Model Name | MATRIX-GTX980-P-4GD5 |
Graphics Engine | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 |
Bus Standard | PCI Express 3.0 |
Video Memory | 4GB GDDR5 |
Engine Clock | GPU Boost Clock: 1342 MHz GPU Base Clock: 1241 MHz |
CUDA Core | 2048 |
Memory Clock | 7010 MHz |
Memory Interface | 256-bit |
Interface | DVI Output : Yes x 1 (DVI-I) HDMI Output : Yes x 1 (HDMI 2.0) Display Port : Yes x 3 (Regular DP) HDCP Support : Yes |
Accessories | 2 x Power cable 1 x ROG Metal Sticker |
Software | ASUS GPU Tweak & Driver |
Dimensions | 297.2mm x 152mm x 40.6mm |
A brief but detailed description on the construction of the graphics card can be found at the back of the packaging.
Accessories
The iconic Matrix Platinum indicator LED to indicate the GPU load state.
Test Rig Configuration | |
CPU Cooler | Corsair Hydro Series H100i |
CPU | Intel Core i7 4790K |
Motherboard | ASUS Maximus VII Hero |
Memory | G.Skill TridentX @2400MHz |
Primary Hard Drive | Crucial M500 120GB |
Power Supply | be quiet! Straight Power 10 600W |
Chassis | Vector Benchcase |
Performance, Overclocking
We ran a few graphically demanding games and synthetic benchmark in our possession at the resolution of 1920 x 1080, 4x Anti-aliasing. Due limited voltage adjustment, we’ve only managed to push the ASUS ROG GTX 980 Matrix Platinum to its highest stable clock that is able to complete each game benchmark with the following values:
- Maximum boost clock of 1512 MHz (170 MHz gain from the stock boost clock of 1342 MHz)
- 8128 MHz on the memory clock
- 1.2V on the voltage for GPU
With its already above the average clockspeed, the ASUS ROG GTX 980 Matrix Platinum is able to achieve a pretty good FPS on majority of the games that we’ve tested (a lot higher compared to the GTX 980 that we’ve reviewed in the past)and the FPS gain after the card is overclocked pretty much blew away all the GTX 980 we have reviewed up to date.
The Fire Strike score without any overclocking done to the card.
After a minor 170 MHz and 1118 MHz boost to the GPU clock and memory clock, we’re able gain an extra 1939 to the score.
Temperature
We’ve ran a 15 minute burn-in test on the FurMark GPU stress test utility with the fan operate under normal mode and maximum fan speed mode and the temperature for both test is recorded and populated in the graph above.
Verdict
The ASUS ROG GTX 980 Matrix Platinum comes out of the box with 1342 MHz on the GPU clock, which is a pretty high clock speed among the GTX 980 that we’ve reviewed in the past. We’re able to stretch the performance a little more with a minor 170 MHz and 1118 MHz gain to the GPU clock and memory clock – the result is still pretty impressive.
Temperature wise, the DirectCU II is doing quite well; with operating at normal speed, idle temperature hovers around 41°C and peaked at 72°C on full load. By sacrificing a little of the acoustic performance and turn up the fan speed to maximum, we’re able to achieve a lower temperature reading; with idle temperature dropped to 36°C and load temperature dropped to 67°C.
Price wise, it’s very obvious that the RM2,799 priced ASUS ROG GTX 980 Matrix Platinum isn’t everyone’s cup of tea when it comes to building a high end gaming rig, especially for those who has a limited budget. With the ASUS STRIX GTX 980 priced at RM2,499 now, if you have that extra RM350 to upgrade your choice, the ASUS ROG GTX 980 Matrix Platinum’s is something you could consider to go for (given that it has a decent overclocking capability and high quality components used).
Pros
- Aesthetic appearance
- Factory Overclocked
- Comes with rich overclocking features
- Comes with a metal plate to strengthen the PCB
Cons
- Hefty price tag
- Shroud is made of plastic instead of metal
- Might have compatibility issue with smaller chassis due to the massive shroud
- Overclocking is limited by NVIDIA’s Green Light Program
