ASUS Readies GeForce GTX 970 DirectCU Mini

[btarunr]

In a bid to be the first with a mini-ITX friendly graphics card based on the GeForce GTX 900 series, ASUS is giving final touches to the GeForce GTX 970 DirectCU Mini (model: GTX970-DCMOC-4GD5). At the surface, this card looks identical to the GTX 760 and GTX 670 DirectCU Mini graphics cards from the company, since it uses the same exact cooler. Under the hood is a swanky factory overclocked GeForce GTX 970 chip, with 1088 MHz core, 1228 MHz GPU Boost, and an untouched 7.00 GHz memory. The card features a solid matte back-plate. It draws power from a single 8-pin PCIe power connector. Display outputs include two dual-link DVI, and one each of HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2 connectors. ASUS didn't reveal pricing or availability details.



View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[TRWOV]

First? Gigabyte's model was released about two weeks ago, wasn't it?


EDIT: Thought that maybe Gibagyte's was a paper launch or something but no, there's limited availability but there are units in stock at some e-tailers:

https://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-video-card-gvn970ixoc4gd

 

[PLAfiller]

DAT backplate! Don't they usually put some intricate patterns on the backplates for some airflow? I guess it's just aesthethics then. If some day I make my own backplate, it doesn't matter if it has or hasn't got cut outs, then.

 

[The Terrible Puddle]

DAT backplate! Don't they usually put some intricate patterns on the backplates for some airflow? I guess it's just aesthethics then. If some day I make my own backplate, it doesn't matter if it has or hasn't got cut outs, then.

I have a feeling that the primary reason for manufactures to make cut outs is to reduce costs. The secondary reason is to make the design fancy.

I love solid backplates and especially this brushed one. It feels more premium.

 

[EarthDog]

Backplates are there for looks and structural rigidity only...unless the backplate is in direct contact with an IC that needs cooled.

Cut outs seemingly wouldn't save any money...think about it. You need the same size plate but mfg one with cut outs actually take longer to process. How do you believe it would be cheaper?

 

[newtekie1]

Cut outs seemingly wouldn't save any money...think about it. You need the same size plate but mfg one with cut outs actually take longer to process. How do you believe it would be cheaper?

They are just stamped out of metal, there is not longer processing time, they just change the die stamping out the metal. They are cheaper because they can save a good 40% on materials by adding cut outs. You sell the left over material as scrap, usually back to your supplier if you have a good supplier, and it can add up to some pretty significant cost savings.

 

[GorbazTheDragon]

I want a waterblock for this

 

[Nordic]

The gigabye version is on newegg, and looks like it has a bigger fan. I think the gigabyte one would offer better cooling in a case with decent airflow.

 

[AsRock]

Just don't like those fans, other wise it looks kinda umm cute |.

 

[dj-electric]

I want a waterblock for this

You know, you didn't have to wait until now. The reference GTX 970 PCB is actually very short.

 

[mroofie]

You know, you didn't have to wait until now. The reference GTX 970 PCB is actually very short.

Yes but he has a problem with it maybe being reference!

 

[mroofie]

Where is the Heat pipes ? (I see one :/ )
The gigabyte mini-itx has more cooling potential than this I'm afraid too say :-]

 

[mroofie]

Just don't like those fans, other wise it looks kinda umm cute |.

With the back plate yes without it no

 

[newtekie1]

Where is the Heat pipes ? (I see one :/ )
The gigabyte mini-itx has more cooling potential than this I'm afraid too say :-]

Assuming it is using the same heatsink as the other DirectCU Mini cards, and it looks like it is, then ASUS is using a Vapor Chamber base to the heatsink. Which basically eliminates the need for heatpipes since it basically is a large flat heatpipe.

 

[MarkC]

Somebody has already bought and given an opinion on the Gigabyte version - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-153-GI&tool=3

 

[EarthDog]

They are just stamped out of metal, there is not longer processing time, they just change the die stamping out the metal. They are cheaper because they can save a good 40% on materials by adding cut outs. You sell the left over material as scrap, usually back to your supplier if you have a good supplier, and it can add up to some pretty significant cost savings.

Stamped or Cut? You assuming, like me, we know the production method? Lol. You also assuming they can sell the scraps back?

 

[bubbleawsome]

That review might be off. My stock gigabyte 280x is loud under load but if I edit the fancurve it's nearly silent and stays under 75c. It's also off at idle.

 

[荷兰大母猪]

Anyway, I will not buy Asus graphic cards any more. So suck

 

[thebluebumblebee]

Dual SLI connectors: I want to see someone put 4 of these in a system.

 

[newtekie1]

Dual SLI connectors: I want to see someone put 4 of these in a system.

Not possible, the 970 only supports 3 cards maximum in SLI.

 

[thebluebumblebee]

Not possible, the 970 only supports 3 cards maximum in SLI.

Okay! 3 then!

 

[RejZoR]

This is probably one of the best looking cards ever released. And brings back the memories of cards from the era after year 2000 when cards became slightly more bulky than those released before that were usually just empty PC with a tiny metal cooler on top of GPU.

 

[rooivalk]

is there any limitation apart from cooling prowess compared to full-size model?

 

[Animalpak]

Is a bit larger than a normal card, keep in mind because mini itx cases that this card is for are very very limited.

 

[INSTG8R]

Stamped or Cut? You assuming, like me, we know the production method? Lol. You also assuming they can sell the scraps back?

Obviously never worked in a Machine Shop. You sell back scrap by the dumpster. Nothing gets wasted.