ASUS Republic of Gamers

ASUS GeForce GTX 670 DirectCU II TOP Unboxing Pics

Suds McSoapdish — Tue, 15 May 2012 06:57:56 +0000

Here comes another sweet spot graphics card from ASUS, fielding the 28nm GTX 670 from NVIDIA with its 1344 CUDA cores. This chip has been selected as a TOP edition, proving more overclockable at the factory, so both the base clock and boost clock are significantly higher than reference, set to 1058MHz and 1137MHz, respectively. To keep it chilled, it's been paired with a DirectCU cooler, featuring twin 100mm fans. This arrangement translates into both lower temps and reduced noise when put next to the reference design, all the while offering better performance. The GTX 670 is generally NVIDIA's entry into the more high end yet down to earth segment, bringing together power that isn't that far removed from the GTX 680, while packaging it in a more realistic two-slot and twin 6-pin form factor so it fits in almost any case and doesn't put too much strain on power supplies. In short, this is probably one of the more ideal gaming cards for your money right now, and ASUS does it good justice by including the GPU Tweak utility in the box to allow for easier overclocking and tuning. Like other recent graphics card releases from ASUS, this one also uses DIGI+ VRM power delivery for more accurate and cleaner power, as well as a better jumping off point for overclocking. Let's take a look at some quick photos here: That's a quick rundown of the main features on the back of the box, also explaining the benefits of DirectCU cooling with its all-copper heat dissipation points, bigger heatsink, and direct contact with the GPU. Similar packaging to all ASUS graphics cards, keeping your investment safe during shipping and afterwards. The card itself measures 10.7" x 5.4" x1.7", and as we said earlier, takes up two PCI Express slots. You will need two 6-pin power connectors to get it working.

Tough backplate like on many other DirectCU cards, helps keep it all together while reducing noise and aiding in heat abatement. Really like this all-carbon look of the front of the card, nicely aesthetic. On the back you get all the connectors you need. The side of the card shows part of the heatpipe build, which is quite massive. Upon closer inspection of the side, we see the large heatsink and rather impressive solid state capacitors. No wonder they call this guy TOP! While maybe not as extreme as the 680 or Radeon 7970, the GTX 670 is an impressive card in every way, made even better with great and quiet cooling and several nice extras for OC seekers. This is one more reason to consider making the move to 28nm.

ROG G75VW & G55VW Video

MarshallR — Sun, 13 May 2012 00:00:03 +0000

We always put together a new video for our product launches, and the new G5 gaming notebooks are no exception. Is it our best yet? Let us know your thoughts! [video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mp2WUMBvcG0[/video]

ASUS GeForce GTX 670 DirectCU II Gets A Perfect 10 From TechPowerUp

MarshallR — Sat, 12 May 2012 00:00:27 +0000

Tech giant, TechPowerUp (affectionately sharing an acronym with our 'TPU') just gave the new ASUS GeForce GTX 670 DirectCU II a perfect 10 score! By their own admission - a very first! In their own words:

"Yes, you've seen correctly, the ASUS GeForce GTX 670 Direct CU II TOP is the first graphics card ever that I gave a perfect ten score. The stock GeForce GTX 670 provides already great performance, but ASUS has topped that by boosting it with a large overclock out of the box which catapults it beyond GTX 680 performance levels. Averaged over all our testing we see the card 1% faster than GTX 680 and 8% faster than GTX 670. The card does so without massive power consumption increase thanks to an efficient VRM design and low temperatures. ASUS has done away with NVIDIA's cheap voltage regulation circuitry and put a much better CHiL controller on the card, which also supports voltage control and monitoring."

[caption id="attachment_11072" align="aligncenter" width="595" caption="Image from TechPowerUp"][/caption]

Once you've read their huge 33 page review, let us know your thoughts in the forums!

ASUS Reveals The GeForce GTX 670 DirectCU II TOP Graphics Card

MarshallR — Fri, 11 May 2012 09:16:31 +0000

Hot on the heels of the GeForce GTX 680 and GTX 690 launches, the GTX 670 falls into line just below. But with 1344 Stream Processors running over 1GHz on the TOP models, it's still one of the fastest graphics cards on the planet!

Hit the button below for all the official details in our press release.

Max Payne 3 Official Game Trailer

MarshallR — Fri, 11 May 2012 03:25:21 +0000

That violin gives me tingles. Again. [video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osvR3tJOcPc[/video] Anyone else looking forward to Max Payne 3 at the end of May?

Maximus V Formula LN2 OCing Preview From Shamino & Andre

MarshallR — Thu, 10 May 2012 07:31:58 +0000

While still 'in beta', ASUS pro overclockers, Shamino and Andre Yang show us the potentials of LN2 overclocking on the upcoming Maximus V Formula. These details are taken from the Kingpincooling thread, although you can discuss it in our own ROG forums here. Below, the explanations are in their own words:

Maximus V Formula OC Preview & Maximus V GENE Overclocking Demo

Firstly, to engage LN2 Mode, simply put a jumper at the location marked below: LN2 Mode Enabled: The BIOS will show the 'Enabled' status and give you two Extreme OC Profiles that are suitable for users of Liquid Nitrogen. Profile 1 is more conservative and profile 2 is more aggressive. To make a simple ‘Slow-Mode’ switch, simply connect a wire from the spot marked below to a switch, with the other side of the switch being any local ground. Slow Mode is a common method used to make it easier to enter OS and validate results, etc

Points to watch when running LN2 Cooling for the best cold-bug free runs:

Use a BCLK of 105MHz or higher
Find the right CPU PLL Voltage that your CPU likes (can be higher or lower than default)
Some CPUs may only initialize their high IMC Frequency at a warmer temperature though they may work fine after that
A ‘23’ code when trying to boot means the CPU IMC is not able to run at that frequency at that temperature. A ‘30’ means the same as ‘23’ and a bit more.
The highest DRAM Ratio known to be working = 2933 ratio

With the CPU and PSC chip DRAM under LN2, you can get the Maximus V Formula to churn out some crazy OC numbers, such as 2x2GB @ 3036MHz CL6-11-7-1T! [gallery include="10978,10979,10980" size="medium" link="file" template="file-gallery"] Power users love running low latencies, right? Do you miss the days of CL5, but still want today’s memory frequencies? How about CL5 @ 2400MHz!

The above was done with Elpida BBSE chips using our tight Elpida BBSE BIOS preset as a base setting. The Maxmius V Formula can go crazy high with VDimm and IMC-DRAM Offset, which is great for LN2’d memory. We will issue a note on IMC-DRAM Offset to trick the IMC at a later date. Please be warned not to try to use 2.40V Vcore as shown below. There is very little chance of your CPU surviving - or if your intention is otherwise…. Maximus V Formula 2x2GB @ 2933MHz CL5-11-7-28 (What is CL5 good for? SuperPi 32M! Which you will see posted later. It requires lots of VDIMM and Elpida BBSE chips as cold as possible

A note on LN2’d DRAM

PSC scales on cold but beyond that it's unnecessary and it might not even work too cold. Around -40ºC is enough to max out the DRAM and it may scale up to around ~1.95V.
Elpida BBSE really scales on cold; the colder the better. Voltage scales up to ~2.30V
Samsung are better just slightly chilled, with colder getting worse. Voltage scales up to ~2.20V
Hynix scales on cold but beyond that it's unnecessary and it might not even work too cold. Around -40ºC is enough to max out the DRAM and it may scale up to around ~1.95V.

Following the ROG Rampage IV Series success, we created a ton of presets for different memory chips in the BIOS:

PSC are almost always 2GB sticks, and typically have rated RAS to CAS Delay much higher than CAS, for eg 8-11-8, 9-11-9, etc
Hynix presets are for 4GB sticks that are usually rated 2133MHz or more, and have slopping upwards and then downwards rated timing, such as 9-11-10, 10-12-11. They normally don’t scale much past 1.67v as well.
Samsung presets are for 4GB sticks that are usually rated 2133MHz or more and have slopping upwards and then evening out rated timing, such as 10-12-12. They normally scale up to 1.80v and can do unusually low TRAS at high speeds, such as 21.

Even with fully loaded DRAM slots of 4x4GB, we've tuned the Maximus V Formula enough to run 4x4GB @ 3180MHz! [gallery include="10995,10996" size="medium" link="file" template="file-gallery" columns="2"]

ROG Tytan CG8580 Video

MarshallR — Wed, 09 May 2012 02:06:23 +0000

Our ROG Tytan CG8580 just got upgraded with an Intel Core i7-3770K and GeForce GTX 680, among others. Check out our new video and let us know what you think!

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFKxbnw3ULo[/video]

Say Your Piece On Graphics Cards In A New User Survey

Suds McSoapdish — Mon, 07 May 2012 09:00:43 +0000

The ASUS graphics card and display folks have a new user survey up, asking for your help in providing valuable feedback to aid in the development of upcoming graphics parts and monitors. This is a real chance to make a difference and air out any concerns you may have regarding existing graphics products, or the direction you want them to take. The survey is quite quick, with just a few precision questions that are designed to get the most info while taking up as little of your time as possible. Buying habits, expectations, and comments on current performance are all included, and there's a question that wants to find out more about which monitor you use your graphics cards with, because what's a graphics card without a monitor! [caption id="attachment_10918" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Here's looking at you, survey taker"][/caption] To show their appreciation, the kind folks at ASUS have joined the survey with a lucky draw where you can win Battlefield 3 full game coupons. [caption id="attachment_10919" align="aligncenter" width="656" caption="Sorry, couldn't help myself - but tanks for your time! (and thanks to DICE/EA for the image)"][/caption] After all, if you want to talk graphics, right now BF3 is still the poster game for that, and leads the current charge towards next-gen graphics on PC, where something like this would really come in handy. [caption id="attachment_10920" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="My body is ready!"][/caption] So take a look at the survey, and hopefully you might win an extra game, why not!

ASUS GeForce GTX 680 DirectCU II TOP Launches: Some Pics

Suds McSoapdish — Mon, 07 May 2012 06:00:25 +0000

Not content with the reference GeForce GTX 680, ASUS engineers have been sifting through massive heaps of GPUs recently to create a TOP-version 680 card. While the GPU is still the same 28nm, 1536 CUDA core/3.5 billion transistor part, this one is overclocked to 1201MHz out of the box in boost clock mode. It also runs about 20% cooler and 14dB quieter than reference thanks to that mammoth DirectCU II cooler, which uses five all-copper heatpipes. Airflow is done by twin 100mm blowers, which all culminates in significantly improved overclocking potential. But this is no card for the faint of case, it's three slots tall, almost 12" long, and needs a 6-pin and an 8-pin for power. For that you do get lots of card and the best graphics money can buy for PC gaming at the moment, buttressed by DIGI+ VRM digital voltage regulation, 10-phase power delivery, and Super Alloy Power components, which are some of the most durable in the industry. ASUS is also including the by-now expected GPU Tweak utility (special "Kepler" edition), and the DIY-inspired VGA Hotwire. The only thing I'd change about this card is the 2GB GDDR5 (256-bit), but then there's only so much you can pack onto a PCB before it all gets too much. I guess we'll have to wait for the ROG version, nudge nudge. In the meantime, here are some pics, and let us know your thoughts on this beautiful piece of technology in the comments. [caption id="attachment_10883" align="aligncenter" width="595" caption="This card maintains the new ASUS box design, with the claw marks"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_10886" align="aligncenter" width="595" caption="Twin 100mm fans, and a shroud that feels like it came off a Typhoon-class boomer"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_10887" align="aligncenter" width="595" caption="A look at the one side..."][/caption] [caption id="attachment_10888" align="aligncenter" width="595" caption="...and the other, with its power connectors"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_10889" align="aligncenter" width="595" caption="The front offers an insight into the heatsink and heatpipes"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_10890" align="aligncenter" width="595" caption="While the back indicates only cases the size of your closet need apply. But it's worth it!"][/caption]

Upgrading the G75VW

MarshallR — Fri, 04 May 2012 02:00:13 +0000

Upgrading the G75VW is relatively simple: you just need a Philips screw driver. It's just one screw keeping you out of the main hatch which covers the two 2.5" hard drive spaces, two SO-DIMM clips and one of the fan filters, as you can see below. Flip over the notebooks and unscrew the first hatch near the front: By removing two screws on each, the hard drives can be popped out using the pull tags. Then unscrew the old drive if there is one via its side-screws and add the new drive into the housing, before reversing the process to put it back in. Unscrew two screws and just give it a tug to the side before lifting it out.

The housing will take SSDs, hybrid drives (like the Seagate Momentus XT) and SSDs in any mix and match configuration you desire. If you want to enable RAID0 or RAID1 for two HDD or SSD, it is available via the BIOS. [caption id="attachment_9890" align="aligncenter" width="595" caption="Our G75VW has two 750GB Western Digital Black HDDs fitted"][/caption] From here, the left-hand fan filter is accessible for cleaning, while the right fan filter requires removing another Philips screw and accessing a smaller hatch. Just to be clear: removing these two screws does not void your warranty. Also, as you'd expect, the battery requires just flicking the clip on the base to swap it out. No screw removal required. [gallery include="9891,9886,9887,9888" size="large" link="file" template="file-gallery" columns="2"] However for the sake of transparency to our customers, please be aware of upgrade limitations. While the G75VW has four SO-DIMM slots in total; two of which are situated underneath the keyboard and accessing them requires chassis dismantling that voids your warranty so please plan your needs carefully before you buy. These two above will be populated first, at the factory, meaning if you buy an G75VW with 8GB DDR3 but later want 12GB or 16GB, dropping in one or two extra 4GB SO-DIMMs is a perfectly warranty-safe upgrade as this requires simply opening the base as described above. However, if you require upgrading all four SO-DIMM slots, this can only be done by unscrewing all visible screws on the base, removing the battery and optical drive, then gently separating the the motherboard tray from the keyboard. Evidently this process is not designed to be user upgradable, but if you feel you are technically adept and accept that you will not be able to return the notebook at a later date, it can be done.