MSI Builds GeForce GTX 680 Twin Frozr III Graphics Card

Micro-Star International may have already released some GeForce GTX 680 cards, but it isn't done yet, since it still has to flaunt its special cooling technology.

And here, by special cooling technology we, of course, mean the latest iteration of the Twin Frozr, dubbed Twin Frozr III.

For those expecting some major clock tweaks and the like, disappointment awaits.

While the GK104 Kepler GPU (graphics processing unit) was pushed a bit, the memory was not, even though the cooler could have probably handled it.

Then again, the GeForce GTX 680 is such a beast by default that there is hardly any need for major factory overclocking, especially when users can just play with the numbers themselves.

That said, the GPU has a base core speed of 1,058 MHz and a GPU Boost speed of 1,124 MH (dynamic overclocking technology akin to CPU's Intel Turbo Boost / AMD Turbo Core).

For those who need a reminder, the reference clocks are 1,006 MHz and 1,058 MHz, respectively.

Moving on, the 2 GB of GDDR5 memory have an actual speed of 1,502 MHz and 6 GHz effective.

As for connectivity, there are two dual-link DVI ports, an HDMI connector and a DisplayPort output.

And now we finally get to write a little about the cooler itself. It has apparently been designed to perfectly fit the PCB (printed circuit board) and has two 70mm fans ventilating an aluminum fin stack.

The heat is led away from the GPU and everything else that produces heat (VRM memory etc.) by five 8mm nickel-plated copper heatpipes.

All in all, the video controller isn't the strongest out there but, on the other hand, it doesn't need as much energy either, making do with two 6-pin PCI Express power connectors.

We don't know when sales of the N680GTX Twin Frozr 2GD5/OC are going to start, or what price this item will bear. Until more details show up, we'll be quietly wondering why the PCB is brown instead of a fitting black or blue.

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