14 DAY TRIAL // ELSA has just released an NVIDIA-based graphics adapter that is a slightly stronger version of the latest graphics adapter to leave the Santa Clara, California-based company's development labs.
We are, of course, talking about the GeForce GTX 770, the third fastest single-GPU card in its lineup, after GeForce GTX Titan and GTX 780.
Normally, the GTX 770 runs the graphics processing unit at 1046 MHz and 1085 MHz when in GPU Boost mode.
This is the first reason why we consider ELSA's card odd, because the board runs slower than that.
That's right, where most other NVIDIA OEMs either leave the clocks alone or overclock them, ELSA made the board a bit weaker.
More specifically, the GeForce GTX 770 SAC (silent air cooling), as the newcomer is called, operates at 1,046 MHz and 1,070 MHz, respectively.
The reason lies in the name. ELSA put more emphasis on silent operation and low temperatures, rather than a minor, extra performance boost.
To be fair, we can understand that. Most games can run just fine on cards slower than GTX 770, even older-generation 600 series. Ensuring a more silent operation can help immersion a lot. ELSA even used a different PCB and.
The SAC cooler uses some copper heatpipes to pull heat straight from the GPU (graphics processing unit). They directly touch the chip, instead of using a base plate.
The aluminum fin stack is a monolithic array ventilated by two 80 mm fans. A die-cast metal shroud holds the fans, and can easily be taken off by turning six thumb drives. This ensures easy cleanup of the spinners.
Finally, the GeForce GTX 770 SAC draws its power from the PCI Express slot and two power plugs: a 6-pin and an 8-pin. DVI (dual-link x2), HDMI, and DisplayPort outputs provide monitor support.
Since NVIDIA's GTX 770 normally sells for $400 / €400, the newcomer should ship for the same price.
