himmatsj
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Visually, they look the same. Like GTX 950 SC and GTX 950.
Why then are the SC versions usually $10 more expensive? Surely, it's not just because EVGA sets higher clock speeds...you can do that yourself using precision X when buying a stock reference card.
So is there something inside that's of higher quality? Maybe something that absorbs heat, better fan, better power? What is it?
Thanks!
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Sajin
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Re: Why are SuperClocked cards usually $10 more expensive than a reference clock card?
2016/04/28 13:01:33
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The SC (02G-P4-2951) has 4+1 power phase + increased clock speeds over the regular 950 (02G-P4-1952). Regular 950 (02G-P4-1952) only has 3+1 power phase.
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himmatsj
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Re: Why are SuperClocked cards usually $10 more expensive than a reference clock card?
2016/04/28 13:06:55
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Ok maybe not good example. How about GTX 960 vs SC or GTX 750 vs SC?
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MDeckerM
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Re: Why are SuperClocked cards usually $10 more expensive than a reference clock card?
2016/04/28 13:14:02
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himmatsj
Ok maybe not good example. How about GTX 960 vs SC or GTX 750 vs SC?
The video bios on our overclocked cards takes time to develop and test which is why it will come at a slight premium to reference bios cards. Cards with EVGA updated bios' need to be tested, then have the firmware updated and then tested again to ensure stability which can take quite a bit of time. In many cases the overclocked card models will have additional power phases as stated above.
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slayer_27
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Re: Why are SuperClocked cards usually $10 more expensive than a reference clock card?
2016/04/28 14:28:43
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You are pretty much paying for a guaranteed overclock. Some cards will have other features as well but the primary difference is the core and memory clock speed.
Not all cards will overclock, I had a 9600GT that would max out the core slider and beat an 8800GT(stock) in 3DMark. I also had a 9600GT that would not OC even 1MHz pas stock. It is a bit of a gamble but most cards will OC a bit.
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himmatsj
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Re: Why are SuperClocked cards usually $10 more expensive than a reference clock card?
2016/05/01 01:01:30
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EVGATech_MDecker
himmatsj
Ok maybe not good example. How about GTX 960 vs SC or GTX 750 vs SC?
The video bios on our overclocked cards takes time to develop and test which is why it will come at a slight premium to reference bios cards. Cards with EVGA updated bios' need to be tested, then have the firmware updated and then tested again to ensure stability which can take quite a bit of time. In many cases the overclocked card models will have additional power phases as stated above.
Ok, I just got a GTX 960 SC, which of course comes with a factory OC. Just one question though, why does this have a slightly lower OC value than a GTX 960 SSC? Does that mean that in the future when I want to eke out a little more performance from my GPU, I shouldn't over clock my 960 SC further? Or should a small OC value like 50MHz be OK? Long story short, I never OC a GPU in my life before. But I'm buying 960 at the end of its life, so a OC may be necessary to get the most out of it in the future. Is there a Dummies Guide to Understanding OC? How dangerous is it, and what are downsides?
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rjohnson11
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Re: Why are SuperClocked cards usually $10 more expensive than a reference clock card?
2016/05/01 01:44:53
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EVGATech_MDecker
himmatsj
Ok maybe not good example. How about GTX 960 vs SC or GTX 750 vs SC?
The video bios on our overclocked cards takes time to develop and test which is why it will come at a slight premium to reference bios cards. Cards with EVGA updated bios' need to be tested, then have the firmware updated and then tested again to ensure stability which can take quite a bit of time. In many cases the overclocked card models will have additional power phases as stated above.
Which means that for a very small premium you get better performance.
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himmatsj
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Re: Why are SuperClocked cards usually $10 more expensive than a reference clock card?
2016/05/01 23:05:31
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Ok guys, another question as I am wrapping my head around how overclocking functions.
The EVGA GTX 960 SC comes with 1 6-pin plug, which I believe limits the power draw by nature to 120W (is that right?).
So ultimately, if anyone wants to overclock this card further above the factory OC, the 120W become a limiting factor right?
Is there any idea if the SC version itself takes all 120W at max boost clocks, or does it give you some room to push the clock speeds a bit higher?
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Sajin
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Re: Why are SuperClocked cards usually $10 more expensive than a reference clock card?
2016/05/01 23:53:57
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himmatsj
Ok guys, another question as I am wrapping my head around how overclocking functions.
The EVGA GTX 960 SC comes with 1 6-pin plug, which I believe limits the power draw by nature to 120W (is that right?).
So ultimately, if anyone wants to overclock this card further above the factory OC, the 120W become a limiting factor right?
Is there any idea if the SC version itself takes all 120W at max boost clocks, or does it give you some room to push the clock speeds a bit higher?
You can pull up to 240w off a single 6-pin.
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