Malevolence 6 Posted May 29, 2009 Yesterday, techPowerUp! released an article on this giant monstrosity. Who's getting this? http://www.techpowerup.com/95445/ASUS_Desi...phics_Card.html ASUS Designs Own Monster Dual-GTX 285 4 GB Graphics Card ASUS has just designed a new monster graphics card that breaks the mold for reference design GeForce GTX 295, called the ASUS MARS 295 Limited Edition. The card, although retains the name "GeForce GTX 295", same device ID, and is compatible with existing NVIDIA drivers, has two huge innovations put in by ASUS, which go far beyond being yet another overclocked GeForce GTX 295: the company used two G200-350-B3 graphics processors, the same ones that make the GeForce GTX 285. The GPUs have all the 240 shader processors enabled, and also have the complete 512-bit GDDR3 memory interface enabled. This dual-PCB monstrosity holds 32 memory chips, and 4 GB of total memory (each GPU accesses 2 GB of it). Apart from these, each GPU system uses the same exact clock speeds as the GeForce GTX 285: 648/1476/2400 MHz (core/shader/memory). Each PCB holds 16 memory chips, a 6-phase digital PWM power circuit, drawing auxiliary power from an 8-pin PCI-E power connector, the GeForce GTX 285-class GPU, and its companion NVIO2 processor. The PCB holding the PCI-Express bus interface, also holds the bridge chip. ASUS broke away with using the nForce 200 chip, and instead is using a yet to be disclosed third-party bridge chip. Currently, PLX and IDT are two likely sources for such a chip. The memory consists of high-density 0.77 ns memory chips made by Hynix. The electrical-management on each PCB is care of a Volterra VRM controller, which supports the I2C interface, which means that the card supports software voltage control, perhaps a big plus for ASUS' Voltage Tweak feature that is gaining in popularity. Fused power circuit provides Over Current Protection while also facilitating extreme overclocking. The cooler internally has the same basic construction as the reference cooler, it uses a single leaf-blower. The card spans across two expansion slots and is slightly higher than the reference design card. ASUS also used slightly longer internal bridges that make more room for third-party coolers, and the likes. Our source from ASUS EMEA conducted a quick 3DMark Vantage test proving the card's seamless compatibility with existing drivers, while also providing a significant boost in performance over existing GTX 295 cards. Being Quad-SLI capable, this card finally makes GeForce GTX 285 (effective) quad-SLI possible, and makes for the most powerful desktop multi-GPU setup ever conceived. ASUS designed this card despite pressure from NVIDIA enforcing its rigid policy of restricting its partners from custom-designing GeForce GTX 295. If everything goes smooth throughout the development process, the card might make it for a gala launch at Computex. posted by btarunr - 11:00 PM | Related News Screenshots from techPowerUp! website. This is just bloody insane. A first 4GB graphics card, this monster pwns the current GTX 295 (internally SLIed 2 GTX275s) by using 2 GTX285s SLIed internally! Madness! This is definitely an graphics card enthusiast's wet dream came true. Share this post Link to post
Luk3us 63 Posted May 29, 2009 Unfortunately I live in the real world where money doesn't grow on trees, so no I won't be getting it. Share this post Link to post
Malevolence 6 Posted May 29, 2009 I have a strong feeling that it'll probably cost twice of a generic GTX 295, especially if they are making it a premium of a limited 1000 sets. Share this post Link to post
Sonic 295 Posted May 29, 2009 A limited release because realistically speaking no one really needs such a powerful video card. This beast will probably retail for about $1300-$1500 NZ, way to much to spend on one component. Share this post Link to post
Luk3us 63 Posted May 29, 2009 I still think its madness when I spend $400 bucks on a video card. Share this post Link to post
Malevolence 6 Posted May 29, 2009 I still think its madness when I spend $400 bucks on a video card. You mean in NZD? Well, I did spent that amount on my GTX 260 (55nm 216 version) at that time. Being able to overclock easily to hit similar core, memory and shader clocks to a stock 285, in fact I'm very satisfied with it. Share this post Link to post
Doctor Destiny 41 Posted May 30, 2009 I have no need for that type of video card. The 1GB I'm getting will be more than plenty for my needs. Share this post Link to post
Malevolence 6 Posted May 30, 2009 **** man wtf r u doin on that computer? What are you talking about, and to who? Share this post Link to post
Guest Stevie_K Posted June 17, 2009 **** man wtf r u doin on that computer? hehe, mine is 1G too, and as long as I can play C&C3, RA3, S.T.A.L.K.E.R and Quake 4 smooth on maximum graphic settings im satisfied. But of course,. Some prefer's superior cards now, even though they drop more than 15% price a year. Im the kind of guy that would rather go and have fun for the money, than play on a card that costed 3 times more than a card that's equalent to current games. Share this post Link to post
