Nvidia has now officially launched its second graphics card (third if you cound the dual GK104 based GTX 690) based on Kepler architecture, the GTX 670.
The new GTX 670 is based on a slightly crippled GK104 GPU that features one SMX less for a total of 1344 CUDA cores. The reference GTX 670 card ended up wroking at 915MHz for base and 980MHz for boost core clock while and it features 2GB of GDDR5 memory paired up wit 256-bit memory interface and clocked at 1502MHz (6008MHz effective).
The good part of the story is that Nvidia partners got the green light for custom and factory overclocked GTX 670 variants from day one so we have a wide offer including some cards that will use a GTX 680 PCB rather than a standard shorter one on the reference GTX 670.
As noted, some of the factory overclocked cards are announced with clocks that are identical to those found on the reference GTX 680 graphics card and in terms of performance the card is pretty much leveled with both HD 7970 and GTX 680 in some cases.
The reference card is priced at US $399 while in Europe the suggested price tag is set at €329 ex. VAT, so you can expect it to sell at around €390 in most countries.
The reviews around the net (including our own) pretty much come to the same conclusion, that Nvidia certainly made an interesting card at an interesting price point. It puts pressure on AMD's HD 7900 lineup and we are pretty sure that we'll see a price cut or two on AMD's part. Still, AMD enjoyed a comfortable lead in most market segments so it can afford a price cut. Price wise it is clear that the GTX 670 is aimed against the HD 7950 but performance wise the situation is a bit different.
Of course, AMD still holds a compute crown and HD 7900 series is much better there but as a gaming card, Kepler certainly shines and at that price point it is certainly a good option.
You can check out our review here and you can find some other reviews below.
- Anandtech.com
- Hothardware.com
- Techpowerup.com
- Hardwareheaven.com
- Neoseeker.com
- Bjorn3D.com
- Hardwaresecrets.com
