Are you in search of a high-performance GPU that can handle the most demanding games and applications with ease? Look no further than the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680M, the powerhouse graphics card that delivers unbeatable performance and stunning visuals. In this detailed review, we will explore its features, capabilities, and performance, and help you decide whether it’s the right graphics card for you.
Specifications of Nvidia GeForce GTX 680M
- GPU clock speed: 720 MHz
- Boost clock speed: 758 MHz
- CUDA cores: 1344
- Memory clock speed: 1800 MHz
- Memory interface width: 256-bit
- Video memory: 2GB or 4GB GDDR5
- Max resolution: 2560×1600
- DirectX support: 11
- OpenGL support: 4.2
- TDP: 100W
Architecture
Firstly, the GTX 680M was based on Nvidia’s Kepler architecture, which was the successor to the Fermi architecture. Kepler was made to be more power-efficient and had a higher performance-per-watt ratio than Fermi. The GTX 680M had 1536 CUDA cores, 128 texture units, and 32 ROP units.
Core Speed and Memory
Secondly, the GTX 680M had a core clock speed of 720 MHz, which could be boosted up to 771 MHz using Nvidia’s GPU Boost technology. The card had 2 GB of GDDR5 memory with a memory clock speed of 1800 MHz. The memory was connected to the GPU via a 256-bit memory interface, which provided a maximum memory bandwidth of 115.2 GB/s.
TDP and Power Consumption
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 680M had a TDP of 100W, which was relatively high for a laptop graphics card. However, this was necessary to provide the level of performance that the card offer. The card also had Nvidia’s Optimus technology, which allowed the laptop to switch between the GTX 680M and the integrated graphics to save power when the card was not needed.
Design and Cooling
Lastly, GTX 680M comes in a variety of designs, depending on the laptop or desktop it’s installed in. Most models feature a dual-slot design and require an 180W power supply. The GTX 680M also has a TDP of 100W, making it a power-hungry GPU.
To keep the GPU cool, most manufacturers use a combination of heat pipes, fans, and heatsinks. Some models also feature custom cooling solutions, such as MSI’s Twin IV cooling system, which uses dual fans and a large heatsink to keep the GPU running cool and quiet.
Performance
When it comes to gaming performance, GTX 680M delivers outstanding results. It can handle the latest games at high settings and resolutions without breaking a sweat. In benchmarks, it consistently outperforms its competitors, such as the AMD Radeon HD 7970M.
Gaming Benchmarks
The GTX 680M was an excellent performer when it came to gaming. It was capable of running most games at high settings with smooth frame rates. In benchmark tests, the card was able to achieve an average of 60 frames per second (fps) in games like Battlefield 3 and Crysis 2 at 1080p resolution.
Benchmark Comparison to Other Graphics Cards
In comparison to other graphics cards, the GTX 680M was on par with the desktop GTX 560 Ti. It was also faster than the AMD Radeon HD 7970M and the Nvidia GeForce GTX 675M.
Value
Price Comparison
When the Nvidia GeForce GTX 680M was release, it had a price tag of around $600. Today, the card can be found for around $150-200 on the used market. This makes it an excellent value for gamers who want a high-performance graphics card without breaking the bank.
Future-Proofing Considerations
While the GTX 680M is no longer a cutting-edge graphics card, it still offers excellent performance for most games. It has 2 GB of GDDR5 memory may not be enough for newer games with higher graphical demands, but it can still handle most games at 1080p resolution with high settings. However, if you plan on playing newer games with more demanding graphics, you may want to consider a more powerful graphics card.
Pros and Cons: Should You Buy the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680M?
Pros:
- Outstanding gaming performance
- NVIDIA Optimus technology
- PhysX technology
- NVIDIA Surround support
- CUDA technology for non-gaming applications
Cons:
- High power consumption
- Expensive compared to some competitors
- No support for DirectX 12
Overall, the GTX 680M is a top-of-the-line graphics card that delivers exceptional gaming performance and features. It’s an excellent choice for gamers and professionals who demand the best graphics performance and are willing to pay a premium price for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GTX 680M still a good graphics card?
Yes, it is still a good graphics card for most games. While it may not be able to handle the newest and most demanding games. Also, it can still handle most games at high settings and offers excellent value for its price.
How much does a GTX 680M cost?
It was released with a price tag of around $600. Today, it can be found for around $150-200 on the used market.
Can the GTX 680M handle VR?
It may not be powerful enough to handle VR games. As they have much higher graphical demands than traditional games. Also, if you want to play VR games, you may want to consider a more powerful graphics card.
Does the GTX 680M support DirectX 12?
No, it does not support DirectX 12. The card was release before DirectX 12 was introduce and only supports DirectX 11.
Conclusion
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 680M is a high-performance graphics card that offers excellent value for gamers who want desktop-level performance in a laptop form factor. It was released in 2012 and is still a popular choice for gamers today. While it may not be a cutting-edge graphics card anymore, it can still handle most games at high settings and offers excellent value for its price.
Read Also: ASUS ZenBook Pro UX550: A Laptop That Redefines Productivity
