Thursday, April 19th 2012
![NVIDIA](https://tpucdn.com/images/news/nvidia-v1723816949774.png)
NVIDIA to Launch GeForce GTX 690 Before May 5
It turns out that the cryptic picture posted on NVIDIA GeForce Facebook page indeed is a teaser for NVIDIA GeForce GTX 690, a dual-GPU graphics card based on two GK104 GPUs. Several independent sources told SweClockers that NVIDIA is preparing to launch this SKU "in the week beginning April 30," i.e., no later than May 5. It is quite possible that NVIDIA launches it on the 30th, to share the limelight with Intel's new 3rd Generation Core "Ivy Bridge" processors, which will be released to market on the 29th. The card will feature a total of 3072 CUDA cores, and 4 GB of GDDR5 memory. We haven't heard much about its competitor, the Radeon HD 7990.
Source:
SweClockers
72 Comments on NVIDIA to Launch GeForce GTX 690 Before May 5
I wonder about the price.
I smell a paper launch.
And when can we expect them actually available? Some stock of 680s might be nice too, for those who want one...
Or are they binning 680 chips and the ones that don't meet that spec will be used for this card?
Firstly, GTX680 availability isn't much of an issue in much of the world. I just checked my favourite site in the UK, and it has about 50 in stock (although some more desirable brands are admittedly sold out). It seems that some of the issue is simply mis-distribution.
Secondly, they may well be stockpiling GK104s for this part. This would explain some of the lack of availability, too.
Thirdly, this product will be very expensive. They're not going to sell loads, at least at first. Even with two GK104s on board, it's not going to be a major hit to GK104 demand.
Fourthly, perhaps Nvidia reckon that production's going to ramp up pretty soon.
On the other hand, maybe this is just an "inb4" launch to snub the 7990 from ever holding the "world's fastest" crown. My point is that we shouldn't jump to conclusions, even when they seem pretty likely to be true. I'd expect this card to get the best available chips because of the strict thermal requirements. Higher binned chips don't just clock higher, they do it on less power.
that AMD can't come up with a better dual card based on what they have right now than a dual fully functional GK104 part. On the other hand, where the hell is the GTX670 Ti or non Ti. They need at least two cards around 300$ since there's nothing there to compete with the 7950 and the 7870.
not sure it the teaser shows the front end of the card or somewhere in the middle...
also, screws seem exposed.. maybe part of the shroud is removed intentionally?