hey mwParrish quick question. In that skyrim test you did, did that have the HD texture pack installed?

CaliLife17


hey mwParrish quick question. In that skyrim test you did, did that have the HD texture pack installed?

 
Well, feeling a bit sheepish, I suppose I didn't since I didn't do anything other than download the game on Steam and run it!
 
I can go back and try it with that... as I mentioned, I haven't really gotten into it yet so I'm a bit of a n00b on that one! 

So the BenQ XL2420TX came in and I just got done setting it up with NVIDIA 3D.  I really got this monitor for the 120Hz and really low input lag, not for the 3D.
 
After trying it out in multiplayer BF3, it takes a lot of getting used too.  When it works though, it's pretty awesome.  The drawback is that right now, in BF3, at 1920x1080, Ultra, I get a max of 70 fps but the average is 45-60 fps.  These 3D drivers still have a long way to go.
 
For single-player games and movies though? It's pretty darn awesome.
 
So how about the monitor itself? Amazing. Obviously, no dead pixels, LED backlit, great color/contrast for a TN panel.  I'm about to fire up BF3 again in 120Hz 2D mode and see how that is.  I'm expecting some great things.

I just ran Heaven 3.0 on my 2 480's max settings at 1920-1980 and got an average of 68.2FPS.  I was wondering what you get with all settings max including tess and 16x anisotropy.  I want to see what  the 680's bring to the table.  Could you please do a test run for me.  THX

chump7431

 I just ran Heaven 3.0 on my 2 480's max settings at 1920-1980 and got an average of 68.2FPS.  I was wondering what you get with all settings max including tess and 16x anisotropy.  I want to see what  the 680's bring to the table.  Could you please do a test run for me.  THX

 
GTX 680 SLI - Default Settings

 
GTX 680 SLI - +125 Core/+350 Memory clock offsets

 
So, the question is, how do you feel about a 63% improvement? 

Nice!!!!! Thanks.  People can say what they want about the 680......It is one hell of a card

With a little oc I got 70fps, but it still is way short of the 680

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Thanks for taking the time with the update on your monitor.  IMO I don't think I could handle a deathmatch in 3D. But as far as single I'm looking forward to it.  Did you see any major drops in FPS when in 3D while playing/benchmarking?  Don't know if there is any out there to benchmark in 3D but was hopefull.

Dactron


Thanks for taking the time with the update on your monitor.  IMO I don't think I could handle a deathmatch in 3D. But as far as single I'm looking forward to it.  Did you see any major drops in FPS when in 3D while playing/benchmarking?  Don't know if there is any out there to benchmark in 3D but was hopefull.

 
3D is always a massive hit to FPS... both in-games and benchmarking.  I was in the 30-80 fps range in most games.  The 301.10 drivers need some improvement, at default depth of 15% things seem to work fine, but if you increase the depth to 100% (the real 3D feel), there tends to be more crashing for whatever reason.  Also, OCs tend to be more unstable as well.  So expect close to stock clocks in 3D.
 
That said, it's great for single-player modes.  For multiplayer, I would never use it as the input lag, low fps, and active shutter makes efficient multiplayer fragging much more difficult.

mwparrish

 So the BenQ XL2420TX came in and I just got done setting it up with NVIDIA 3D.  I really got this monitor for the 120Hz and really low input lag, not for the 3D.

After trying it out in multiplayer BF3, it takes a lot of getting used too.  When it works though, it's pretty awesome.  The drawback is that right now, in BF3, at 1920x1080, Ultra, I get a max of 70 fps but the average is 45-60 fps.  These 3D drivers still have a long way to go.

For single-player games and movies though? It's pretty darn awesome.

So how about the monitor itself? Amazing. Obviously, no dead pixels, LED backlit, great color/contrast for a TN panel.  I'm about to fire up BF3 again in 120Hz 2D mode and see how that is.  I'm expecting some great things.

So, I need to amend my comments above.
 
I spent some time today playing Just Cause 2 and Battlefield 3, both of which are NVIDIA 3D Vision Ready games.  I also realized the default depth setting of 15% is way too shallow to get a feel for the 3D effect.  I pushed the slider all the way to the right (100%) and tried it again... and OMG is it amazing.
 
Is it perfect, still? No.  But there is depth that is pretty intense and at 60fps or higher, it's pretty darn spectacular.  Lightboost is great for keeping things bright enough since this is the 2nd generation 3D Vision I'm working with.  I wish there was a way I could show you how gorgeous it is in Just Cause 2.
 
Now in Battlefield 3 things are a little more tricky.  When you get and out of vehicles my FOV changes from 55 in vehicle to 75 out of vehicle (I think this is correct) and it screws with the convergence such that things get difficult to focus on.  This is probably a known issue, but the depth is amazing in vehicle and out.  FPS was ranging 50-90 fps which is pretty good for 3D Vision -- as I've stated previously though, you don't want to do this in multiplayer unless everyone is doing it because the FPS/refresh hit is a killer, literally.
 
So, where before I wasn't quite an evangelist of this technology, I can honestly say now that I am thrilled by it and look forward to using it in the future.
 
I tried getting screenshots for anyone with glasses to see, but because it's active shutter, it doesn't work like that.

MW, could you please post your results @ 1080p for BF3 in 2D mode? Although very "cool" I cannot justify the performance hit  from 2d vs 3d. So what is you minimum fps in 2d  with ultra @ 1080p?  thanks man

jabachata


MW, could you please post your results @ 1080p for BF3 in 2D mode? Although very "cool" I cannot justify the performance hit  from 2d vs 3d. So what is you minimum fps in 2d  with ultra @ 1080p?  thanks man

 
I did this in post 2... In full 64 player servers with tons of action it may dip to around 85-90 minimum typically I see between 110 and 130.

oops, didn't notice that sorry, very impressive actually and i think I " did" see that before I asked. What I think I really wanted to find out was about your 2d experience with BF with your "new" 120hz monitor. I think a few posts back you talked about performance in 3d and that you would try 2d as see how it goes.

Hey OP I saw that you did a bunch of synthetic benchmarks comparing the 580 SLI with the 680 SLI.  However, when it came to games you only posted the 680 SLI numbers.  Can you run those game benches with the 580 SLI please?  A lot of reviewers are leaving the comparison between the 580 SLI and 680 SLI out when it comes to modern games - like the games you tested.  So it would be a great resource if there was a comparison between the 580 SLI and 680 SLI when it comes to modern games.  Hope you have time for this :)
 
Thanks!

themasterpiece1


Hey OP I saw that you did a bunch of synthetic benchmarks comparing the 580 SLI with the 680 SLI.  However, when it came to games you only posted the 680 SLI numbers.  Can you run those game benches with the 580 SLI please?  A lot of reviewers are leaving the comparison between the 580 SLI and 680 SLI out when it comes to modern games - like the games you tested.  So it would be a great resource if there was a comparison between the 580 SLI and 680 SLI when it comes to modern games.  Hope you have time for this :)

Thanks!

 
I would have if I had more time, but to do this I need to uninstall/reinstall drivers, etc.  I've already gotten the 580s ready for sale, as well.  Tom's Hardware has some SLI data for both 580s and 680s though you may need to refer to their performance charts or to two different reviews.
 
Just now, on the whole, in-game differences in SLI from 580 to 680 is about the same 15-30% as single cards systems are seeing.
 
If you have a specific scenario you're interested in, let me know and I can give you some anecdotal information.

mwparrish


I would have if I had more time, but to do this I need to uninstall/reinstall drivers, etc.  I've already gotten the 580s ready for sale, as well.  Tom's Hardware has some SLI data for both 580s and 680s though you may need to refer to their performance charts or to two different reviews.

Just now, on the whole, in-game differences in SLI from 580 to 680 is about the same 15-30% as single cards systems are seeing.

If you have a specific scenario you're interested in, let me know and I can give you some anecdotal information.

 
Mainly interested in Battlefield 3 numbers.  Was there a big difference between the min and avg fps between the 580 SLI and 680 SLI?  Thanks!

themasterpiece1

mwparrish


I would have if I had more time, but to do this I need to uninstall/reinstall drivers, etc.  I've already gotten the 580s ready for sale, as well.  Tom's Hardware has some SLI data for both 580s and 680s though you may need to refer to their performance charts or to two different reviews.

Just now, on the whole, in-game differences in SLI from 580 to 680 is about the same 15-30% as single cards systems are seeing.

If you have a specific scenario you're interested in, let me know and I can give you some anecdotal information.

Mainly interested in Battlefield 3 numbers.  Was there a big difference between the min and avg fps between the 580 SLI and 680 SLI?  Thanks!

 
Yeah, in multiplayer (where it's hard to get good data but it's also more rigorous on the cards), the differences are about 20 fps for both min and avg... those are minimum differences.  On my 580s I was getting around 90-120 fps and with the 680s I'm getting about 110-130 as averages.  Mostly right around 120 fps which is great for a 120hz refresh.

mwparrish


Yeah, in multiplayer (where it's hard to get good data but it's also more rigorous on the cards), the differences are about 20 fps for both min and avg... those are minimum differences.  On my 580s I was getting around 90-120 fps and with the 680s I'm getting about 110-130 as averages.  Mostly right around 120 fps which is great for a 120hz refresh.

 
In your opinion what is the fps gain in min and avg between the 580 SLI set up and a single 680.  I am trying to decide whether to go for 580 SLI for $700 or a single 680 for $500.  I game on a single 1080p 120Hz monitor.

themasterpiece1

mwparrish


Yeah, in multiplayer (where it's hard to get good data but it's also more rigorous on the cards), the differences are about 20 fps for both min and avg... those are minimum differences.  On my 580s I was getting around 90-120 fps and with the 680s I'm getting about 110-130 as averages.  Mostly right around 120 fps which is great for a 120hz refresh.

In your opinion what is the fps gain in min and avg between the 580 SLI set up and a single 680.  I am trying to decide whether to go for 580 SLI for $700 or a single 680 for $500.  I game on a single 1080p 120Hz monitor.

The 580s in SLI are obviously faster than a single 680.  A single 680 will only get about 70-75 fps avg.

mwparrish


The 580s in SLI are obviously faster than a single 680.  A single 680 will only get about 70-75 fps avg.

 
Yeah I just wasn't sure how much faster it was.  What is your opinion between 580 SLI for $700 and 680 for $500.  Most important thing to me is performance for my 120Hz.  Don't care about noise, or power consumption.  Heat I keep under control with great airflow.  Obviously I would love to have the money for 680 SLI but I don't.  So between those 2 choices until GK110 hits, I think the 580 SLI might be better.  However, then I would have to sell them when the new flagship comes out.  Not sure how much more I will get back when compared to buying a 680 now and selling it later.  Your opinion?

themasterpiece1

mwparrish


The 580s in SLI are obviously faster than a single 680.  A single 680 will only get about 70-75 fps avg.

Yeah I just wasn't sure how much faster it was.  What is your opinion between 580 SLI for $700 and 680 for $500.  Most important thing to me is performance for my 120Hz.  Don't care about noise, or power consumption.  Heat I keep under control with great airflow.  Obviously I would love to have the money for 680 SLI but I don't.  So between those 2 choices until GK110 hits, I think the 580 SLI might be better.  However, then I would have to sell them when the new flagship comes out.  Not sure how much more I will get back when compared to buying a 680 now and selling it later.  Your opinion?

 
If I were you and had a hard line drawn, I'd have to get the 580s in SLI.  I only upgraded to 680s because I had the money for SLI.  I'd have stayed at 2x 580s otherwise.  They're too good not to stick with when the only better option is a single-card that doesn't come close.

Yeah I would love to get the 680 SLI and rock on my new 120Hz monitor.  Unfortunately, I am a student.  The max I can probably afford is a 680 or maybe 580s SLI if they cost a bit more.

mwparrish

chump7431

I just ran Heaven 3.0 on my 2 480's max settings at 1920-1980 and got an average of 68.2FPS.  I was wondering what you get with all settings max including tess and 16x anisotropy.  I want to see what  the 680's bring to the table.  Could you please do a test run for me.  THX

GTX 680 SLI - Default Settings


GTX 680 SLI - +125 Core/+350 Memory clock offsets


So, the question is, how do you feel about a 63% improvement? 

You seem to have gotten 2 cards the clock well my friend.  I barely can get to 92.0 fps in the same tests and settings as you and that is with a 100+ offset and memory at 350+.  For my 2 cards, any higher on the gpu offset and I get a crash. 
 
It just seems weird that your 2 stock cards are just 1 fps slower than my 100+/350+m cards.  I guess yours seem to scale up a bit better than my do.
 
 

mwparrish... Congrats... looking absolutely beautiful... not only the results, but OMG those Wattage numbers, unbelieveble.
 
I dont know is it me, but I cant see any Evga 680 cards on Evga´s EUROPE section

hawk269

mwparrish

chump7431

I just ran Heaven 3.0 on my 2 480's max settings at 1920-1980 and got an average of 68.2FPS.  I was wondering what you get with all settings max including tess and 16x anisotropy.  I want to see what  the 680's bring to the table.  Could you please do a test run for me.  THX

GTX 680 SLI - Default Settings

GTX 680 SLI - +125 Core/+350 Memory clock offsets

So, the question is, how do you feel about a 63% improvement? 

You seem to have gotten 2 cards the clock well my friend.  I barely can get to 92.0 fps in the same tests and settings as you and that is with a 100+ offset and memory at 350+.  For my 2 cards, any higher on the gpu offset and I get a crash. 

It just seems weird that your 2 stock cards are just 1 fps slower than my 100+/350+m cards.  I guess yours seem to scale up a bit better than my do.

 
I run an open test bench (Danger Den Torture Rack) so my I get optimum ambient air into the cards... that alone could account for the difference with GPU Boost... without more info it's hard to say.

Junglekorak


mwparrish... Congrats... looking absolutely beautiful... not only the results, but OMG those Wattage numbers, unbelieveble.

I dont know is it me, but I cant see any Evga 680 cards on Evga´s EUROPE section

 
They're beauties for sure! We still need to see how the folding PPD shakes out before I recommend upgrading from 580s though. We know they lack a lot of the GPGPU strength the 580s had but whether it will heavily impact folding which uses CUDA is hard to say.

mwparrish

hawk269

mwparrish

chump7431

I just ran Heaven 3.0 on my 2 480's max settings at 1920-1980 and got an average of 68.2FPS.  I was wondering what you get with all settings max including tess and 16x anisotropy.  I want to see what  the 680's bring to the table.  Could you please do a test run for me.  THX

GTX 680 SLI - Default Settings

GTX 680 SLI - +125 Core/+350 Memory clock offsets

So, the question is, how do you feel about a 63% improvement? 

You seem to have gotten 2 cards the clock well my friend.  I barely can get to 92.0 fps in the same tests and settings as you and that is with a 100+ offset and memory at 350+.  For my 2 cards, any higher on the gpu offset and I get a crash. 

It just seems weird that your 2 stock cards are just 1 fps slower than my 100+/350+m cards.  I guess yours seem to scale up a bit better than my do.

I run an open test bench (Danger Den Torture Rack) so my I get optimum ambient air into the cards... that alone could account for the difference with GPU Boost... without more info it's hard to say.

Hmmm...When running my cards even after 3-4 passes of Unigine, my highest temp is only 64c and that is on the top card..so I would think my boost should be just as good since that is not that hot for a GPU.  I can see that happening more if they were at 80c or so, but I am not even close to that.
 
Like all GPU's, especially reference, some people will get ones that work and run faster and have better OC abilities than others..it seems with the 680's....boost is not a variable of what you can get based off of pure luck.
 

mwparrish

Junglekorak


mwparrish... Congrats... looking absolutely beautiful... not only the results, but OMG those Wattage numbers, unbelieveble.

I dont know is it me, but I cant see any Evga 680 cards on Evga´s EUROPE section

They're beauties for sure! We still need to see how the folding PPD shakes out before I recommend upgrading from 580s though. We know they lack a lot of the GPGPU strength the 580s had but whether it will heavily impact folding which uses CUDA is hard to say.

 
Hey Buddy... well, even if its equal or ofcourse more points... then I will change the card... cos I was first looking those your +600W´s, and then after a few secs I realize that it was a sli with +600W.
And remember when even you were buying more strenght to your PSU when you got 580 SLi
 
Looks really good.... gaming.... hmmm well, maybe I dont need that.... but for folding, if it does better better points with less power, trust me, I´ll get one. And by the way, I have about 160 Evga bucks, selling the old card, so its not much to pay... but where the hell is GTX 680 Europe section, I really cant see that

Junglekorak

mwparrish

Junglekorak


mwparrish... Congrats... looking absolutely beautiful... not only the results, but OMG those Wattage numbers, unbelieveble.

I dont know is it me, but I cant see any Evga 680 cards on Evga´s EUROPE section

They're beauties for sure! We still need to see how the folding PPD shakes out before I recommend upgrading from 580s though. We know they lack a lot of the GPGPU strength the 580s had but whether it will heavily impact folding which uses CUDA is hard to say.

Hey Buddy... well, even if its equal or ofcourse more points... then I will change the card... cos I was first looking those your +600W´s, and then after a few secs I realize that it was a sli with +600W.
And remember when even you were buying more strenght to your PSU when you got 580 SLi

Looks really good.... gaming.... hmmm well, maybe I dont need that.... but for folding, if it does better better points with less power, trust me, I´ll get one. And by the way, I have about 160 Evga bucks, selling the old card, so its not much to pay... but where the hell is GTX 680 Europe section, I really cant see that

 
I hear ya, no clue on Europe site though.  With these, I could run Quad-SLI no issues on power.  These are great.

Have to go to work in about an hour or so, but started testing at 110+ offset and 400+ on memory with power set to 132% and been through 2 runs and now running a benchmark run on Unigine with no....never mind..just crashed.  It looks like +100 is the best I can do in SLI.  Little dissapointed in that.  Temps never hit above 64c too...so the cards are not overheating or anything.