A product can only be considered 'ROG' if it's had serious engineering time dedicated to its gaming and overclocking customizations. On the new Matrix R9 290X and GTX 780 Ti, there are several of these new technologies in and on the PCB, in the modified DirectCU II heatsink, and from the GPU Tweak software.
The Matrix has always had a dual-role: part ultimate gaming card with the fastest GPUs, part-aimed at extreme overclockers looking to break world records or simply have some fun with LN2 cooling. What ROG supplies are functions that can't be easily added by overclockers, but remember, any soldering done to the card voids the warranty.
DIGI+ VRM, 14-phase Super Alloy Power and Black Metallic Caps
Custom DIGI+ VRM and iROG chips control the power and overclocking functionality of the Matrix cards. The Super Alloy Power hardware has offered unparalleled reliability in ASUS and ROG’s best graphics cards for a few years, and it’s now been upgraded with premium Nichicon-GT series Black Metallic Capacitors that’ll last 5x longer in extreme temps, and operate in a wider temperature range so are better suited to extreme overclocking.
The result is tons of power and proven reliability, from the best hardware combined custom designed chips.
LN2 switch
Mirroring the ROG 'Extreme' motherboards, there’s an LN2 switch for extreme overclockers to unlock all the power limits and overcurrent protection, unleashing the absolute maximum power available to the GPU.
*Also requires soldering a short on the PCB - see VGA Hotwire.
Memory Defroster
Another small switch is located at the back of the card. Again, unless you’re going sub-zero and extreme overclocking you need not apply. The Memory Defroster is a small heating element located within the PCB layers circulating under the GDDR5 memory.
When activated, the heating element raises the temperature of the memory chips to just above ambient, keeping the memory chilled but free of cold-bugs! The rear molex plug is exclusively used for the memory heater, so it doesn’t divert power from the other areas of the card and isolating its electrical system.
*Also requires soldering a short on the PCB - see VGA Hotwire.
VGA Hotwire
A feature that syncs ROG ‘Extreme’ series motherboards (Rampage IV, Maximus V, Maximus VI) and Matrix graphics cards: VGA Hotwire is the 6 solder points that link the two together, allowing overclockers to use of a combination of monitoring and adjustment tools.
Safe Mode
Pushed the OC too far? Hit the Safe Mode button and reset the BIOS back to default, allowing you to boot up normally and try again.
GPU Tweak
Buying ROG is more than just getting a box of goodies; with an ROG graphics card GPU Tweak software will unlock extra overclocking features. You literally eek every last MHz from your Matrix by tweaking specialist options like VDDC, VRM clock and particular niche voltages.
Real-time Load Indicator
As part of aspiring to own ‘The ROG PC’, the Matrix Load Indicator has evolved into a real-time GPU load indicator behind the ROG logo, neatly integrated into the cooler.
Black Metallic DirectCU II & Hybrid Fan Design
The DirectCU II cooler got an aesthetic upgrade too: now the fins and 10mm fat heatpipes better match the red-black design ROG is best known for. Combined with the hybrid dual fan design, it’s significantly cooler and 3x quieter than reference designs.
