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speaking of getting only 3.5gb vram from advertised 4gb gtx970, will it have any significant different in performance gaming? why is there such issue? other card don't have problems as those in gtx970? ie, we buy 2gb vram , we can get 2gb of vram performance?

If u check the garage sales for used very very old GPU, those >5yrs old type

usually u see more brands like Asus, Gigabyte, Galaxy, zotac still selling and working

u wont see MSI, leadtek, sapphire, infact MSI is the least common.

All that can tells u how reliable a brand is.

I have good experience with Gigabyte & Galaxy. Their GPU can last quite long. Gigabyte particular last easily 5yrs without problems.

Another tip is if u are getting a GPU with long PCB(printed circuit board), it is highly recommend u get those with a backplate on, so to prevent card wrapping. Card wrapping is bad in long time will kill GPU.

Another tip = Stay away from reference GPU. They are unreliable no matter what brand u get.