GTX 670 Drops Tomorrow. Buying One?

[blastingcap]

site comparing oc 670 vs stock clock 7970

Stock vs. stock, even NV doesn't claim that the 670 beats the 7970. And I don't think they really wanna talk about OC vs OC either since both can OC well. This is from NV's PR release today:

Engineered from the same DNA as the recently announced GTX 680 -- NVIDIA's top-of-the-line, single-GPU -- the GTX 670 packs a mean punch in its lithe 9.5-inch-long frame. It outpaces the closest competitive product in gaming performance by upwards of 45 percent,(1) while consuming approximately 18 percent less power.(2)

Plus, the GeForce GTX 670 ties the competition's much higher-priced flagship product on 25 of the world's most popular games and benchmarks, a testament to the overall performance efficiency of the Kepler architecture.

(1) Games/benchmarks tested included: StarCraft II run at a full screen 19x10 resolution with "Ultra" graphics settings; Unigine Heaven 3.0 run at 19x10 resolution with 1x/1x graphic settings; and Dirt 3 run at 19x10 with 1x1x graphics settings. Graphics driver for all tests were AMD Catalyst 12.4 for the AMD HD Radeon 7950 and NVIDIA 301.34 for GTX 670. In StarCraft II, the Radeon 7950 scored 93.2fps while the GTX 670 scored 137.9fps. In Unigine Heaven 3.0, the Radeon 7950 scored 41.1fps while the GTX 670 scored 62.3fps. In Dirt 3, with DX11 enabled, the Radeon 7950 scored 81.7fps while the GTX 670 scored 117.4fps. (2) Comparing TDP of 200 watts for the HD 7950 versus the 170 watts consumed by the GTX 670.

I added the bold.

The footnote is to the list of games and settings they used--at 1080p. And of course, they didn't test at 2560x1600 w/ max settings like AMD is trying to get people to do, lol.

 

[RussianSensation]

Stock vs. stock, even NV doesn't claim that the 670 beats the 7970. And I don't think they really wanna talk about OC vs OC either since both can OC well. .

Ya of course. HD7970 OC does well. But OILFIELDTRASH said he doesn't care about max overclocking as much. That's why he'll be particularly pleased with that Windforce card he got since it already beats 7970 out of the box. That's why that PureOverclock review would be particularly useful. Also, in fairness the direct competitor to the 670 is the $399 7950 and it gets smashed.

"The GeForce GTX 680, and now the GeForce GTX 670 are dominating AMD's Radeon HD 7000 series in price and performance." ~ Kyle @ HardOCP

I wouldn't say 680 OC is dominating the 7970 OC. I can see why it's a big deal though since 670 OC will likely deliver within 5-7% performance of the 7970 OC / 680 OC for $100 less.

This card is not too dissimilar to how GeForce Ti 4200 vs. Ti 4600 were, 6800GT OC was to 6800U or 5850/6950 OC vs. 5870 / 6970 OC.

Blastingcap, think about this: Just 4 months ago a quiet after market 7970 cost upwards of $580. Competition FTW!

The footnote is to the list of games and settings they used--at 1080p. And of course, they didn't test at 2560x1600 w/ max settings like AMD is trying to get people to do, lol.

Makes sense but 1080P/1200P are more popular.

BTW, did you see TechReport's review? They went all out with 3 monitors!

 

[exar333]

Well, I just grabbed an EVGA 670. I couldn't resist. You'll be seeing my venerable 460s on the for sale market in the very near future. Looks like a single 470 OCed will be a significant improvement...

Yeah. Looking to enjoy the extra VRAM via additional Skyrim mods here.

 

[amenx]

Well I cancelled the evga from amazon. I got the gigabyte windforce overclock version from Newegg. The gigabyte even has the vrm and mem being cooled by the massive heatsink and 3 fans. For the same price as the evga its a no brainer. I hate reference coolers.

I think you'll like it a lot. I have the 570 version. Despite 3 fans its probably the quietest card I've owned. I guess mainly because it cools so well the fan speed never goes above 40%.

 

[guskline]

The 680 alone wasn't pressuring the 7970 due to not being readily available. I think AMD is worried that the 670, nipping at the heels of the 680 AND coming close to the 7970 will be a problem. The press release makes some sense but isn't enough to quiet the hoopla. Dropping the 7970 to the same price as the 670 will cause a hoopla!

 

[blastingcap]

I am not disagreeing with you, and also the ZOTAC 670 AMP! will be clocked above 1GHz with boost well above that, and it will be interesting to see if GHz edition 7970s can do much against OC'd 670s.

BTW, did you see TechReport's review? They went all out with 3 monitors!

I just finished that report, which is interesting. 7970 was built for HPC and Eyefinity (even going so far as to include active miniDP->DVI adapters with most 7970 SKUs). 670 was built for efficiency and probably not for multimonitor but something more like 2560x1600 or less, ideally more like 1920x1200 or less. So a 7970 does okay at 1080p and a 670 does okay at triple monitor, but neither are in an ideal situation because the 7970's 3GB VRAM is overkill and just wastes wattage at 1080p, whereas the 670's 2GB VRAM is uncomfortable when gaming at 5760x19xx, especially with future games. That, coupled with CUDA/PhysX/AdaptiveVSync/etc. is why I think gamers with single monitors should get a 670 and those with multimonitor should get 7970s, if they are tied in price. They are NOT tied in price right now, though. And 7970 GHz editions w/ Three for Free are about to come out, so right now it's not clear what will happen when the dust settles. I'm guessing 7970 GHz + Three for Free will settle in at $450 and gtx 670s will be at $400, with highly overclocked editions (like the ZOTAC AMP!) going for $450.

 

[guskline]

I just finished that report, which is interesting. 7970 was built for HPC and Eyefinity (even going so far as to include active miniDP->DVI adapters with most 7970 SKUs). 670 was built for efficiency and probably not for multimonitor. So a 7970 does okay at 1080p and a 670 does okay at triple monitor, but neither are in an ideal situation because the 7970's 3GB VRAM is overkill and just wastes wattage at 1080p, whereas the 670's 2GB VRAM is uncomfortable when gaming at 5760x19xx, especially with future games. That, coupled with CUDA/PhysX/AdaptiveVSync/etc. is why I think gamers with single monitors should get a 670 and those with multimonitor should get 7970s, if they are tied in price. They are NOT tied in price right now, though. And 7970 GHz editions w/ Three for Free are about to come out, so right now it's not clear what will happen when the dust settles. I'm guessing 7970 GHz + Three for Free will settle in at $450 and gtx 670s will be at $400, with highly overclocked editions (like the ZOTAC AMP!) going for $450.

Blastingcap, very intelligent post and I thought along the same lines when struggling of what card to use to replace the XFX 6970 XXX with 2g Vram in Rig2 below. Why did I go with a 680 GTX instead of a 7970? From what I read, the 680 had an edge in fps and the Vram was sufficient even for 3 monitors. What made my decision easier was that the 680 GTX was much more energy efficient and down the line 680s in SLI would be more efficient than 7970s in Crossfire. I have Battlefield 3 but use the 3 monitor setup for flight sims (Rise of Flight primarily). The 680 GTX has answered my needs. I'm sure the 7970 would have also. Suffice it to say both surely do a better job than the 6970. The 6970 is great for 1 monitor but was straining for 3. I "feel" a much smoother gameplay with the 680 GTX.

 

[exar333]

I just finished that report, which is interesting. 7970 was built for HPC and Eyefinity (even going so far as to include active miniDP->DVI adapters with most 7970 SKUs). 670 was built for efficiency and probably not for multimonitor but something more like 2560x1600 or less, ideally more like 1920x1200 or less. So a 7970 does okay at 1080p and a 670 does okay at triple monitor, but neither are in an ideal situation because the 7970's 3GB VRAM is overkill and just wastes wattage at 1080p, whereas the 670's 2GB VRAM is uncomfortable when gaming at 5760x19xx, especially with future games. That, coupled with CUDA/PhysX/AdaptiveVSync/etc. is why I think gamers with single monitors should get a 670 and those with multimonitor should get 7970s, if they are tied in price. They are NOT tied in price right now, though. And 7970 GHz editions w/ Three for Free are about to come out, so right now it's not clear what will happen when the dust settles. I'm guessing 7970 GHz + Three for Free will settle in at $450 and gtx 670s will be at $400, with highly overclocked editions (like the ZOTAC AMP!) going for $450.

Looking at Hard OP and Tech Reports reviews, the 670 doesn't seem to have issues with high resolutions. I agree that the 3GB might help 'future-proof' the 7970 a little bit, but the 670 is really the all-around champ for single to multiple displays.

 

[tweakboy]

I dont like Gigabytes design. 670 will give you 60fps for MP3 and other future games. Your future proof for at least 3 to 4 years with that card. gl

 

[xp0c]

For some reason my Gigabyte purchase didn't go through. I realized once they were out of stock.
I just ordered the Galaxy OC card instead.

 

[blastingcap]

Looking at Hard OP and Tech Reports reviews, the 670 doesn't seem to have issues with high resolutions. I agree that the 3GB might help 'future-proof' the 7970 a little bit, but the 670 is really the all-around champ for single to multiple displays.

I suggest you re-read the TR report, the 670 is not the "champ" of multiple displays, and that goes double once you overclock both.

I also think you are ignoring what I already said in the other thread to you about HardOCP's review in which they couldn't even enable 2x MSAA with triSLI 680s in BF3 because of the VRAM wall. That's why they tested the game in FXAA. Some people think FXAA is as good as MSAA, but I think they are ignoring the blurring that occurs and would rather have MSAA. If it's not an issue to you and you are ok with FXAA then sure, 2GB VRAM is plenty for now. (The 7970s allegedly being choppy in BF3 with MSAA despite the high fps readout, I have no idea... microstutter varies from system to system. Most likely it's a CF issue. SLI is better than CF but I have zero interest in multi-GPU systems anyway.)

This is not an issue with the GPU but rather the VRAM barrier. They will be making 4GB editions of the 670/80 but at extra cost.

http://www.hardocp.com/article/2012/04/25/geforce_gtx_680_3way_sli_radeon_7970_trifire_review/9

 

[skipsneeky2]

Looking to purchase a evga gtx670 or perhaps a asus direct cu model,looks like the asus went with a full size pcb which makes it appealing,i swore it would look like a gtx550ti.

Will wait a few months to see what prices will do,just got a gtx570 so will wait as well for matured drivers.

 

[Rvenger]

Stock vs. stock, even NV doesn't claim that the 670 beats the 7970. And I don't think they really wanna talk about OC vs OC either since both can OC well. This is from NV's PR release today:

Thats proof that Nvidia doesn't want to see AMD fall on its knees. Of course they want to be better, but they don't want to see them completely sink. Thats good sportsmanship IMO.

 

[Rvenger]

I dont like Gigabytes design. 670 will give you 60fps for MP3 and other future games. Your future proof for at least 3 to 4 years with that card. gl

I needed the Tweakboy seal of approval, thanks :thumbsup: Glad to see my MP3s will be running at 60fps too.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

Will wait a few months to see what prices will do,just got a gtx570 so will wait as well for matured drivers.

This for me as well. Was waiting to see how much prices would fall for the 570 and maybe SLI'ing but I don't know if even that would be worth it gaming on one monitor @ 1920x1280. Not even sure if my PSU will handle 2 570s lol

 

[guskline]

Thats proof that Nvidia doesn't want to see AMD fall on its knees. Of course they want to be better, but they don't want to see them completely sink. Thats good sportsmanship IMO.

Rvenger, I wish you were correct but sportmanship between AMD and Nvidia? That's like saying sportsmanship between the Steelers and Raiders in the 70s! ( I grew up in Western Pa and those were knock down drag out football games.)

 

[Pneumothorax]

For some reason my Gigabyte purchase didn't go through. I realized once they were out of stock.
I just ordered the Galaxy OC card instead.

I just did the same, I hope Galaxy's customer support is good as I usually go with EVGA/Gigabyte for my vid cards.

 

[xp0c]

I just did the same, I hope Galaxy's customer support is good as I usually go with EVGA/Gigabyte for my vid cards.

and Gigabyte is back in stock at Newegg

 

[cmdrdredd]

I want a GTX 670 but my system is in need of an overhaul first. I'll have to live with my unlocked 6950 a little longer. It's alright at 1920x1200 for now I suppose.

Everyone agree I need to upgrade my mobo/cpu/memory before GPU?

 

[RussianSensation]

Looking to purchase a evga gtx670 or perhaps a asus direct cu model,looks like the asus went with a full size pcb which makes it appealing,i swore it would look like a gtx550ti.

Right now the Galaxy 670 dual fan, Gigabyte WindForce or Asus Direct CUII look like the stand-outs among US after market versions.

At TPU, an overclocked 670 OC beat GTX590 for $420 in BF3.

2nd quietest card on their list:

"Also maximum GPU clock is extremely high with 1293 MHz, which is higher than what we have seen on any GTX 670, 680 or 690."

 

[Don Karnage]

Right now the Galaxy 670 dual fan, Gigabyte WindForce or Asus Direct CUII look like the stand-outs among US after market versions.

Check this out, beating GTX590 for $420!

Any idea when the Asus will be launching? My finger hurts from refreshing

 

[RussianSensation]

I want a GTX 670 but my system is in need of an overhaul first. I'll have to live with my unlocked 6950 a little longer. It's alright at 1920x1200 for now I suppose.

Everyone agree I need to upgrade my mobo/cpu/memory before GPU?

Depends on the games you play. Games that punish 6950 such as Crysis 2, BF3 and Batman AC would benefit a lot even with your CPU. But I think you can probably survive until Haswell and do a full overhaul. Seems kinda pointless for you to grab IVB now when Haswell is a year away and will use a new socket 1150.

Any idea when the Asus will be launching? My finger hurts from refreshing

Not sure. Have you thought about shooting them an email? I'll PM you if I see one on sale! Right now they aren't even showing GTX670 on their website.
http://usa.asus.com/Graphics_Cards/#NVIDIA_Series

 

[Don Karnage]

Not sure. Have you thought about shooting them an email? I'll PM you if I see one on sale!

Thank you RS

 

[exar333]

This sums-up the AT viewpoint.

[Folks who already have a 7970] GTX '670/680 are slower and don't have enough RAM'
[Folks who don't have a 79xx or GTX 6xx card] 'It's great! Depends on the game, performance is pretty competitive'

:whiste:

 

[RussianSensation]

[Folks who don't have a 79xx or GTX 6xx card] 'It's great! Depends on the game, performance is pretty competitive'

OR $399 GTX670 OC ~ HD7970 reference performance for $550 4 months ago. $150 improvement on the price/performance curve. But HD7970 owners have enjoyed their cards for 4 months. The price of an early adopter is understanding that in 4-6 months something faster or cheaper with similar performance may be released but they get to enjoy the latest and greatest. I think this time though it was more obvious than ever. When HD7950 launched at $450 but only beat GTX580 by 5%, I think most people suspected AMD's is going to have trouble.

It worked out well for AMD that GK100 was unworkable/unprofitable based on current 28nm yields and that NV is capacity constrained. Had it launched on time, it would have been G80 style disaster for AMD for 2 generations trying to catch up. Now they may have 1 full year from HD7900 series launch to work on HD8000 series. That's a lot of time to release a competitive HD8000 series.

If 'big K' GTX685 launched for $549, GTX680 for $399 was GTX670/660Ti, GTX670 for $299 as GTX660, it would have been game over because their entire HD7850-> HD7970 line-up would have been toast.