On August 16 it is planned to release one of the first mainstream cards Nvidia family Kepler — GeForce GTX 660 Ti. Different sources are still disagree considering its characteristics. It is known that it will be based on the graphic chip GK104 and have a more modest power system than the GTX 670. Crippled in its capability GPU GK104 will form the basis for GeForce GTX 660 and, probably, GTX 650 Ti. Boards of mainstream class and below will use the processor GK107.



Actually, GK107 is already present in the market as part of the line of video cards GeForce GT 640, but it limits the potential by slower memory DDR3. Release of modifications GT 640 with GDDR5 chips on board, according to foreign analytics is just a matter of time.


It is believed that the GeForce GT 640 GDDR5 will receive commercial name GeForce GTX 650. This assumption is not without logic, because it will be easier for Nvidia to sell large quantities of video cards (notice how long the Santa Clara did not …

Tailored for mini-ITX motherboards, Asus has designed a new graphics card based on GeForce GTX 970 adapter. The GeForce GTX 970 DirectCU Mini OC features 170x122x40 mm dimensions only, targeting small-sized chassis for mini-ITX platforms. The heart of the card is Nvidia’s GM204-200-A1 GPU with 13 SMM blocks, 1664 CUDA cores, 104 TMUs, and 64 ROPs. It runs at the nominal 1088 MHz frequency but might be overclocked to 1228 MHz index.



Asus GeForce GTX 970 DirectCU Mini OC employs a shortcut PCB that accommodates a two-slot cooler with a vapor chamber, a backplate, and a high-efficiency CoolTech Fan. The latter is distinguished by a unique design that dramatically enhances airflow. The incorporated hardware base features Super Alloy Power design. It implies the inclusion of prime-quality chokes, capacitors, and power transistors. Their combination provides for some incredible efficiency and a prolonged lifespan.


The integrated GPU is accompanied with 4GB of GDDR5 memory; it …

All PC enthusiasts and overclockers are now able to enjoy all the privileges of a wireless connection thanks to a new release from MSI. The company’s latest addition to Z87 motherboard series – the Z87 MPower MAX AC – might boast the incorporation of Intel Dual Band module that supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 4.0 connections. Moreover, due to the employment of two frequency bands (2.4/5 GHz), the speed of wireless data transfer achieves 867 Mb/sec.



It goes without saying that MSI Z87 MPower MAX AC is based on Intel Z87 Express chipset that supports Intel Haswell CPUs for socket LGA1150. All system components are soldered on a black-and-yellow 6-layer PCB; hardware base is implemented according to MSI Military Class 4 concept. Here, one may find Solid CAP capacitors, Dark Choke throttles, and DrMOS voltage regulators.


The PCB contains four DIMM slots for the installation of DDR3 memory modules (up to 16 GB) with the maximal clock frequency of 3000 MHz. …