Grrrrrrr
We're going through a lull in GPU launches from AMD and NVIDIA. Cobbling together what we know from conjecture and hearsay, the next-generation graphics cards are still some ways off, leaving partners with not much else to do than release special-edition models of incumbent GPUs.
There are special-edition graphics cards and then there are special edition graphics cards. ASUS has already leaked details on the graphics aberration that is MARS II - - a behemoth composed of two full-speed GeForce GTX 580 GPUs - and now the firm whets enthusiasts' appetites by releasing in-house pictures.
This big beastie is set to be part of a limited run of 1,000 cards. Making use of a super-sized PCB and a triple-slot-taking cooler, complete with dual 12cm fans, it's designed for pedal-to-the-floor performance.
Three 8-pin connectors give it the necessary juice - you should really have at least 50A on the 12V line to satisfy this power glutton - and a small red button, right next door, sends the fans spinning at maximum speed.
You can add another for four-way SLI, though an application to Barclaycard may be in order first.
See how it all comes together? We hear that ASUS is keeping each GPU's speed pegged to default GTX 580 levels, so that's 772MHz core, 1,544MHz shader and 4,008MHz memory. It's reasonable to assume the card will run faster, especially with the red button depressed.
In essence, what you're really looking at is a monstrosity that takes in two GeForce GTX 580 GPUs: pure and simple. If recent history of crazy-ass ASUS cards is anything to go buy, this one should finally arrive at retail for $999. All things considered, that's not a bad price for graphics performance hegemony.
