3GB GTX960 Already In the Works?

[newtekie1]

Here's the thing, every review I've seen of the GTX960 shows an extra 2 solder pads for memory on the PCB. And these are custom PCBs from ASUS and MSI and such, not just reference boards. But every single one has the extra solder pads.

So, to me this means only one things, they are already planning on releasing 3GB variants of the GTX960.

Now the only question that leaves is the memory bus. Is GM206 really capable of 192-bit memory bus, but currently limited to 128, and when the 3GB version comes out will it be the GTX960Ti or something. OR Are they just planning on adding the extra 1GB in an asymmetrical memory layout like they did with the 660?

 

[mroofie]

Here's the thing, every review I've seen of the GTX960 shows an extra 2 solder pads for memory on the PCB. And these are custom PCBs from ASUS and MSI and such, not just reference boards. But every single one has the extra solder pads.

So, to me this means only one things, they are already planning on releasing 3GB variants of the GTX960.

Now the only question that leaves is the memory bus. Is GM206 really capable of 192-bit memory bus, but currently limited to 128, and when the 3GB version comes out will it be the GTX960Ti or something. OR Are they just planning on adding the extra 1GB in an asymmetrical memory layout like they did with the 660?

the gtx 660 was already 192 bit so adding 1 gb was not a challenge.

The gm206 is fully used as rumours have been saying so a cut down gm204 would be more possible and that might be the gtx 960 ti.

As for specs it might be 256 bit or maybe 192 bit (hopefully 256 bit)

 

[64K]

I think so too. I'm thinking they will call it GTX 965 and it will fall between a GTX 770 and a GTX 780 and will be a heck of a nice GPU for 1080p. They probably won't call it a GTX 960Ti because people associate 960 with 2 GB though they may very well release a 960Ti with 2GB and higher clocks.

 

[natr0n]

I was thinking the same thing.

Things are getting ridiculous with so many variants lately.

 

[mroofie]

I think so too. I'm thinking they will call it GTX 965 and it will fall between a GTX 770 and a GTX 780 and will be a heck of a nice GPU for 1080p. They probably won't call it a GTX 960Ti because people associate 960 with 2 GB though they may very well release a 960Ti with 2GB and higher clocks.

read my comment about gm204

 

[newtekie1]

I think so too. I'm thinking they will call it GTX 965 and it will fall between a GTX 770 and a GTX 780 and will be a heck of a nice GPU for 1080p. They probably won't call it a GTX 960Ti because people associate 960 with 2 GB though they may very well release a 960Ti with 2GB and higher clocks.

The only reason I said they would call it a 960Ti would be if it did have a 192-bit bus. In the past nVidia has use the x60Ti as the cut down top GPU. 660Ti was the lowest cut GK204, so mroofie makes sense that following that trend the 960Ti would be the lowest GM204.

But then again, nVidia likes to mix things up, that is why I said the 960Ti might be GM206 with 192-bit if GM206 is truly capable of 192-bit. I'm not saying it is.

They've certainly also just added memory to a card and left it the same model number. The GTX670/680 came in both 2GB and 4GB for example.

 

[64K]

the gtx 660 was already 192 bit so adding 1 gb was not a challenge.

The gm206 is fully used as rumours have been saying so a cut down gm204 would be more possible and that might be the gtx 960 ti.

As for specs it might be 256 bit or maybe 192 bit (hopefully 256 bit)

The only reason I said they would call it a 960Ti would be if it did have a 192-bit bus. In the past nVidia has use the x60Ti as the cut down top GPU. 660Ti was the lowest cut GK204, so mroofie makes sense that following that trend the 960Ti would be the lowest GM204.

But then again, nVidia likes to mix things up, that is why I said the 960Ti might be GM206 with 192-bit if GM206 is truly capable of 192-bit. I'm not saying it is.

They've certainly also just added memory to a card and left it the same model number. The GTX670/680 came in both 2GB and 4GB for example.

I'm thinking the card that will fill the gap between a GTX 770 and GTX 780 will be a cut down GM204 too. When I said it probably wouldn't be called a GTX 960Ti it was influenced by the big stink that some people are making over the GTX 960 having only 2 GB VRAM but Nvidia could call it a GTX 960Ti.

 

[RCoon]

Think of it from a manufacturers point of view. They have a tendency to know a hell of a lot more before we the people get the reports about it.

Manufacturers have a tendency to reuse PCB's for multiple cards in a product line wherever possible. As a general rule of thumb, if the PCB hasn't been used on 2 other cards in the past year, then there are more models to be brought out using the same PCB.

If MSI/Asus/Gigabyte's 960 PCB is unique, prepare for a new card on the same board.

*cough*
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/EVGA/GTX_760_SC_ACX_Cooler/4.html
*cough*
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/EVGA/GTX_970_SC_ACX_Cooler/3.html

EDIT: You'll notice the cards aren't just missing memory modules either...

 

[rooivalk]

It's kinda obvious there's something hidden / hold by nvidia by the fact that current 9xx run too cool and efficient while not too far killing the competition.

I think 9xx is great upgrade for somebody with older card. For someone with relative newer card (7xx or AMD 2x0), IMHO skip current 9xx.

 

[bpgt64]

really think the GTX 970 is the sweet spot right now...ironic because of it's memory issues.

 

[Caring1]

*cough*
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/EVGA/GTX_760_SC_ACX_Cooler/4.html
*cough*
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/EVGA/GTX_970_SC_ACX_Cooler/3.html

EDIT: You'll notice the cards aren't just missing memory modules either...

Maybe I'm missing something, but they don't appear to be missing any memory modules they alternate front and rear placement.