EVGA GTX 980 Classified Video Card Review

The EVGA GTX 980 Classified comes equipped with the new EVGA ACX 2.0 Cooling solution that not only is 40% larger than the reference cooler but can deliver 26% lower GPU temperatures while being 36% quieter.  Many of the physical features of the ACX 2.0 design are the same with the exception of the fans.  ACX 2.0 features double ball bearing fans with a low power motor and special swept fan blades that look like they are upside down.  The fans also do not activate unless they are needed. 

Flipping the card over really exemplifies why Classified cards are different.  Overall the component layout is rather typical with the memory chips positioned around the GPU and VRM located to the left away from the video connections.  What is different here is the size of the onboard VRM.

Video output is comprised of two dual link DVI video outputs combined with a single Display Port and standard HDMI connection.  All four of these can be used at the same time allowing you to run 3-way surround and still have a spare monitor for use outside of the game.

3-way and 4-way SLI are possible using the GTX 980 given the dual SLI bridge connections found at the top of the card.  Unlike some of the competitor cards the EVGA 980 Classified is configured to position the SLI fingers at the top of the extended PCB allowing you to use solid SLI bridges when two or more Classified cards are installed. 

While you cannot use the solid connectors when using the Classified with a reference design card the ribbon style connectors work just fine.

Included with each card you will get a couple 6-pin PCI Express to 8-pin PCI Express power converters DVI to VGA adaptor, Driver disk and two EVGA Mod Rigs stickers to match your chassis configuration.  You will also get a large "Game of Pwns" poster styled after the game of thrones TV series.