Model Name | Palit GTX 980 Super Jetstream |
Graphics Engine | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 |
Bus Standard | PCI Express 3.0 |
Video Memory | 4GB GDDR5 |
Engine Clock | GPU Boost Clock: 1304 MHz GPU Base Clock: 1203 MHz |
CUDA Core | 2048 |
Memory Clock | 7200 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 (mini Display Port) HDCP Support : Yes |
Accessories | Manual, Driver Disc, DVI-VGA Adapter, Power Cable |
Software | Palit ThunderMaster |
Dimensions | 280mm x 140mm x 40mm |
Test Rig Configuration | |
CPU Cooler | Prolimatech Samuel 17 |
CPU | Intel Core i7 4790K |
Motherboard | ASUS Maximus Gene VI |
Memory | G.Skill TridentX 8GB@2400MHz |
Primary Hard Drive | Kimtigo KTA-350 120GB |
Power Supply | BitFenix Fury 550G |
Chassis | Vector Benchcase |
Performance, Overclocking and Temperature
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 Palit GTX980 Super JetStream to its highest stable clock that is able to complete each game benchmark with the following values:
- Maximum boost clock of 1492 MHz
- 8025 MHz on the memory clock
- 1.2V on the voltage for GPU
- Unigine Valley: 10.5%
- Unigine Heaven: 13.9%
- Tomb Raider: 9.5%
- Battlefield 3: 9.5%
- Battlefield 4: 12.6%
- Crysis 3: 21.8%
- Far Cry 3: 13.1%
Temperature wise, the idle temperature hovers around 46°C which we consider unpleasant to our eye but still acceptable as it’s unlikely to damage any component with that temperature. It’s cooling performance seems pretty decent but we’re expecting it to be better as the highest temperature of 78°C is recorded when we’re on FurMark stress test utility, a little warmer compared to the previous Maxwell based GTX 980 that we’ve previously dealt with.
The Palit GTX980 Super JetStream displays great overclocking potential despite of the overvoltage limitation set by NVIDIA since October 2012 and 1492 MHz is the current highest clock we can get to run the graphics card stably with the current limitations.
Similar to what we’ve seen on the ASUS STRIX graphics card 0db fan design where the cooling will on spins when the GPU temperature hit above 65°C, the idle temperature gets pretty warm and some might find it uncomfortable even though the temperature is still not quite enough to do any damage to the graphics card – that’s the trade off for its silent cooling.
And finally it’s down to the price tag, RM 2099. While the cheapest GTX980 around costs roughly RM1999, paying that RM20 extra doesn’t seems to be a bad deal for those who seeks for a balanced graphics cards in terms of noise/performance/price. The only thing that concerns us now is the coil noise issue when the card is on full load even though this doesn’t really affects the performance.
Pros
- Aesthetic appearance
- Reasonable price for the extras
- One of the highest factory overclocked GTX980
- Good overclocking potential
- Comes with a metal backplate for enhanced rigidity and protection against PCB sagging
- Comes with free coupon for in-game item redemption (could be a limited offer)
- Able to maintain a decent idle temperature even without cooling support from fans
Cons
- Limited overclocking capability due to NVIDIA’s Green Light Program
- higher idle temperature due to the fans that only spins when the temperature hits above 65°C
- Odd choice of video output
- Coil noise issue
