Which GeForce GTX 970 4GB to Buy?

[Teizo]

That said, if you don't mind buying a Radeon card, the Power Color PCS+ 390 is a good card and is only $299. It does use more power and will dump more heat into your case than the 970, but performance wise they are virtually the same.

Oh look...the first person to bring up the 390 as good alternative was........

 

[PuppyBoss]

If you like spoof vids, you will probably get a kick out of this video about the latest Radeon driver fiasco when they messed up and locked the fan speed to 20% and people's cards overheated and fried.

That was hilarious! :biggrin:

The fact that people need convincing to take a card with more VRAM given pretty much all other things being equal is mind boggling.

I'm not very bright, so can you elaborate? What am I missing? More RAM but everything else equal... Which card are you referring to? If its the 390, it has more of everything, but price is more, and its AMD D:

Oh look...the first person to bring up the 390 as good alternative was........

No sweat . You also said performance-wise its close to 970. I checked up on the 390 specs, and its way higher than the 970. If the specs are so high but the performance isn't just as high (more or less), it likely that the card isn't doing well, right? Thus my reluctance with AMD cards. If you are a veteran in hardware like most of you guys here, you could tweak and change stuff, OC the hardware, do this and that or what ever, and get the full bang for your hardware buck, if you will. I have no such knowledge or expertise, so I'm going to be using the stock features. OC too will be used if it comes factory overclocked, so that I won't have to do anything. I love games, but I'm quite poor in the tech side of things.

 

[Teizo]

The 390 is the same gpu as the 290. When the 290 came out...it had 4gb of vram. AMD just added an extra 4gb of vram to the 390 and 390X to distinguish it from Nvidia's counterparts. It can fully access all 8gb of vram...but not efficiently. Any game that requires that much vram will be choked out by the gpu first.

If you game at 1080p, and the 390 is more expensive...just buy the 970 and enjoy it. It will be fine. In about 2 years time maybe it will start giving you problems, but no more so than the 390.

Anything else is just hyperbole and jibberish.

 

[crazzy.heartz]

Doubt GPU's have global warranty. Think items like PS/XBox might have though. It's a risk as you said.

I agree, but the 390 is way over my budget. The 6GB 390 costs 39900 here :'(

Looks like the the 8GB 390X is the same price in the US as the 970 in India! D:

I'd also like to mention why I'm inclined towards NVidia cards. Most games are very well optimized to run on Nvidia cards, so that means less hassle and headaches when playing games. I've observed many AMD users complain they have some graphics issue or the other on many games, and forums telling them to do different things as a workaround. I cannot say how exactly the situation is with AMD cards, as I've never owned even one till now. If the 390X is really good, with double the VRAM, and the same price, then I might be just desperate (if you'll forgive me) enough to buy that. The price here is way more for the 390, and in the US, according to BestBuy, the price is $430 which is 29k (within my budget)

EVGA offers Global Warranty on us graphic cards. You can look into this :
https://www.evga.com/articles/00671/

Also, it appears that only EVGA offers it :

www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2597028/international-warranty-gigabyte-msi-graphic-cards.html


Furthermore , if you are considering to purchase a GFX from US, get a 980 instead. It offers 2 benefits over 970:

1. It has the full graphics chip. 970 is a cut down version of 980.
2. It has full speed 4 GB RAM, instead of 3.5

6GB 980 Ti would b even better as its the fastest single GPU card around.

However, make this decision only after your friend confirms you the respective prices for both products.

Also, sticking with Nvidia will enable you to play games on a 4k TV should you choose to buy so in the future as they have HDMI 2.0 ports. AMD does 4k on Display port monitors / TV only..


———————————————————————


Those prices quoted to you for 390/390x are wayy off.. They look like Fury/Fury X prices..

I don't think they had 390/390x cards in stock to quote you such ridiculous price.. Check this out -
www.deltapage.com/content/price.htm
(Scroll to the bottom)

None of the online retailers seem to have 390 /390x in stock in India..it appears you're stuck with Nvidia, if you choose to buy locally.

––––––––––––––––––––––––

However, if you want to run your graphic card at factory settings, as you have in the past, then AMD would b a better option for you. You need to overclock 970 to bring it closer to 390 in terms of performance.. Whereas 390 is already giving you the maximum performance it can, right out of the box.

Regarding games playing better on Nvidia - Both Nvidia and AMD sponsor game developers to use their features .. So, some perform better on AMD cards and other on Nvidia cards. However, all powerful GFX cards will play all the games hastle free..

Nvidia and AMD have different architectures with which they build GFX cards. The AMD architecture for this generation seems to b better optimised for DX 12 which comes with windows 10. Eventually, games will use DX12 instead of DX 11 which will factor in on your graphic card performance.

With two graphic cards (970/and 390 ) having similar performance (once you overclock the 970), a card that has more RAM & a better architecture for DX12 will serve you better in the future.

Also, most games are first built for Xbox / PS 4 and are then made compatible for PC.. As consoles have 8GB Graphics RAM, game developers are using Graphics RAM more freely as well and it shows in graphic card performance for new games.. If its showing up, right now, in Dec 2015; its only going to continue and increase in 2016/2017..

And these are things that you should factor in when buying a $400-$500 product, that you intend to use for 2-3 years..

 

[ClockerXP]

I had an eVGA FTW 970 for about 6 months. I tried an Asus Strix for a 2nd machine because I got a great deal . The Asus' cooler is much bigger than the eVGA and it runs noticeably quieter and cooler under load (Folding). I recommend the Asus.

 

[crazzy.heartz]

I dunno whats wrong with my current setup, but when gaming on my GTX 460, the temp remains in 92-96 degrees range. I tried removing the side panel and even keeping the cabinet out of my compact table where there's not enough airflow. (I checked the temps with Tech Powerup GPU-Z). Isn't this a rather high temp range for the card to be in? Or is it OK? And should I restrict myself to lower TDP (?) cards which pull less power (to prevent heating issues when I keep the cabinet back in the computer table)

Before you dabble with overclocking, there are some pre-requisites that you need to check.

Your GFX is running wayy too hot and most likely, the CPU would also b running at high temps with an old stock fan.

You should have fan/s that bring fresh air into your cabinet and then a couple of fans that exhaust the hot air out. This ensures that your hardware doesn't get overheated and performs optimally.

Also, fans bring dust particles into your cabinet, which should b cleaned every couple of months with a compressed air can or a simple air blower in 1 sec bursts.. That sends a gush of air that blows away the dust collected around your CPU / GFX card heatsink..

However, any number of fans would do u no good if you've kept your case inside a wooden table/framework that's blocked from 2/3 sides.. That doesn't allow the hot air to escape and it keeps on circulating within the system. So check if this is the case with your setup.

Also, if you have no air filters on your intake fans, and you've never cleaned dust from your system, chances are that a lot of dust has collected under the heatsinks that would require these components to b taken out of your case and cleaned manually as required.

Remember though, if you take off the heatsinks from your CPU/GFX , you'll need to apply a drop of thermal paste on them before you place the heatsinks back on your CPU/GPU. This ensures better heat conductivity between the CPU/GPU and the heatsink. Don't forget to remove old paste from them via cotton /soft cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol.

You can get a thermal paste syringe from cooler master / thermal take / deepcool and use it multiple times to apply paste on different components.

Check your CPU and GPU temps before and after cleaning as well.. This gives motivation to repeat the process every couple of months..

Also, having old CPU, GFX, RAM and motherboard with a new powerful SMPS, gives you a unique opportunity to make yourself familiar with these components. In terms of taking things apart, cleaning them and putting it back. This will also give you confidence to put a new heat sink on top of your CPU, all by yourself. (After checking out a guide on YouTube first)

Once you've got system temperature under control, you can check out numerous online guides for steps required to safely increase the speed of your CPU/ GPU / GPU RAM.

A few minutes of online search and correct settings will ensure optimal performance from your PC.

 

[crazzy.heartz]

It's how you know the fanboyism on this forum is real on BOTH sides.

It's fanboyism on BOTH sides and it's really just pathetic

New members sign up here to seek information and unbiased opinion about new hardware /technologies.. So that they can make an educated decision towards their new purchase.

l fail to understand why people deliberately misguide others to buy inferior products from a particular company. Its not like AMD / Nvidia is paying them for each sale or as if its going into their own system..

One should b able to see through the BS from either camp..

 

[PuppyBoss]

You've answered quite a lot of my queries, crazzy.heartz. Thank you very much.

To summarise, you're saying to keep my options as: GTX 980 from US> 390X > 970 EVGA from US > 970 locally.
The 980 from the US will go over my current budget, though I can actually save up to it, but I'll have to wait a bit longer till then. Unfortunately, now would be the right time to buy in the US due to the christmas sale and end of the year sale. I'll probably need to save up till 1st or second week of Jan before I can commit to the 980. Also, my friend will be returning this month from the US. These 2 will be a problem for me. And I dunno if he's getting more electronic equipment from there. If he is, I might have to pay customs for mine, which won't work out in my favor.

I will consider the 970 EVGA too. The 390 isn't available locally and has no international warranty. As RussianSensation said, I could risk buying them without the warranty, but I'd rather take that kind of a risk with NVidia, not AMD, a totally new experience for me. Also, even if International warranty is there for AMD, buying it will still be a risk in India as there are no stocks here. Thus even if I return the card and its accepted, I won't get the replacement, due to unavailability of stocks. It has happened to me before (not with GPU's though).

Another thing about the 390X (from my previous comment). The 390X doesn't given that much of a performance boost compared to the (very) much higher specs it has over the 970. Doesn't that mean the card is not well optimized? And the higher power input = more heat? And Teizo says "390 is the same gpu as the 290.... AMD just added an extra 4gb of vram to the 390 and 390X... It can fully access all 8gb of vram, but not efficiently... Any game that requires that much vram will be choked out by the gpu first." Won't all these make the 390 not so good a card?

Regarding the dust build up, I regularly open up my cabinet and clean it using the vaccum cleaner's blow-er (or whatever its called). I dismantle the GPU & RAM and put them back after cleaning. I however haven't removed the CPU fan yet.

Regarding the high temps I currently run with, I have a query. My cabinet currently has only 1 rear fan (yes, stop laughing). Thus I keep the side panels open, and keep the cabinet out of the covered table, as you said. So except the bottom and 1 side (the covered MoBo side), all other sides are open to improve cooling. Is this dangerous if I buy a new card? I was of the notion that the newer card will pull less power (being a maxwell and all) and thus less will run cooler than my current card. Will I have to change my cabinet before I get a new card? If required, I can post a picture of my cabinet tomorrow.

And @ClockerXP: thanks for your input as well. People have praised the Strix's cooling and design. I could take a chance and get the non-warranty card from the US as RussianSensation suggested or pay extra and get the Asus card locally.

All seem like good choices, when others explain it to me lol. Now there are more options for me, each with pros and cons. Many fallacies I believed were corrected as well. Very much appreciate all the input. Each one have helped a lot.

 

[Headfoot]

Another thing about the 390X (from my previous comment). The 390X doesn't given that much of a performance boost compared to the (very) much higher specs it has over the 970. Doesn't that mean the card is not well optimized? And the higher power input = more heat? says "390 is the same gpu as the 290.... AMD just added an extra 4gb of vram to the 390 and 390X... It can fully access all 8gb of vram, but not efficiently... Any game that requires that much vram will be choked out by the gpu first." Won't all these make the 390 not so good a card?

No, kinda, and no. 390 is a very good card, better than a 970 (all things considered), but close enough that price is most important. How hot your GPU gets is determined by the quality of the included heatsink+fan on the video card. How much actual thermal energy it dissipates into the room depends on the GPU, with 390/x using more than the 970/980 by ~40-50w which amounts to a few cents a month.

The 980 is a terrible value in the US right now. It's hardly faster than a 970 for quite a bit more money. Same thing for 980 versus 390. The 390x is similarly overpriced compared to the 970 and 390.

Basically there are only 3 GPUs worth buying these days in the US in the mid to high range. 390/970 and 980 Ti.

 

[tential]

I don't know the prices of the cards in your local area, so the 970 may be the best deal for you. Irregardless, of which card you get, (Because you shouldn't pay a premium for the R9 290/390 over the 970, and you shouldn't pay a premium for the 970. Whatever card you get, it should be as cheap as possible).

As for airflow, I'd definitely give you tips, but I don't know what case you have. If you have a poor case, then upgrade to a case like the Fractal Design Define R4 or whatever case you like (Between the R4/R5, the NZXT's nice cases, or whatever).

As for temps with airflow? Adding a sidepanel fan drastically improved my Video Card Temps. 2 Intake fans definitely helped as well. I'd at a BARE MINIMUM suggest a side panel fan + Rear fan. Me personally, I also prefer to use the front intakes, and I also have removed all my drive cages for better airflow. No matter what card you get, you'll want to have the best airflow possible just to get the best out of the card.

It's hard to make a decision though without the EXACT prices available at the time of purchase, whether you consider CF/SLI later on, etc.

 

[crazzy.heartz]

You've answered quite a lot of my queries,Thank you very much.

To summarise, you're saying to keep my options as: GTX 980 from US> 390X > 970 EVGA from US > 970 locally.
The 980 from the US will go over my current budget, though I can actually save up to it, but I'll have to wait a bit longer till then. Unfortunately, now would be the right time to buy in the US due to the christmas sale and end of the year sale.

Regarding the dust build up, I regularly open up my cabinet and clean it using the vaccum cleaner's blow-er (or whatever its called). I dismantle the GPU & RAM and put them back after cleaning. I however haven't removed the CPU fan yet.

Regarding the high temps I currently run with, I have a query. My cabinet currently has only 1 rear fan (yes, stop laughing). Thus I keep the side panels open, and keep the cabinet out of the covered table, as you said. So except the bottom and 1 side (the covered MoBo side), all other sides are open to improve cooling. Is this dangerous if I buy a new card? I was of the notion that the newer card will pull less power (being a maxwell and all) and thus less will run cooler than my current card. Will I have to change my cabinet before I get a new card? If required, I can post a picture of my cabinet tomorrow.

t.

You're welcome.

I did some more search and would suggest you not to buy EVGA specifically for Warranty. They do provide international Warranty for graphic cards but don't have a service centre in India.. :-/.. What a bummer.. Check these out :

www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2345474/india-service-centre-evga-graphics-card.
forums.evga.com/Evga-video-card-support-india-m1865145.aspx

You're right, don't wait for 980 either.. Get a 970 from US now so that your friend can actually bring it for you..

When you say dismantle, do u take the GFX card out of the PCI slot or you take the actual heat sinks off of it ?? I'm guessing former than latter. You need to take off the heat sink as well and check if dust has accumulated between the fins/ below the fan blades.

Also, that's quite a lot of hassle you go through in taking it out of computer table and then running it with the case open.. I'd say get a new cabinet. One that has slots for multiple intake and exhaust fans..

Then, get a CPU cooler. You can get them locally as well. They are quite cheap. Check these out:

www.flipkart.com/computers/computer...rt=price_desc&sid=6bo,g0i,xcm,ors&filterNone=

All non reference 970s use robust coolers /multiple fans.. You won't have to worry abt. the new GFX card heating up.. With a new case, CPU cooler and a healthy OC on your i5 2500, you wont even require a new setup for some time.

 

[PuppyBoss]

Basically there are only 3 GPUs worth buying these days in the US in the mid to high range. 390/970 and 980 Ti.

The 980 Ti is out of my budget. As the 390 and 970 are close enough, I can assume getting the 970 will be a safe bet (also due to the no local AMD stocks thing). Thanks for clearing that up.

The 970 may be the best deal for you. Whatever card you get, it should be as cheap as possible.

Thanks for confirming that.

I don't know what case you have.

Here's some photos of my case.

Adding a sidepanel fan drastically improved my Video Card Temps. I'd at a BARE MINIMUM suggest a side panel fan + Rear fan. Me personally, I also prefer to use the front intakes, and I also have removed all my drive cages for better airflow. No matter what card you get, you'll want to have the best airflow possible just to get the best out of the card.

This is my sidepanel's attachment. I'm thinking or removing this funnel-thingy (which overlies the CPU fan inside) and fitting a fan over there. That way I'll meet your bare minimum recommendation.

Here's the inside my cabinet:

30cm/12" scale for the new card. I could remove the HDD and move them above or below.

The rear-fan:

Some more pics of the inside:

The sidepanel and cabinet:

 

[PuppyBoss]

EDIT:
I did some tinkering and moved the HDD below and made space for the new card:

Also, here's the place which was made for keeping the cabinet. There's only 1 open end (the front). I keep it outside because there's no proper air circulation:

Later I got some holes put into the wood panel (under protest, coz I was ruining the newly furnished & expensive woodwork ) so that some air circulation would be possible. I dunno if this will suffice (yes, a shoddy job, it looks bad ). Can I move my cabinet back into the intended place? Now there's be 2 open sides to the cabinet.

I would suggest you not to buy EVGA specifically for Warranty. They don't have a service centre in India.

Oh well. Guess I can risk buying an Asus or Zotac from there.

Check these out: www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2345474/india-service-centre-evga-graphics-card.
forums.evga.com/Evga-video-card-support-india-m1865145.aspx

The page doesn't exist. But I'll take your word for it. EVGA is out.

Don't wait for 980 either.. Get a 970 from US now.

Thanks. Glad to see many agreeing that getting a 970 is a good option in my situation. I can buy it with confidence now.[/QUOTE]

When you say dismantle, do u take the GFX card out of the PCI slot or you take the actual heat sinks off of it ?? I'm guessing former than latter. You need to take off the heat sink as well and check if dust has accumulated between the fins/ below the fan blades.

You guessed right. I only remove the card out of the PCI slot. I just now tried to remove the heat-sink, but for the life of me I could not remove the plastic case around the card. Searched all round it, there's no way I can get it open, unless I hulk-smash it . Also, peeping in from the sides, I think the internal components are attached to this plastic case, as when I wiggled the plastic case a bit, I saw the inner thingamajigs moving along with the case. Here's a picture of the card:

So instead I used a static dust-gathering brush and cleaned the inner blades of the GPU fan and blow-cleaned it again. The brush did get quite a lot of dust out. Apparently just blow-cleaning them won't help.

I'd say get a new cabinet. One that has slots for multiple intake and exhaust fans..

I do plan on buying the cabinet, and also a new MoBo & processor and 2x8GB RAMs, but not immediately. I'll do that later, as and when I save up for it. I just wanted to know whether the situation demanded I get a new cabinet before the GPU (I don't want to toast the new GPU because of high temps), or whether I can use the current one for the next 5-6 months, with just a single fan (or with an additional one on the sidepanel, as I mentioned above.

Then, get a CPU cooler.

I was thinking of waiting till I get a new cabinet before I buy CPU coolers. Can I do that?

All non reference 970s use robust coolers /multiple fans.. You won't have to worry abt. the new GFX card heating up.. With a new case, CPU cooler and a healthy OC on your i5 2500, you wont even require a new setup for some time.

Can I assume this answers my above question? A new case and CPU cooler I could get next after the GPUs, then after those I could get the new processor and much later I could upgrade the RAMs.

 

[PuppyBoss]

Sorry about a few images. They are rotated and I just can't seem to get them straight, even though I tried different image upload sites

 

[littleg]

New members sign up here to seek information and unbiased opinion about new hardware /technologies.. So that they can make an educated decision towards their new purchase.

l fail to understand why people deliberately misguide others to buy inferior products from a particular company. Its not like AMD / Nvidia is paying them for each sale or as if its going into their own system..

One should b able to see through the BS from either camp..

That's not quite true, some people receive free hardware for promoting a particular brand on sites such as this.

 

[Seba]

With that case (and placed in that cabinet), I would not get a R9 390. Even a GTX 970 could have cooling problems (more so in India's hot climate, if that room does not have AC). You may even look at cards with centrifugal fan ("blower" type, like your current GTX 460).

Also, I would not risk to buy an expensive card without local warranty.

Edit:
One interesting option could be this GTX 760 2GB that sells for 15,616 Rs right now. Cheapest GTX 970 there is this Zotac card discounted now for 27,700 Rs - that means 77% price increase from that GTX 760. GTX 950 2GB and GTX 960 2GB are slightly more expensive than that GTX 760, but you may also look at them. GTX 960 4GB has a big price premium at that shop (only one card, at 22,195 Rs - for 25% more you can get the Zotac GTX 970 card).

GTX 760 would be a huge increase from your GTX 460 (about double the performance) and it may be a good stop-gap card until Pascal and Arctic Islands cards are released (next summer at earliest, it seems).

 

[crazzy.heartz]

Sorry about a few images. They are rotated and I just can't seem to get them straight, even though I tried different image upload sites

Thanks for posting images . that clears up and lot of questions. But you should have posted images first and acted later. Those holes in the woodword aren't gonna do much.. Would b better if you just keep thexase outside full time..

Your case looks good but is not very practical. I do see slots to install 2 80/90mm fans in the front and you can install another 80/90mm fan on the side panel if you remove that air duct . However, its position won't help the much.

You have two options-

1. Get 3 case fans for those slots and see if the airflow and temps improve. For now. I don't think It'd work with new card / CPU cooler. ( if you get a Big air cooler)
Or
2. Get a new case from Antec/Coolermaster / Corsair and get 3-4 high speed 120mm fans.

However, wait for input from other members as well and see what they say.

Also, I am of the opinion that you won't require a new CPU /MB /RAM and would see improved performance from current set up if you just increase the CPU speed. You can tinker with your PC till you new GFX card comes and then you'd b all set.


However, don't get an ever older card. Nvidia has implemented some new features which are only present in 960/970/980 series. Its already quite old (launched in 2013) buying an even older card won't b prudent..

 

[crazzy.heartz]

Man I feel bad for that woodwork.. However, its not serving the intended purpose.. Kudos though for drilling those holes. You get a Bonafied Gamer Badge for that lol.. Perhaps you can cut out a hole and install a 200mm case fan their .. Would require some ingenuity and elbow grease but itd b something..

image above that isn't showing up.the shot of where you keep the case. Could you please upload that again..

Also, you can kind of minimise the risk if you follow Seba's advise in a different way.. I.e getting a 4GB 960 from the US .. Its good for 1080p. Or a 4GB 380 from AMD.. Same arguments would apply.. However , you'd have to get a really good deal to make it worhwhile as a $200 960 would do u no good...

 

[PuppyBoss]

With that case (and placed in that cabinet), I would not get a R9 390. Even a GTX 970 could have cooling problems

This is very unfortunate. I don't want to buy a lower card by paying so much. Granted it'll be a step up from my 460, but I intend to play games on ultra settings on 1080p. (I've been waiting ages for GTA V & Witcher 3, and own them too, but couldn't get them to run on the 460). Can I run the 970 if I keep the case outside, and maybe install a sidepanel fan? I can have the case out only when gaming, even after I upgrade to a newer case. I can do this till a permanent solution can be reached, like getting the wooden panel of the table cut & removed, so it'll be more open, or move the cabinet on top of the table, next to the monitor. Can I get the 970 then?

 

[Seba]

A side panel fan would greatly help with graphics card cooling, but if you install one, cut a circular hole in that Plexiglas panel (those little holes for the other side panel fan for the CPU are not good enough - I would cut them out there and make a big circular hole, too) and do not place the case in such an enclosed area.

What is your usual room temperature during summer?

 

[PuppyBoss]

You should have posted images first and acted later. Those holes in the woodwork aren't gonna do much.. Would be better if you just keep the case outside full time..

I made a big mistake, I know. On another note, I'm thinking of getting that part of the wood panel cut out, atleast a big square opening so as to provide some ventilation

I do see slots to install 2 80/90mm fans in the front

I noticed them too, but the front plastic casing of the cabinet can't be removed. So even if I put fans there, it'll not be connected to fresh air flow from outside. If that's still OK, I'll put the fans.

You have two options:
1. Get 3 case fans for those slots
2. Get a new case

I can try with the fans for the old case for now, and when I save up, I can get a new case as you said.

Also, I am of the opinion that you won't require a new CPU /MB /RAM and would see improved performance from current set up if you just increase the CPU speed. You can tinker with your PC till you new GFX card comes and then you'd b all set.

That's good to hear. So after the GPU, I'd only need a new case.

However, don't get an ever older card. Older card won't b prudent..

I felt the same way about that too.

Man I feel bad for that woodwork.. Kudos though for drilling those holes. You get a Bonafide Gamer Badge for that lol.. Perhaps you can cut out a hole and install a 200mm case fan there.. Would require some ingenuity and elbow grease but it'd b something..

Lol yeah. Feel so stupid about that now. What was I even thinking? As damage control, I was thinking of getting that whole segment cut out. But your fan idea there is sounding brilliant the more I think about it. I could ask a professional to install an exhaust-fan type of fan there, maybe look for a model that's stylish enough so that it won't seem out of place. The wood's pretty thick, and it can accommodate a decent sized fan. I can plug that fan into the wall outlet, and switch it on whenever I play games. This could be the permanent solution I'm looking for!

Image above that isn't showing up, could you please upload that again

Fixed it. It's visible now.

getting a 4GB 960 from the US

Am not inclined towards buying the 960. Just saw the specs, and from my (limited) knowledge, I felt it's not good enough? When I'm paying this much, I'd rather get the latest and best one. The best would be the 980Ti, but as its not within my budget, the 970 seems like the card I want. Seba also said its not wise getting the 390 with my case, due to the temps factor. I hope he approves with the 970 with the workarounds I mentioned.

 

[Seba]

Seba also said its not wise getting the 390 with my case, due to the temps factor. I hope he approves with the 970 with the workarounds I mentioned.

You do not need my approval.

I remember that this summer you had extremely high temperatures in India (more than 45° Celsius / 113° Fahrenheit) so this is not trivial.

 

[PuppyBoss]

A side panel fan would greatly help with graphics card cooling, but if you install one, cut a circular hole in that Plexiglas panel (those little holes for the other side panel fan for the CPU are not good enough - I would cut them out there and make a big circular hole, too) and do not place the case in such an enclosed area.

What is your usual room temperature during summer?

Could you please explain about the fan again? What did you mean by the other side panel fan? Are you suggesting I put 2 fans, on both the side panels?

I haven't checked the room temp, but it gets pretty hot. Summers reach temperatures of 36° Celsius here! But there is an AC in my room.

I remember that this summer you had extremely high temperatures in India (more than 45° Celsius / 113° Fahrenheit) so this is not trivial.

I live in the south (Bangalore) so temperatures are not as high as in North India. But it still reaches 36-38° Celsius

 

[Seba]

What did you mean by the other side panel fan?

Sorry about that. I was talking about that fan duct on the side panel. Usually there is also a fan, but not in your case. You only have that black fan duct there, with no fan.

If you install a fan for the graphics card on that side panel, that should be bellow the existing fan duct. If you install one fan there and you have the space, put a 120mm or a 140mm fan, not a small one.

 

[PuppyBoss]

Sorry about that. I was talking about that fan duct on the side panel. Usually there is also a fan, but not in your case. You only have that black fan duct there, with no fan.

If you install a fan for the graphics card on that side panel, that should be bellow the existing fan duct. If you install one fan there and you have the space, put a 120mm or a 140mm fan, not a small one.

Thanks for clearing that up. I'll do just that, and install a 120mm fan at the level of the graphics card. I'm googling how to cut the case and install the fan. Since I'll be cutting and installing fans, I won't have to restrict myself to the smaller 80mm fans. I can get the large 120mm ones as you said.