If I recall correctly, the reference versions are all the same. These cards are not quiet at load, but not as loud as the 480s. If the prices are the same, I would pick EVGA AR due to lifetime warranty compared to the Asus card. However, I see that the Asus card is cheaper on Newegg.
All reference PCB GTX470s have out of the box voltage control with EVGA precision or MSI Afterburner. As a result, voltage tweaking of the Asus card is not a selling feature in this case (as it was for HD5850 for example).
Palit makes a non-reference card, which Newegg also has for sale. It has 2x80mm fans and the PCB is shorter than the reference design. This card has a standard HDMI port instead of a mini-HDMI port as found on the reference cards and also includes a display port. This card runs cooler and quieter than the reference design but more hot air ends up in your case. This card supports overclocking in MSI afterburner.
The best 470 is probably the Gigabyte SuperOverclock. But at $310, that's too expensive.
Overall, either go for the cheapest card - Asus (3 year warranty) for $210, EVGA for $233 (so $23 for lifetime warranty premium) or Palit for $260 for a quieter/cooler design but you only get 2 year warranty. The problem with the Palit and Gigabyte SoC cards is that you can get an HD5870 for $270. So in that case I'd pick the Asus if you plan to upgrading in the next 3 years, and the EVGA if you plan on keeping the card for longer than 3.
Also, consider $220 EVGA GTX460 FTW @ 850mhz. It's quieter than the 470 and runs cooler. Its performance is very close to the 470, without the noise.
an overclocked 470 will consume so much power...Don't recommend a higher priced 460 over a cheaper asus 470. Get the asus as everyone knows asus cards overclock the best
Don't recommend a higher priced 460 over a cheaper asus 470. Get the asus as everyone knows asus cards overclock the best
EVGA and step-up to a GTX 570 when it comes out. That alone makes the EVGA the best deal. Plus, they have the absolute best customer service in the business by a long shot.
I just got my EVGA SC GTX 470 last week... as I was registering the serial number and invoice to get my lifetime warranty - I noticed they have a 90 day step up program where you can trade in your existing Nvidia card and pay the difference for a newer more powerful card... has anyone done this yet? I'm curious because I might want to trade up to a GTX 570 too if reviews are good and less power consumption. :biggrin:
Yeah, that is exactly why I recommended EVGA. I currently have a GTX 470 in the step-up queue for a second GTX 580. The GTX 580s are currently out of stock with EVGA, but as long as you get into the queue before your 90 days are up you're all set. You just keep using your old card until EVGA lets you know they have a step up card for you. Then you send in your card and get the full purchase price towards the step up card.
If you buy a new GTX 470 right now from another manufacturer, you pretty much loose $50-100 in re-sale the moment you purchase it because they won't fetch much more than ~$200 on ebay. I know, I just sold one last week. Once the GTX 570 launches resale value on the 470 will drop even further.
lucky you guys on having that good service, here in our country, warranties are cut, services are like F*ckCool! Thanks! I wasn't sure if you will get the full purchase value for trade in... if that is the case I'm sticking with EVGA for Nvidia cards here on out... I got tired of playing the waiting game and picked up a PNY GTX 470 almost a month ago then the price dropped and I returned the PNY card and bought the EVGA SC card (Factory Overclocked) for cheaper! Now at least I know my purchase is protected and I can upgrade when something new is around the corner...
to OP: Go with EVGA based on the 90 day step up trade in program and lifetime warranty...
EVGA and step-up to a GTX 570 when it comes out. That alone makes the EVGA the best deal. Plus, they have the absolute best customer service in the business by a long shot.
Yeah, that is exactly why I recommended EVGA. I currently have a GTX 470 in the step-up queue for a second GTX 580. The GTX 580s are currently out of stock with EVGA, but as long as you get into the queue before your 90 days are up you're all set. You just keep using your old card until EVGA lets you know they have a step up card for you. Then you send in your card and get the full purchase price towards the step up card.
If you buy a new GTX 470 right now from another manufacturer, you pretty much loose $50-100 in re-sale the moment you purchase it because they won't fetch much more than ~$200 on ebay. I know, I just sold one last week. Once the GTX 570 launches resale value on the 470 will drop even further.
an overclocked 470 will consume so much power...