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A reference card GPU is the original prototype of a GPU from a manufacturer, in this case, AMD or NVIDIA.
A subsequent design released following the original by companies like ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, or EVGA is called a modified GPU.
Knowing which graphics card you want to acquire is only one part of the process. If you aren’t overly familiar with PC jargon and terminology, you can quickly become confused when reading forums to find out which GPU you should purchase.
You will often see the term “reference card” being used. What exactly does this mean, and how vital is it for your gaming experience?
A reference card can substantially impact many aspects of your gaming experience. This is why it’s a good idea to learn what the term means.
Put simply, a reference card is the manufacturer’s initial blueprint for a GPU. Companies such as NVIDIA and AMD create an original design for their GPU, and that is how the product is first launched on the market.
At the same time, both AMD and NVIDIA send their PCB (Printed Circuit Board) plans to third-party companies that specialize in manufacturing video cards, such as XFX, Asus, Gigabyte, MSI, Sapphire, EVGA, and countless others.
This is done so NVIDIA and AMD can delegate a substantial amount of their manufacturing work and effectively meet the market demand.
The cards produced by these other companies are referred to as AIBs, aftermarket cards, or customized GPUs. All of these terms are accurate, so feel free to use any of them.
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What Are The Differences?
You now know what a reference card GPU is, but you’re probably no nearer to knowing whether you should get a reference or third-party version of the GPU you desire.
What are the distinctions?
Design
Each of the companies mentioned above has created its own design for a specific GPU. Let’s use the RX 6800 as an example.
There are currently more than a dozen variants of the RX 6800. One is extended, another is compact, and a third is larger in every respect. Some of these come with a dual-fan setup, while others feature a triple-fan setup. There are numerous other differences in their designs.
Lower-end GPUs with no overheating risk can even have entirely passive cooling. This means no fans, just a heatsink.
In general, the aftermarket cards feature much heftier heatsinks, fans, and a bolder overall design than a reference card.
Price
Another significant difference between a reference and an aftermarket card is their respective prices. Reference cards are released with the original cost specified by the manufacturer, in this case, AMD or NVIDIA.
Aftermarket graphics cards are almost always more costly than the MSRP because third-party companies have invested extra money into their design and cooling.
For example, the RX 6800 has an MSRP of $579. If you obtain a reference card (named Founders Edition), you should pay a maximum of $579.
However, when examining the post-market RX 6800s from ASUS, Gigabyte, etc., typically elevated prices can be observed. Depending on the variant, these prices may exceed by $50, $100, and potentially even more.
Cooling And Performance
A significant advantage that AIBs have over the reference design GPU is in cooling and performance. These aftermarket cards are equipped with more substantial heatsinks, and with good reason. They are far more effective at dissipating heat and keeping the card cool at all times, even during prolonged gaming sessions.
With cooler temperatures, third-party brands have additional freedom to push their graphics cards to the limit. This is often referred to as a factory overclock and brings a little supplementary performance in-game.
Should You Buy A Reference Or An Aftermarket Card?
You might be wondering which version of your favored GPU is right for you. This will depend on what you’re looking for.
If you don’t care about the appearance, noise, or temperature of your computer and only want to get the best value for your money, you should probably just get a reference card. They are cheaper and deliver almost the identical performance as AIBs.
If you care about noise levels, RGB illumination, and frigid temperatures, you should get an aftermarket GPU.
That is where things get even more intricate because you then need to choose the right brand and model. Fortunately, there are a vast number of reviews and articles that can help you to make an informed decision.
