Hi, I'm trying to decide between the EVGA 680, FTW+ and Classified. I'd like to get the quietest card running at stock settings, I probably won't overclock the card , which of these cards runs quietest at stock settings?
 
Does the 680 Classified exhaust all of it's hot air outside of the case? It looks like it does from the pictures but a review claims otherwise 

EVGA made the I/O panel air exhausts bigger to improve airflow but one part of the cooler will stay behind. Unfortunately, this means that some of the hot air will remain in the case.
 

I have a TJ08-E case and it has extra ventilation holes next to the I/O ports    
 
I am very keen to have all the hot air exhausted out the back.
 
Thanks

 

GTX680 is a 2GB VRAM card w/ two 6pin connectors
GTX680 FTW+ is a 4GB VRAM card w/ 8pin and 6pin connectors
GTX680 Classified is a 4GB VRAM card w/ 8pin and 6pin connectors, intended for enthusiasts for OCing.
 
I recommend the GTX680 FTW+ 4GB, the fan should run as loud as the vanilla GTX680.

All three cards are external exhaust.  The FTW is probably best, the Classified is overkill but will run cooler and quieter.  

 I can get the Classified for slightly cheaper than the FTW at the moment, would there be any reason not to get it over the FTW?

The only reason i didnt get the classified is for two reasons:
 
1. http://imageshack.us/phot...0621190412925.jpg/sr=1 The beacon of light that lights up when is on lol
 
2. You have to use EVbot to over-volt.

I got rid of 4x FTW+ 4GB cards - too hot. Classified is leagues better - even without EVBot. Spend the extra $30. Well worth it. Much cooler.

To all with the 680's. What does Precision report for Mem usage in-game? And which game was it measured in?
 
I run two 580s (1.5G VRAM each)in SLI and each report peaks of 1440 with a range typpically of 1429-1440. This is in BF3 and a 3-27" Span setup. Next cards, what ever the be, will be 4G/

BF3 will use what it has. I've had 2GB 680s and now 4GB. All at 5760x1080/120hz and the performance has been basically the same. It's not a game that needs 4GB.

That said, I have seen as high as 2700MB in Precision X.

Good to know sk3tch especially with your res & refresh rates. 
I couldn't see any difference between SLI 580 1.5gb and SLI 670 FTW 2gb setups.  People are playing with 570 1.25gb and 560 1gb with BF3 without hiccups either.  It is indeed because nVidia has optimized the drivers to a specific card.  They even pinpoint your % increase per card series in the driver updates.  I went for more speed vs more vram when calculating the cost at my res  But if you want it all, go 4gb.  Just don't expect to see any difference in graphics eye candy or real game play performance as your racing thru the FPS or RPG games.

Here's a pic that I couldn't reference earlier because I was on a mobile device.
 

 
I'm pretty obsessed with BF3 MP3 (it's about 90% of what I play) and really the only thing that helps performance is faster clock speed, memory speed, and more cards. :) As long as you have 1GB or more VRAM you're probably good. 2GB for triple monitor.
 
The best thing I ever did was turn down some settings. Even with 4-way 6xx SLI - you have to make some compromises. :) Here's what I use now:

Sorry repost - delete

Classified is 8 + 8 pin.    I would get the 680 FTW 4gb for sure unless you plan to heavily OC and mod the card..    ;)     Classified is rubbish gimmick this time round as mine only does stable 1280mhz and my brothers FTW 4gb hits 1300mhz..     LOL
 
All luck of the draw with clocks though... 

FTW is for gamers, Classified is for kingpin and bench testing if that's your thing and or the PSU god only gives you three 6+8 pci-e cables like he did me.
 
 

USFORCES


FTW is for gamers, Classified is for kingpin and bench testing if that's your thing and or the PSU god only gives you three 6+8 pci-e cables like he did me.

+1 that was the best reason I read.

You can't put a full waterblock on a FTW.  Go for GTX680 4gb or Classified.

So the Classified will run cooler and quieter at stock settings vs the FTW at stock settings?

Sciential


So the Classified will run cooler and quieter at stock settings vs the FTW at stock settings?

 
Yes.
 
I don't understand why there's even a debate - it's only $30 more from FTW+ to Classified. Go Classified. If, for nothing else, that it will have better resale value down the road when you upgrade. Everyone wants a Classified. :)
 
If it's a money thing - throw it all out and buy a 670 4GB. Best bang/buck.

Sciential


 I can get the Classified for slightly cheaper than the FTW at the moment, would there be any reason not to get it over the FTW?

 
No-brainer then, get the Classified.
Yes it will run cooler and quieter.
 
Where are you getting it cheaper?
 
;)

The Classified is currently £10 cheaper than the 4GB FTW at Overclockers, so I guess it makes sense to go with the Classified.
I'm only really concerned with the noise as I won't be overclocking.

Definitely get the Classified.  It will be quieter than other 680s since it's a larger fan that is limited to 55%.