NVIDIA Ampere architecture features buffed-up designs
KEY POINTS
- ASUS GeForce RTX 30 Series launches with designs that have been buffed across the board to complement NVIDIA’s second generation RTX GPUs.
- ROG Strix GeForce RTX 30 Series GPUs pack a plethora of enhanced features alongside a new outlook.
- TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 30 Series GPUs feature robust components and have received significant buffs to thermal design.
- ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 30 Series GPUs deliver a pure plug-and-play experience.
Singapore, September 2, 2020 — ASUS today announced three new NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ GPUs, including ROG Strix and ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3090, GeForce RTX 3080, ROG Strix and ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 3070 models. These new GPUs bring buffed-up cooling, PCBs, and power design to complement the new NVIDIA Ampere architecture. From competitive action to high-res immersion, this lineup delivers the latest and greatest in 3D gaming performance.
The new NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Series GPUs, the second generation of RTX, feature new RT Cores, Tensor Cores and streaming multiprocessors, bringing stunning visuals, amazingly fast frame rates, and AI acceleration to games and creative applications. Powered by the NVIDIA Ampere architecture, which delivers increases of up to 1.9X performance-per-watt over the previous generation, the RTX 30 Series effortlessly powers graphics experiences at all resolutions, even up to 8K at the top end. The GeForce RTX 3090, 3080 and 3070 represent the greatest GPU generational leap in the history of NVIDIA.
ROG Strix: Take Flight
From top to bottom, the ROG Strix GeForce RTX 30 Series has received a host of improvements to deliver the next wave of innovation in thermal design and accommodate the impressive NVIDIA Ampere architecture.
A new shroud with metal accents encompasses a trio of Axial-tech fans that have been tuned to fulfill specialist roles. The central fan leverages a full-height barrier ring and 13 fan blades that provide boosted static pressure to drive air through the heatsink fins and onto the GPU heat spreader. The two fans on the flanks feature 11 blades and half-height barrier rings to allow for more lateral dispersion and to provide better airflow through the cooling array. Turbulence between fans is reduced thanks to a reversal of the center fan’s rotational direction.
A larger heatsink that fills most of the card’s 2.9-slot footprint was designed to leverage the increased airflow. To get heat up off the die and into the heatsink array, the surface of the heat spreader is polished with MaxContact technology, which improves smoothness at the microscopic level. The extra flatness allows for better contact with the die for enhanced thermal transfer.
Improvements are not limited to the cooling array — top-shelf capacitors, chokes and power stages effortlessly deliver hundreds of watts at a millisecond’s notice. Dubbed Super Alloy Power II, these components are soldered to the PCB using the exclusive ASUS Auto-Extreme automated manufacturing process, ensuring smooth joints each card meets our rigorous specifications.
Also included are FanConnect II headers that allow PWM fans to be tuned based on CPU and GPU temperatures, providing extra intake or exhaust for demanding 3D tasks and compute workloads. Builders looking for a quick and simple way to adjust the card’s default behavior can flick an onboard Dual Bios switch to choose between Performance and Quiet profiles without software. Another ease-of-use feature is an onboard voltage-sensing circuit that monitors PSU rail voltage. The circuit is fast enough to catch any transients that result in the rail voltage dropping too low. If that happens, a red LED will light up to indicate a power supply issue, making it easier to debug the source of crashes during gameplay.
The front side of the GPU has also been buffed up. An addressable RGB element can be customized with Armoury Crate software, and the Strix’s reinforced metal frame adds a literal layer of durability.
Flipping the card around reveals a metal backplate with a wide vent. The vent allows hot air to escape towards chassis exhaust fans instead of being recycled back into the GPU cooler. Beneath the GPU, a bracket provides consistent mounting pressure between die and heat spreader. Stainless steel is used for the I/O bracket to protect ports and provide a more secure mount.
The sum of all the design improvements found on the ROG Strix GeForce RTX 30 Series GPUs results in a massive leap forward in thermal design. Paired with the outstanding performance of NVIDIA Ampere architecture, gamers now have access to fresh experiences, from insane frame rates in competitive titles, to smooth high-res gameplay in immersive AAA games.
TUF Gaming: Built TUF
The TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 30 series has been stripped down and built back up to provide more robust power and cooling. A new all-metal shroud houses three powerful Axial-tech fans that utilize durable dual ball fan bearings. Fan rotation has been optimized for reduced turbulence, and a stop mode brings all three fans to a halt at low temps. Beneath, independent heatsinks for the GPU and memory keep thermals under tight control.
In-line with the TUF Gaming legacy, components are selected based on their durability and performance. In addition to top-shelf chokes and MOSFETs, capacitors that meet military-grade certification make the TUF stand tall amongst the competition. The Auto-Extreme automated manufacturing process ensures components are placed and attached accurately. And, to ensure flawless performance when it counts, the cards are subjected to a grueling 144-hour validation trial.
Most of the rear is swathed in a protective metal backplate that prominently features a wide vent. The vent allows hot air to escape towards chassis exhaust fans instead of being recycled back into the GPU cooler. Beneath the GPU, a bracket provides consistent mounting pressure between the die and heat spreader. Stainless steel is used for the I/O bracket to protect ports and provide a more secure mount. A conveniently placed Dual Bios switch allows customization of the card’s default performance profile without software.
For a builder looking for a new ‘old faithful’, this card has their back.
ASUS Dual: 2X Fans. 2X Fun.
Delivering the latest NVIDIA Ampere architecture experience in its purest form, the ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 3070 melds performance and simplicity like no other. Leveraging advanced cooling technologies derived from flagship graphics cards, the Dual opts for substance over style, the perfect choice for a well-balanced build.
A clean shroud matches the aesthetic of workstations and decked out gaming rigs alike. Two tried-and-true Axial-tech fans provide ample airflow and the fans come to a halt automatically at low temperatures.
Auto-Extreme Technology reduces thermal strain on components and avoids the use of harsh cleaning chemicals, resulting in less environmental impact, and lower manufacturing power consumption. An aluminum backplate and stainless steel I/O bracket help protect the PCB from unwanted flex.
For gamers, content creators and enthusiasts who want a robust plug-and-play experience, the ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 3070 is ready.
AVAILABILITY & PRICING
ROG Strix, TUF Gaming, and Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX™ 30 Series GPUs will be available worldwide in September 2020. Pricing and availability will be announced later this month.
