Advantages of non-ref PCBs?

[Silvertongue]

After reading Senshi's KFA thread, I'm left wondering what the advantages of a non-reference PCB actually are. I'm hoping someone can shed some light on the matter...

The way I see it, chances are pretty good that tinkering with a reference in a complex design is often going to lead to zero or negative changes in performance/reliability. Yet these non-ref boards are, without fail, touted as a cut above the reference.

What do you guys think on the matter?

Also, while I'm at it, what exactly constitutes "non-reference". If one were to re-lay the board with a superficial change or two, would this count?

 

[Archer]

Non ref cooler is supposed to give better temps and/or quieter operation
Non ref boards can have better quality components (eg solid capacitors, better mosfets), which should allow for higher overclocks, or a longer life. More stable power = higher OC (if your chip allows it)
Or they can go the other way and try skim a bit on the components to make the card cheaper overall.

 

[Silvertongue]

Fully behind the non-ref cooler side of things but this:

Non ref boards can have better quality components (eg solid capacitors, better mosfets)

raises some questions... In my experience a reference design specifies component values but not suppliers. It remains a reference design until the actual component values or footprints change.

Furthermore, seeing it written like this:

•We only use non-reference

makes me wonder how often the reference is changed purely for the sake of telling people.

 

[Archer]

What I meant by different components is (for example) ref design says 5+2 (GPU + RAM) mosfets, 10A, 95% efficiency, etc. Then the non ref board can do anything from adding another power phase (you'll often see the ref board has an empty slot), to putting in a mosfet with 15A capability, or increased efficiency. Would a supplier change give you non-ref status? I doubt it.

But yes, I guess there is the possibility they change one resistor and call it a day. But if you look at the board, like most reviewers do nowadays, you'll very quickly see the differences (or lack thereof)