ASUS GeForce GTX 680 DirectCU II TOP Launches: Some Pics

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.