re: PC Discussion - Gaming, Performance and Enthusiasts

EVGA 980 Ti Kingpin priced according to ASIC score

It's a brilliant business move, but I'm afraid of what will happen if it's too successful. The silicon lottery is part of the fun of overclocking, and while it's one thing for a third-party to bin hardware and sell the high clockers for profit, it's disappointing to see deliberate binning for ridiculous premiums by AIB partners.

This particular business move is not a big issue by itself. ASIC quality is not the sole determination of overclocking limits, and the ASIC quality range they're guaranteeing is ridiculously narrow. 72% ASIC for $850, 74% for $900, 76% for $1000, and 80% for $1050. My 980 ASIC scores are 71% and 80%. With all thermal and artificial power limits removed, the difference between these two cards' max overclock is 3%.

As a poor, I just hate the fact that I'm almost certain this will be incredibly successful and inevitably catch on.