Custom cards with dual-slot coolers and stock frequencies

Jul 28, 2010 15:26 GMT  ·  By

When making a custom graphics adapter, hardware makers often play around with the clock frequencies, especially when they use their own cooling solutions. Other times, they prefer to optimize their product for lower operational temperatures instead of overclocking them. For the GeForce GTX 400 series, this latter tendency serves especially well, since they are already quite hot even in their 'natural' form. Sparkle made a move on the graphics market just a short while ago and unveiled both a GTX 470 as well as a GTX 465 device.

Needless to say, being different boards for different consumer bases, the two have their differences. One thing is that the GTX 470 has 1280 MB of GDDR5, whereas the GTX 465 has 1024 MB VRAM. Another difference is that this very memory runs at 3348 MHz and 3206 MHz, respectively, and interfaces if 320-bit and 256-bit. Furthermore, their stream processors number 448 on the 470 and 352 on the 465.

The stream processors on both video boards are programmed to function at 1215 MHz, whereas the GPU itself works at 607 MHz. Needless to say, the newcomers fully support DirectX 11 graphics, as well as 3D Vision Surround, CUDA and SLI technologies. As for the cooler, it takes up two slots and five copper heatpipes that come in direct contact with the GPU. These heatpipes draw the heat out and lead it into the aluminum fin array. The heat is then dispersed by the 80mm turbine thruster fan that automatically adjusts its rotary speed depending on temperatures.

Both the GeForce GTX 465 and the GTX 470 communicate with video output devices via dual-DVI and mini HDMI outputs. Their model numbers are SXX4701280D5-NM and SXX4651024D5-NM. Unfortunately, Sparkle decided not to give out all information at once, so it said nothing about pricing and availability.