ASUS GTX 670 DirectCU Mini: Small Size, Full Power

[Mankz]

While Nvidia’s GTX 670 tries to buck the trend with a small 6.75″ (~17cm) PCB, it’s always fitted with a far larger cooler. ASUS has instead matched the cooler to its 17cm PCB length, which is ideal for the smallest gaming builds. Here’s a first look at ASUS’ new GTX 670 DirectCU Mini.

http://rog.asus.com/214602013/graphics-cards-2/asus-gtx-670-directcu-mini-small-size-full-power/

[ninety]

Thank you so much ASUS. Since the moment I saw the reference GTX 670 PCB I have been hoping for a card like this. And finally.

A few other thoughts though:

1. Of all the mini-ITX cases I have seen so far, if they have 2 expansion slots, they would have more than 17cm video card clearance, such as the Lian Li PC-Q11 used in the demo. I would not mind adding another 5cm to the card to remove some of the design constraints imposed by 17cm length, if there is any. Of course, if you feel comfortable with 17cm, that's even better.

2. On the other hand, there are cases that have only one expansion slot and require the cooler to be single-slot, too. A fast (HD7770 and above) single-slot card are often too long for these cases. In the meantime, the market is flooded with "single-slot" cards with double-wide coolers. The problem is that double-wide coolers might interfere with other components. For example, in the Lian Li PC-Q07 (a very popular mini-ITX case), you have to sacrifice 3.5'' HDD space to use double-wide cooler. To assure full compatibility, you often end up with cards like GT 640 and HD 7750.

So, I would also like to see a mini-ITX-oriented card based on GK107 or even GK106, or HD7770 that, is absolutely single-slot (i.e. single-slot cooler, too) and is no longer than 17cm. This would benefit those users who value form-factor more than absolute performance, but also need something more than GT640, too.

Thank you!

[jobsmxli]

Nice, but I really need to see how this compares to a low-profile card dimesion-wise.
I definitely would consider buying this, but only if I can pair it with a truly small mini-itx case and It actually fits.

Coul you post the intended measurements?.

[Archangel146]

I think this is a great step in the right direction, but with some caveats. I don't know if ASUS can afford to make this venture alone without taking some huge risks. Recently there has been a great interest in SFF computers, which I feel is great. I am currently running a M-ITX build and I love it. I was actually to the point where I was going to try to fabricate my own case, which would be smaller than the current offers like the Silverstone SG05.

This brings me to the biggest issue from my point of view: these cards only matter if you have a case to put them in. Currently most SFF cases fall into two categories: cases designed for dedicated graphics, and cases that aren't. The cases that are designed for dedicated graphics pretty much all are built around pre-existing cards that are relatively long. The cases that are designed not to have dedicated graphics are entirely too small to fit even a card of this size (not even mentioning the power draw).

I think that if you want to make this work and be popular, ASUS must either fabricate their own line of SFF computer cases around these types of small PCB cards, or work out a partnership with a case manufacturer to create these cases. Without it, there really isn't a reason to buy a card this small unless I want to build my own case.

[Cygnitr0n]

See ROG HQ, small is going to be big 😉 Just wait there misters!

I want to cuddle that little Graphicscard! 😄

[httuner]

Release date?? I want this card now for my Mini-iTX build!

[powerbench]

Buying it or 2!!

[jobsmxli]

Are other DirectCU Minis going to be developed?
670 is fine, but personally find it too much, there should be more mini options...

What about a 660?

[Proxy3scapist]

Perfect, I'll be building a WC rig using the Bitfenix Prodigy when Haswell comes out. This little thing would be great if someone develops a waterblock for it..and if there's any benefit to getting this over a reference 670 besides the cooler.

[Myk_SilentShado]

For you guys questioning the dimensions of the card



It's available on PC Case Gear(in Australia) for 70 dollars over the price of the standard full sized 670 DCUII...what gives ASUS?!?!

Mini 670 https://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=23093 $499
Original 670 http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=193_1387&products_id=20212 $429

Everything about these cards is nearly exactly the same, of course the size differential and the Mini is an OC Edition, with an extra piddling 13MHz at stock and ramps up to a 26MHz differential at boost clock speeds....is 70 bucks worth the marginal at best performance considering the now small size?


Don't get me wrong, I applaud ASUS for being the 1st to push out a true SFF Graphics card to the market and congratulate them on this 1st...but the question remains....is the price justifiable, given the small size AND the marginal clock boost(s) at idle and full power?

[Proxy3scapist]

Lmao!! nvm, I wont be getting this if the price is that high. It would be understandable if it was a 4gb model, but $500 for 2gb, sorry Asus, but you blew it.