Wednesday, August 28th 2013

MSI GeForce GTX 780 Lightning Launched

MSI, world renowned graphics card and motherboard manufacturer, has officially announced the release of the GeForce GTX 780 LIGHTNING. This product uses the new exclusive Triple Force Architecture and is equipped with a Triple Level signals LED. The card, from the inside out, represents the next revolution thermal design. The combined power of the Twin BIOS and the card's Enhanced Power Design equip gamers and extreme overclockers with the best graphics card. This superior performance is accompanied by a 20-phase power design that can unlock the limitless potential of the graphics card. Also featuredis the patented GPU Reactor powered back plate design which filters power supply noise and improves overclocking stability.

The MSI GeForce GTX 780 LIGHTNING is built using Military Class 4 components that have passed rigorous certification testing in laboratories. With such powerful components, this graphics card is guaranteed to have an impressive service life and excellent overclocking stability. Additionally, the popular 3x3 OC Kits allow for gamers to effectively monitor the status of the graphics card. MSI products are renowned for leading the industry due to the company's innovative R&D, excellent performance, streamlined thermal design, and quality components and software. The MSI GeForce GTX 780 LIGHTNING is once again the most powerful graphics card.
Exclusive Triple Force Architecture
The latest generation of MSI's GeForce GTX 780 LIGHTNING uses Triple Force Architecture. Equipped with a Triple Level Signals LED function, TriFrozr Thermal Design with independent fan control system, and PureDigital PWM control. The Triple Level Signals LED features green, blue, and red lights that represent light, medium and heavy power loads on the device. This ensures that players have complete control over their games or the overclocking process.

The innovative TriFrozr Thermal Design with independent fan control far exceeds any traditional or custom cooler's thermal performance and ensures better cooling of the GPU, memory and PWM modules. This iteration of MSI's exclusive design builds upon the PropellerBlade and the Dust Removal Technology of the previous model, alongside seven 8 mm SuperPipes for unrivaled thermal performance. In addition, the PureDigital PWM control technology provides a more stable and accurate voltage signal than traditional designs. The PWM's reaction time is shorter and helps enthusiasts more achieve a higher stability in the most stressful of environments.
Twin BIOS and the Enhanced Power Design Combine for Extreme Overclocking Capabilities
Twin BIOS is composed of an original BIOS and overclocking BIOS. The original BIOS allows users to obtain better performancethrough out of the box overclocking, while the overclocking BIOS is specifically designed for extreme LN2 overclocking. By removing restrictions, the capabilities of the graphics card are dramatically increased, which allows users to unlock the card's full potential. The enhanced power supply provides more phases of power than standard models. The GPU has 16 phases, which more than doubles the capabilities of standard designs. The memory of the power supply even has a independent power source, which further supports a foundation for extreme overclocking. Not to mention that MSI's exclusive, patented GPU Reactor filters out extra noise for a stable overclocking experience.
Top Military Class Components and Convenient Overclocking Utility
MSI always emphasizes top quality and stability when pursuing the highest in product performance. When developing products, MSI makes satisfying market demands and expectations its primary purpose. The MSI GeForce GTX 780 LIGHTNING introduces the latest Military Class 4 components to the series. The components have gone through rigorous testing in a laboratory to satisfy the Military Standard 810G. Regardless if it is the advantages of the low-temperature, high performance DrMOS 4, the double-sided CopperMOS thermal design, the highly durable and stable tantalum Hi-C Cap cores, the polished surface of the New SFC for added cooling, or the corrosion proof Dark Solid CAP, each aspect of the LIGHTNING ensures the best possible stability.

The 3x3 OC Kits Puts the Information in Your Hands
Designed specifically for overclocking, the 3x3 OC Kits are a must-have for all enthusiasts. The kit allows users to adjust the voltage levels GPU, memory, and PLL through MSI's exclusive Afterburner utility while monitoring GPU, memory, and MOFSET temperatures. V-Check Points also capitalize upon the multi meter measuring of GPU, memory, and PLL voltage levels to give users direct calibration data-a function that guarantees success in the world of extreme overclocking.
Technical Specifications:
  • Model name: GTX 780 Lightning
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 (GK110)
  • Base Clock: 980 MHz
  • Boost Clock: 1033 MHz
  • Memory Clock / Type: 6008 MHz / GDDR5
  • Memory Size / Bus Width: 3072 MB / 384 bit
  • Thermal Design: MSI TriFrozr (2x9cm, 1x8cm)
  • GPU Reactor: Yes
  • Average Power ConsumptionLoad: 250W
  • Card Dimensions: 295 x 128.6 x 51.35 mm
MSRP (US): $749.99.
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30 Comments on MSI GeForce GTX 780 Lightning Launched

#1
MxPhenom 216
ASIC Engineer
PCPer reviewed it already. Pretty disappointing honestly.
Posted on Reply
#2
erocker
*
MxPhenom 216PCPer reviewed it already. Pretty disappointing honestly.
What's disappointing?! It's cool, quiet and has a 1241 boost clock.
Posted on Reply
#3
altechi
Any upcoming reviews....

Planned for this card and The EVGA Gtx 780 Classified by TechpowerUp ?.

Planning on getting the Classified, but there have been little to no reviews
Posted on Reply
#4
RCoon
altechiPlanned for this card and The EVGA Gtx 780 Classified by TechpowerUp ?.

Planning on getting the Classified, but there have been little to no reviews
Guess the NDA hasnt been lifted as of yet to certain reviewers. Matter of fact, the reviews are most likely done, just waiting for that time.
Posted on Reply
#5
W1zzard
altechiPlanned for this card and The EVGA Gtx 780 Classified by TechpowerUp ?
yes, lightning should arrive today, evga will be shipped soon
Posted on Reply
#6
the54thvoid
Intoxicated Moderator
W1zzardyes, lightning should arrive today, evga will be shipped soon
If by that you mean, your review sample gets to your hands today, would it be possible, if you have one even, to Rebench a Titan at clocks past 1100? Getting bored seeing stock Titan's with inferior clocks being compared to custom cards with higher factory clocks. An apples to apples comparison would be nice. Granted, the 780's clock higher but an overclocked Titan would be nice.
Posted on Reply
#7
btarunr
Editor & Senior Moderator
Replaced news post with press-release, added more pictures. Because, moar.
Posted on Reply
#8
radrok
All of this press release yellow made me want to eat a banana. :roll:
W1zzardyes, lightning should arrive today, evga will be shipped soon
Pretty please test the card with maxed voltage slider :respect:
Posted on Reply
#9
HammerON
The Watchful Moderator
Can't wait to see W1z's review:)
Posted on Reply
#10
BigMack70
$750 = fail when the EVGA Classified is $700 and the Gigabyte HOV $690.

Disappointing.
Posted on Reply
#11
radrok
BigMack70$750 = fail when the EVGA Classified is $700 and the Gigabyte HOV $690.

Disappointing.
I'm pretty sure you need an EVbot to go over 1.35v which is an additional 50$ :toast:

I think it's a good tradeoff for having everything via software.
Posted on Reply
#12
BigMack70
radrokI'm pretty sure you need an EVbot to go over 1.35v which is an additional 50$ :toast:

I think it's a good tradeoff for having everything via software.
Fair enough... let me rephrase... at $750 this card is a fail & disappointing for anyone using air cooling.

Also, numerous reviews finding max OC to be under 1300 MHz... :shadedshu

I have no doubt that for exotic cooling, this is the card to get. But I bet that only like 1% of the lightning cards sold ever go under anything more exotic than water.
Posted on Reply
#13
radrok
BigMack70Fair enough... let me rephrase... at $750 this card is a fail & disappointing for anyone using air cooling.

Also, numerous reviews finding max OC to be under 1300 MHz... :shadedshu

I have no doubt that for exotic cooling, this is the card to get. But I bet that only like 1% of the lightning cards sold ever go under anything more exotic than water.
Yeah I think that the 780 Gaming is more than fine for the majority of people. :)

Unfortunately clock is mostly dependant on the GPU core itself, doesn't matter if you have a 16way power phase or Nvidias crappy 6 Phase, you'll still be limited if you have a d00d GFX core.

Still I think that 1.4-1.45v is doable on water, I currently run the 1.36v softmod and I don't have any issues with cooling :toast:
Posted on Reply
#14
EarthDog
erockerWhat's disappointing?! It's cool, quiet and has a 1241 boost clock.
It does? My sample ran 1124 MHz...that seems like a HUGE boost clock from stock...

EDIT: Read the review, that was with a +120 overclock, not stock.

EDIT2: How did PCper brick and not know that GPUz, the main screen, doesnt report ACTUAL boost clock?!!!!!! Yikes. That would be a great add... COUGH W1zz COUGH!
RCoonGuess the NDA hasnt been lifted as of yet to certain reviewers. Matter of fact, the reviews are most likely done, just waiting for that time.
Mine is done but we decided to hold off on publishing since there is supposed to be another bios that comes out raising the default 109% limit.

I will say this. I didnt touch voltage on my card, got it to 1202 boost/1600 Memory without touching the voltage and it was at 107%. Any further and it would throttle. MSI will be providing a bios, to the public as well I assume, which raises that limit. Otherwise, yeah, this card would have gotten a "MEH" from me as any other card could reach those speeds really.

Also, we reviewed the classified a week ago - www.overclockers.com/evga-gtx-780-classified-acx-graphics-card-review/
Posted on Reply
#15
Dextar
EarthDogIt does? My sample ran 1124 MHz...that seems like a HUGE boost clock from stock...

EDIT: Read the review, that was with a +120 overclock, not stock.

EDIT2: How did PCper brick and not know that GPUz, the main screen, doesnt report ACTUAL boost clock?!!!!!! Yikes. That would be a great add... COUGH W1zz COUGH!

Mine is done but we decided to hold off on publishing since there is supposed to be another bios that comes out raising the default 109% limit.

I will say this. I didnt touch voltage on my card, got it to 1202 boost/1600 Memory without touching the voltage and it was at 107%. Any further and it would throttle. MSI will be providing a bios, to the public as well I assume, which raises that limit. Otherwise, yeah, this card would have gotten a "MEH" from me as any other card could reach those speeds really.

Also, we reviewed the classified a week ago - www.overclockers.com/evga-gtx-780-classified-acx-graphics-card-review/
So I see on the Classified you got a version with Samsung memory, I wonder if this was picked specifically for you or if all of them are shipping with it. I see the lightning has ELPIDA memory, as did the HoF which has caused me to stop dead in my tracks from upgrading. Not to mention, I think the Classified should have had a glowing Classified logo on the side and came with a backplate personally.
Posted on Reply
#16
radrok
DextarSo I see on the Classified you got a version with Samsung memory, I wonder if this was picked specifically for you or if all of them are shipping with it. I see the lightning has ELPIDA memory, as did the HoF which has caused me to stop dead in my tracks from upgrading. Not to mention, I think the Classified should have had a glowing Classified logo on the side and came with a backplate personally.
Only way to be sure you'll get Samsung memory on a GK110 is to purchase a Titan.
Posted on Reply
#17
EarthDog
radrokOnly way to be sure you'll get Samsung memory on a GK110 is to purchase a Titan.
Exactly. Perhaps EVGA ran out, as I know there is a thread here where both MSI (Neliz?) and EVGA mentioned there were not any more Samsung/Hynix available. That does make me a bit sad, however, memory bandwidth is really not an issue on these cards at all. So unless you are benchmarking, it really shouldnt matter to most people.
Posted on Reply
#18
radrok
EarthDogSo unless you are benchmarking
Key word for 780 Lightning and Classy though :toast:
Posted on Reply
#19
Dextar
EarthDogExactly. Perhaps EVGA ran out, as I know there is a thread here where both MSI (Neliz?) and EVGA mentioned there were not any more Samsung/Hynix available. That does make me a bit sad, however, memory bandwidth is really not an issue on these cards at all. So unless you are benchmarking, it really shouldnt matter to most people.
They should be sending ELPIDA memory cards to benchmark/reviewers then, while I understand they may not have anymore Sammy/Hynix memory available it is incredibly frustrating to pay the same premium for a lesser quality product. The samsung memory is known to OC better, almost everyone I know who has a 780 has OC'd it and I know I would too (I did for my 680).
Posted on Reply
#20
EarthDog
That is a good point, but nothing anyone can do about it. The stocks are out, they sent what they had to us. Some may be in the wild though. Just expect Elpida.

Again, bandwidth isnt an issue, so if you want to get dreamy about memory overclocks, buy an older, lesser card... but then you get into a quality issue there as well. Sounds like, unless your expectations change, you are screwed friend. Sorry.
Posted on Reply
#21
Dextar
Yeah, that's why I've kinda stopped worrying about upgrading from my 680, except I get excited when I read reviews and see a certain memory on a board =(. I'll wait to see what the Maxwell cards will bring! - The HoF looks so cool though.. >.<
Posted on Reply
#22
springs113
this would great with my setup...too bad I would remove that cooler, msi need to come out with a lightning watercooled version.
Posted on Reply
#23
ISI300
Thats some super Power delivery... Looks like the GPU is well fed as well as memory...
They're using high quality digital volterra chips, is that right?
Memory power looks to be handled by the same chips as a reference 7970, which at 60 watt each, promises a healthy 180 watts just for memory!:eek:
Posted on Reply
#24
EarthDog
The GPU/Memory power is controlled by a Chil 8218/8214 IIRC.
Posted on Reply
#25
ISI300
EarthDogThe GPU/Memory power is controlled by a Chil 8218/8214 IIRC.
Sorry I meant the chips for individual power phases... not the controller. the FET/stuff combined chips looks to me very similar to the ones on reference 5870/4890/4870/2900 that's why I thought they are volterra, they maybe not.:toast:
Posted on Reply
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