock of 1304 MHz the graphics card is set to perform alright. Palit had a mission, it was to make the product as silent as possible, and th...
Review: ASUS GeForce GTX 970 Strix - 09/24/2014 09:43 AM
Join us, as we review the ASUS GeForce GTX 970 Strix graphics card. A product that has been overhauled in terms of PCB and cooling. ASUS also clocks the product a little faster then reference. The new...
makaveli316
Senior Member
Posts: 168
Joined: 2012-09-28
Senior Member
Posts: 168
Joined: 2012-09-28
#4933327 Posted on: 10/09/2014 12:34 PM
Looking at the benchmarks, sometimes the 980 is not even 10fps faster than a 970....
Looking at the benchmarks, sometimes the 980 is not even 10fps faster than a 970....
xIcarus
Senior Member
Posts: 941
Joined: 2010-08-24
Senior Member
Posts: 941
Joined: 2010-08-24
#4933339 Posted on: 10/09/2014 12:57 PM
Am I the only one who thinks that the old DCII cooler looked fancier
?
Although this once looks good aswell.
Am I the only one who thinks that the old DCII cooler looked fancier
?
Although this once looks good aswell.
cowie
Senior Member
Posts: 13189
Joined: 2005-03-30
Senior Member
Posts: 13189
Joined: 2005-03-30
#4933362 Posted on: 10/09/2014 01:18 PM
Great review boss
I like mine too even only after a few hours use its Quiet cool and modable
Great review boss
I like mine too even only after a few hours use its Quiet cool and modable
xkche
Junior Member
Posts: 6
Joined: 2011-10-28
Junior Member
Posts: 6
Joined: 2011-10-28
#4933733 Posted on: 10/09/2014 08:57 PM
Great review, as always.
A question. The backplate help to reduce heat?, it's because in the pics i see that just "hide" the heat.
Thanks!
Great review, as always.
A question. The backplate help to reduce heat?, it's because in the pics i see that just "hide" the heat.
Thanks!
SLI-756
Junior Member
Posts: 7604
Joined: 2012-07-10
Junior Member
Posts: 7604
Joined: 2012-07-10
#4933735 Posted on: 10/09/2014 08:58 PM
they just hide the heat basically.
they just hide the heat basically.
EKRboi
Member
Posts: 74
Joined: 2014-02-06
Member
Posts: 74
Joined: 2014-02-06
#4933967 Posted on: 10/10/2014 02:48 AM
Pretty card and the clocks these non reference cards are sporting are REALLY nice, but I want 8gb cards nao! and since ill be using 2 or 3 of them all these fancy coolers do me no good. I'm hoping an 8gb variant is offered with the reference cooler because I'll need them venting out the back.
Pretty card and the clocks these non reference cards are sporting are REALLY nice, but I want 8gb cards nao! and since ill be using 2 or 3 of them all these fancy coolers do me no good. I'm hoping an 8gb variant is offered with the reference cooler because I'll need them venting out the back.
cps1974
Member
Posts: 64
Joined: 2013-01-02
Member
Posts: 64
Joined: 2013-01-02
#4934204 Posted on: 10/10/2014 02:03 PM
some shocking comments here
backplates make the card more sturdy/rigid to stop the PCB warping / bending / sagging etc
they also provide protection to critical components exposed on the rear of the PCB
I don't believe they improve temps significantly, if at all
In most peoples opinions they look smarter / cleaner (In a windowed case of course) where the rear of the PCB is pointing up and therefore visible through the window
amazes me when folk don't like the look of the backplates and prefer the rear of the exposed PCB but each to their own - I would use one just to help prevent the PCB warping / sagging and to provide protection to components - why spend £300, £400, £500, £600 on a GPU and have no £20 backplate ?? each to their own though
some shocking comments here
backplates make the card more sturdy/rigid to stop the PCB warping / bending / sagging etc
they also provide protection to critical components exposed on the rear of the PCB
I don't believe they improve temps significantly, if at all
In most peoples opinions they look smarter / cleaner (In a windowed case of course) where the rear of the PCB is pointing up and therefore visible through the window
amazes me when folk don't like the look of the backplates and prefer the rear of the exposed PCB but each to their own - I would use one just to help prevent the PCB warping / sagging and to provide protection to components - why spend £300, £400, £500, £600 on a GPU and have no £20 backplate ?? each to their own though
Mato87
Member
Posts: 282
Joined: 2012-11-22
Member
Posts: 282
Joined: 2012-11-22
#4934210 Posted on: 10/10/2014 02:19 PM
Oh man...the performance is incredible in shadow of mordor, it even beats any other card on 1080p on crysis 3.... but Iam still happy I decided to go for two asus strix gtx 970's instead
The cards are due to arrive on 16th of october, I can't wait
Oh man...the performance is incredible in shadow of mordor, it even beats any other card on 1080p on crysis 3.... but Iam still happy I decided to go for two asus strix gtx 970's instead
The cards are due to arrive on 16th of october, I can't wait
xkche
Junior Member
Posts: 6
Joined: 2011-10-28
Junior Member
Posts: 6
Joined: 2011-10-28
#4934543 Posted on: 10/10/2014 11:09 PM
some shocking comments here
backplates make the card more sturdy/rigid to stop the PCB warping / bending / sagging etc
they also provide protection to critical components exposed on the rear of the PCB
I don't believe they improve temps significantly, if at all
In most peoples opinions they look smarter / cleaner (In a windowed case of course) where the rear of the PCB is pointing up and therefore visible through the window
amazes me when folk don't like the look of the backplates and prefer the rear of the exposed PCB but each to their own - I would use one just to help prevent the PCB warping / sagging and to provide protection to components - why spend £300, £400, £500, £600 on a GPU and have no £20 backplate ?? each to their own though
Yes, I know that, my old HD6870 IceQ bend a little just for the lack of backplate (large and heavy cooler).
some shocking comments here
backplates make the card more sturdy/rigid to stop the PCB warping / bending / sagging etc
they also provide protection to critical components exposed on the rear of the PCB
I don't believe they improve temps significantly, if at all
In most peoples opinions they look smarter / cleaner (In a windowed case of course) where the rear of the PCB is pointing up and therefore visible through the window
amazes me when folk don't like the look of the backplates and prefer the rear of the exposed PCB but each to their own - I would use one just to help prevent the PCB warping / sagging and to provide protection to components - why spend £300, £400, £500, £600 on a GPU and have no £20 backplate ?? each to their own though
Yes, I know that, my old HD6870 IceQ bend a little just for the lack of backplate (large and heavy cooler).
schoolofmonkey
Senior Member
Posts: 184
Joined: 2014-03-30
Senior Member
Posts: 184
Joined: 2014-03-30
#4934648 Posted on: 10/11/2014 01:24 AM
Am i the only one that went WTF on the VRM temps?
Asus card seem to always have very high vrm temps, seriously the DCU II cooler can't cool them properly.
I've owned 2 top of the line ASUS cards (GTX780ti DCU II OC and a GTX780ti Matrix), both had VRM temps exceeding 100c.
No I don't have a tiny air flow restirictive case, I have Enthoo Primo with 6 front intakes.
Now I can see the same happening on the Strix in a closed case (Tests in the review are on an open test bench).
Personally I went with the Gigabyte GTX980 G1 Gaming, look at the vrm temps in the review 65c, add about 10c for an inclosed case and it's still much cooler.
My question is why do Asus cards have such high VRM temps, is the the type they use?
Am i the only one that went WTF on the VRM temps?
Asus card seem to always have very high vrm temps, seriously the DCU II cooler can't cool them properly.
I've owned 2 top of the line ASUS cards (GTX780ti DCU II OC and a GTX780ti Matrix), both had VRM temps exceeding 100c.
No I don't have a tiny air flow restirictive case, I have Enthoo Primo with 6 front intakes.
Now I can see the same happening on the Strix in a closed case (Tests in the review are on an open test bench).
Personally I went with the Gigabyte GTX980 G1 Gaming, look at the vrm temps in the review 65c, add about 10c for an inclosed case and it's still much cooler.
My question is why do Asus cards have such high VRM temps, is the the type they use?
fantaskarsef
Senior Member
Posts: 10628
Joined: 2014-07-21
Senior Member
Posts: 10628
Joined: 2014-07-21
#4934674 Posted on: 10/11/2014 02:07 AM
Am i the only one that went WTF on the VRM temps?
Asus card seem to always have very high vrm temps, seriously the DCU II cooler can't cool them properly.
I've owned 2 top of the line ASUS cards (GTX780ti DCU II OC and a GTX780ti Matrix), both had VRM temps exceeding 100c.
No I don't have a tiny air flow restirictive case, I have Enthoo Primo with 6 front intakes.
Now I can see the same happening on the Strix in a closed case (Tests in the review are on an open test bench).
Personally I went with the Gigabyte GTX980 G1 Gaming, look at the vrm temps in the review 65c, add about 10c for an inclosed case and it's still much cooler.
My question is why do Asus cards have such high VRM temps, is the the type they use?
It's been the same with the 780 Strix too, there they went over 100C on the open bench... I guess it's the cooler layout *shrugs* Wouldn't recommand the Strix cards tbh.
Am i the only one that went WTF on the VRM temps?
Asus card seem to always have very high vrm temps, seriously the DCU II cooler can't cool them properly.
I've owned 2 top of the line ASUS cards (GTX780ti DCU II OC and a GTX780ti Matrix), both had VRM temps exceeding 100c.
No I don't have a tiny air flow restirictive case, I have Enthoo Primo with 6 front intakes.
Now I can see the same happening on the Strix in a closed case (Tests in the review are on an open test bench).
Personally I went with the Gigabyte GTX980 G1 Gaming, look at the vrm temps in the review 65c, add about 10c for an inclosed case and it's still much cooler.
My question is why do Asus cards have such high VRM temps, is the the type they use?
It's been the same with the 780 Strix too, there they went over 100C on the open bench... I guess it's the cooler layout *shrugs* Wouldn't recommand the Strix cards tbh.
Rita
Junior Member
Posts: 18
Joined: 2011-03-15
Junior Member
Posts: 18
Joined: 2011-03-15
#4934816 Posted on: 10/11/2014 06:35 AM
Am i the only one that went WTF on the VRM temps?
Asus card seem to always have very high vrm temps, seriously the DCU II cooler can't cool them properly.
I've owned 2 top of the line ASUS cards (GTX780ti DCU II OC and a GTX780ti Matrix), both had VRM temps exceeding 100c.
No I don't have a tiny air flow restirictive case, I have Enthoo Primo with 6 front intakes.
Now I can see the same happening on the Strix in a closed case (Tests in the review are on an open test bench).
Personally I went with the Gigabyte GTX980 G1 Gaming, look at the vrm temps in the review 65c, add about 10c for an inclosed case and it's still much cooler.
My question is why do Asus cards have such high VRM temps, is the the type they use?
Beats me. I've asked lot's of knowledgeable people regarding this, they say it's fine and that they are made to work under these temps. It still annoys me having such high temps though. Question is, have you heard of any cards sporting these failing early? That would be the right question to ask.
Anyway, I'm going for the Strix 970, if it dies - those that said it'll be fine better hide, because I'm going on a murder spree.
Am i the only one that went WTF on the VRM temps?
Asus card seem to always have very high vrm temps, seriously the DCU II cooler can't cool them properly.
I've owned 2 top of the line ASUS cards (GTX780ti DCU II OC and a GTX780ti Matrix), both had VRM temps exceeding 100c.
No I don't have a tiny air flow restirictive case, I have Enthoo Primo with 6 front intakes.
Now I can see the same happening on the Strix in a closed case (Tests in the review are on an open test bench).
Personally I went with the Gigabyte GTX980 G1 Gaming, look at the vrm temps in the review 65c, add about 10c for an inclosed case and it's still much cooler.
My question is why do Asus cards have such high VRM temps, is the the type they use?
Beats me. I've asked lot's of knowledgeable people regarding this, they say it's fine and that they are made to work under these temps. It still annoys me having such high temps though. Question is, have you heard of any cards sporting these failing early? That would be the right question to ask.
Anyway, I'm going for the Strix 970, if it dies - those that said it'll be fine better hide, because I'm going on a murder spree.
cowie
Senior Member
Posts: 13189
Joined: 2005-03-30
Senior Member
Posts: 13189
Joined: 2005-03-30
#4934994 Posted on: 10/11/2014 01:53 PM
Beats me. I've asked lot's of knowledgeable people regarding this, they say it's fine and that they are made to work under these temps. It still annoys me having such high temps though. Question is, have you heard of any cards sporting these failing early? That would be the right question to ask.
Anyway, I'm going for the Strix 970, if it dies - those that said it'll be fine better hide, because I'm going on a murder spree.
Because the heatsinks for the pbc are just small
The nv DcII's never have memory cooling plates and use the same small vrm heatsink
If you wanna drop 10c off that area the way to do it is take the backplate off(you need to get screws to hold the stock vrm sink on after this) and add a heatsink to the back of the vrms I have a 1 inch wide 5 inch long sink I always add it adheres with sticky thermal tape it works well.
or go custom an add a bigger vrm heatsink or water cool it some how
I don't like see temps like that either but they handle them I never killed a DCII that was green and I modded all of them.
my 680 still goes 1700+ cold
Beats me. I've asked lot's of knowledgeable people regarding this, they say it's fine and that they are made to work under these temps. It still annoys me having such high temps though. Question is, have you heard of any cards sporting these failing early? That would be the right question to ask.
Anyway, I'm going for the Strix 970, if it dies - those that said it'll be fine better hide, because I'm going on a murder spree.
Because the heatsinks for the pbc are just small
The nv DcII's never have memory cooling plates and use the same small vrm heatsink
If you wanna drop 10c off that area the way to do it is take the backplate off(you need to get screws to hold the stock vrm sink on after this) and add a heatsink to the back of the vrms I have a 1 inch wide 5 inch long sink I always add it adheres with sticky thermal tape it works well.
or go custom an add a bigger vrm heatsink or water cool it some how
I don't like see temps like that either but they handle them I never killed a DCII that was green and I modded all of them.
my 680 still goes 1700+ cold
bkydcmpr
Junior Member
Posts: 3
Joined: 2014-10-11
Junior Member
Posts: 3
Joined: 2014-10-11
#4935000 Posted on: 10/11/2014 02:05 PM
I`m disappointed with the performance
20 watts increased over the reference design, only 1 frame gain in BF4, really?
I`m disappointed with the performance
20 watts increased over the reference design, only 1 frame gain in BF4, really?
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Senior Member
Posts: 2981
Joined: 2011-05-10
Thanks for the review, the Strix cooler is nice but I'm liking MSI this time around for cards.