Gainward GTX 560 Ti 2048MB Fast graphics with a short card

Author: Jouni 'Jipa' Vasama Published: 29.05.2011 Manufacturer: Gainward Product Group: Graphics cards In English Suomeksi

Ripped apart

The GF115-core is hidden under a heatspreader, which means removing the cooler can be a bit nerve wrecking, as due to the large surface area if comes off with a loud POP. With the cooler out of the way we can see the top side of the PCB, which, just like the back side, looks surprisingly empty. The GTX 560 packs some serious performance, but the power supply components are left naked and are only cooled by the airflow of the fans.

The card uses a total of 16 Samsung K4G10325FE memory chips to make for the 2 GB of 4008 MHz GDDR5.

Cooling

The Phantom cooler consists of the base, four heatpipes and a large heatsink on top. The fans have sleeve bearing, which is worrying considering their orientation and are rated at 12 V 0,35 A (4,2 W) each. The specified maximum power is pretty irrelevant as the speed is controlled by fan controller anyway and the fans never hit their maximum speed in normal use.

Compared

The GTX560 Ti Phantom compared to the HIS Barts-cards we reviewed earlier and the difference is huge. We already liked the HD6850 for its reasonable size and now around comes the Gainward modified GTX560, with its 27 mm shorter pcb and supposedly much more punch. Also the power connectors on the Gainward are side-facing so they don't add length to the card.

Pages:   1 2 3 4 5 6