ASUS Introduces ROG ENGTX260 MATRIX Graphics Card

[btarunr]

ASUS, the world’s leading producer of top-quality graphics solutions, today launched the ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) ENGTX260 MATRIX/HTDI/896MD3 graphics card. This innovative piece of hardware comes equipped with the upgraded dual fansink Hybrid Cooler+ for automatic and independent fan speed control. Dubbed as the world’s most intelligent cards, the MATRIX Series are also equipped with ROG-exclusive technologies and features that unleash the full power of graphics cards, allowing gamers to enjoy unrivaled in-game visuals. The graphics cards are able to achieve this through several unique features, including:

• Twin fan control application that provides independent adjustments to the Hybrid Cooler+ fans
• Integrated hardware and software for total graphics card control
• Customizable functions that provide a new level of control to gamers
• Accurate adjustments of GPU and memory voltages
• Total monitoring of GPU/memory/Power IC/ambient temperatures
• Total monitoring of GPU/memory/board power consumption
• Automatic fan speed control in relation to the world’s only advanced GPU loading detection
• Energy efficiency that surpasses generic boards

A Perfect Response to Gaming Needs
Comprising of sleek lines, a futuristic-looking Hybrid Cooler+ and a black circuit board, the ASUS ROG ENGTX260 MATRIX is instantly recognizable as a piece of top-notch gaming gear. The ROG logo, which is prominently emblazoned on the cooler, symbolizes the ROG’s promise to deliver extreme gaming performance. The ROG ENGTX260 MATRIX is also equipped with the ASUS Super Hybrid Engine (SHE), Hybrid Cooler+ technology and iTracker, which delivers 21% performance boosts in 3D mode while guaranteeing 48% less power consumption; or much quieter cooling in 2D mode in order to fulfill gamers’ varied needs.

Up to 21% Faster in 3D Mode
The ROG ENGTX260 MATRIX’s GPU and memory voltages are increased from 1.15V to 1.18V, and 1.92V to 1.93V respectively when it runs in 3D mode. This enhances the GPU, shader, and memory clock performances with boosts from 576MHz to 700MHz, 1242MHz to 1500MHz, and 2000MHz to 2300MHz respectively. Such unparalleled performance upgrades enable the ROG ENGTX260 MATRIX to increase its 3DMark Vantage Extreme Mode score from 4656 to 5623—an unbelievable 21% speed improvement when compared to any other reference designed board*. With such unprecedented performance, gamers can now truly feel the adrenaline rush of true-to-life graphical quality—only with the ASUS ROG ENGTX260 MATRIX.

Automatic Proactive Cooling with Hybrid Cooler+
Labeled as the most intelligent and innovative GPU thermal solution available today, the Hybrid Cooler+ drew its inspiration from Hybrid cars. With a revolutionary combination of the fan and heatsink on one card, the Hybrid Cooler+ delivers its targeted level of performance in the most energy-efficient manner possible. When required, the two fans and heatsink will work together for optimum cooling, with both fan speeds automatically and independently controlled via the world’s only advanced GPU loading detection. This provides users with proactive cooling and greater energy efficiency when encountering lower graphics utilization—much like Hybrid cars. Besides this unprecedented cooling capacity, the noise level of Hybrid Cooler+ is 20% lower than generically designed fansinks that produce 45dB—catering to users who require maximum cooling without excessive fan rotation noise.

Auto Hardware Detection and Adjustments with Super Hybrid Engine
ASUS’ exclusive SHE technology showcases its intelligence via a two-fold process. SHE first gathers detailed information in regards to the GPU loading, temperature, memory and power IC; then it calculates an optimized solution for the best performance. All of this happens in real-time, without requiring any modifications or inputs from the user—making it easy to achieve multi-level GPU and memory voltage adjustments for the ultimate in graphical performance or maximum energy savings.

One-click Control over Graphics Card Performances with iTracker
The iTracker feature is a component of ASUS’ exclusive SHE technology, and offers four default profiles (Optimized Mode, Gaming Mode, Power Saving Mode, and Default mode) for gamers who desire one-click control over their graphics card’s performance. This handy application also displays real-time graphics card information that includes: the GPU/shader/memory clock, GPU/memory voltage, GPU loading, GPU/memory/power IC/ambient temperature, and fan speed—serving as a one-stop, complete system information portal. In addition, the fifth profile (User Defined Mode) enables real-time adjustments to the GPU/shader/memory clock, GPU/memory voltage, and fan speeds to suit different individual requirements.

Up to 48% Power Saved and Quiet Cooling in 2D Mode
When running in 2D mode and during periods of lower power consumption, the ROG ENGTX260 MATRIX automatically reduces GPU and memory voltages from 1.15V down to 1.05V and from 1.92V to 1.90V respectively for great energy savings. Additionally, the Auto Phase Switch technology optimizes the power supplied by the power phase for maximum power efficiency. By combining the exceptional voltage reduction with Auto Phase Switch technology, the ROG ENGTX260 MATRIX’s power consumption is lowered from 56.07W to 28.92W—an astonishing 48% in power savings when compared to any other reference designed board*. Furthermore, the Hybrid Cooler+ helps reduce fan rotation speeds in 2D mode, allowing users to enjoy much quieter cooling for more comfortable computing environments.



Sources:ASUS, NordicHardware

[alexp999]

Yay, an after market cooler that exhausts out the back. Nice one Asus!
Now if they only made just the cooler available for sale...

[BazookaJoe]

OFFICIAL TPU benchmark can be done soon please?

[DarkMatter]

Up to 21% Faster in 3D Mode
The ROG ENGTX260 MATRIX’s GPU and memory voltages are increased from 1.15V to 1.18V, and 1.92V to 1.93V respectively when it runs in 3D mode. This enhances the GPU, shader, and memory clock performances with boosts from 576MHz to 700MHz, 1242MHz to 1500MHz, and 2000MHz to 2300MHz respectively. Such unparalleled performance upgrades enable the ROG ENGTX260 MATRIX to increase its 3DMark Vantage Extreme Mode score from 4656 to 5623—an unbelievable 21% speed improvement when compared to any other reference designed board*. With such unprecedented performance, gamers can now truly feel the adrenaline rush of true-to-life graphical quality—only with the ASUS ROG ENGTX260 MATRIX.

Let's see if I understood this well. The card can change clocks and voltages on the fly??

[btarunr]

Originally Posted by DarkMatter

Let's see if I understood this well. The card can change clocks and voltages on the fly??

Yes, it has a custom-made voltage regulator IC, that even controls vMem on the fly.

[DarkMatter]

Originally Posted by btarunr

Yes, it has a custom-made voltage regulator IC.

Cool. It's like EPU SixEngine then. I love it in my mobo and I would surely like it in the GPU. Has this been made before?

[crtecha]

Holy crap I want it!!!

[btarunr]

Originally Posted by DarkMatter

Cool. It's like EPU SixEngine then. I love it in my mobo and I would surely like it in the GPU. Has this been made before?

Yes, ROG Matrix cards (recent ones) have such a feature. The HD 4870 Matrix is perhaps the only HD 4870 that can control vMem on the fly.

[DarkMatter]

Originally Posted by btarunr

Yes, ROG Matrix cards (recent ones) have such a feature. The HD 4870 Matrix is perhaps the only HD 4870 that can control vMem on the fly.

Well I somehow supposed the Matrix cards could do it. I meant others.

[btarunr]

Originally Posted by DarkMatter

Well I somehow supposed the Matrix cards could do it. I meant others.

Several NVIDIA cards' regulator ICs support the I2C interface with which you can have software control over vGPU. One can code applications that step up voltages on the fly that way.

[h3llb3nd4]

Hopefully they didn't take away oneof the DIV ports like the 9800GT matrix...

[crtecha]

naw its there click on the picture

This is some nice piece of silicon, i really like it !

[OnBoard]

Originally Posted by DarkMatter

Let's see if I understood this well. The card can change clocks and voltages on the fly??

All reference desing GTX 260/280/285/295 cards do it stock for GPU.

edit: this one how ever seems to have driver independent load detection and thus working power reduction in all instances. If it keeps 2d clocks and voltages with steam/browsers/2 displays & other stuff it's a nice product.

[btarunr]

Originally Posted by OnBoard

All reference desing GTX 260/280/285/295 cards do it stock for GPU.

Not all reference GTX 260/285 cards do it. NVIDIA later introduced cheaper reference PCBs, VRM ICs of whom, lack the I2C interface.

[OnBoard]

Originally Posted by btarunr

Not all reference GTX 260/285 cards do it. NVIDIA later introduced cheaper reference PCBs, VRM ICs of whom, lack the I2C interface.

That's what I was trying to say, forgot about the cheaper PCBs

This would seems something like could(should) be included in next gen cards. I'd love to have that one click solution in my card, if automatic adjustments don't work for some reason.

[alexp999]

I cant wait until the GPU bios is more like that of a mobo!

Enable something like speedstep to take control of reducing voltages, set up fan speeds, clocks speeds, etc.

Basically NiBiTor and RBE implemented and accessible off the graphics card!

[DarkMatter]

Originally Posted by btarunr

Several NVIDIA cards' regulator ICs support the I2C interface with which you can have software control over vGPU. One can code applications that step up voltages on the fly that way.

Yeah I was aware of that, but I was dumb enough to not think that anyone could code an application to do it automatically for OCing.

[alexp999]

EVGA have a voltage tuner for GT200 cards that changes the voltage on the fly, not sure if it is capable of doing it automatically tho.

[KieranD]

nice cards nice cooling that is all

[Kursah]

I love the cooler, that is pretty sweet. Definately impressive that they tout those clocks too imo. One of the better OEM'd OC'd GTX260's on air cooling. Nice card, I like my OE cooling for now, but I want the future AC GTX280 cooler...though if these coolers were for sale now I'd pick one up! Nice card none-the-less!