Guys I fancy a gtx 980 however I need the reference version due to my case (EVGA Hadron), the problem is the reference cards are mega bucks. I currently own a gtx 780 with the smart looking reference cooler and I wondered if I could buy a cheap gtx970 and swap out the coolers. Does anyone know if this is at all possible.
Assuming you're actually talking about either a 970 or 980, are you sure that the reference 980s are really megabucks in comparison? Spending literally 2 mins, so i'm not claiming that these are rock bottom prices... ...looking at reputable UK suppliers on google shopping, the cheapest non-reference i can see is £419... ...whilst Eclipse have a reference card for £435 delivered. in fact i think you can go cheaper than the £419 for a reference card via hardwareversand in Germany, though their pricing varies on payment method so you'd need to double check. i've used hardwareversand myself, & imho they're very reliable.
ocuk do the 970 with the 980 cooler i have two myself and pretty good for noise and no coil whine http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-205-OK
no doubt, im still not sure if im going to keep mine, they are performing great but all the talk of the memory issues is realy putting me off, ive got to the end of feb to make up my mind so just having a good think over it
