Entry № 041-3 / V-5507 · 0:00 synced

ASUS GTX 770 Direct CU II Unboxing & Review

Linus Tech Tips@LinusTechTips143.5K viewsMay 30, 20136:47
Source
YT
Views
143.5K
Subscribers
16.8M
Critic
?
Audience
?

0 up · 0 down · 0 ratings

Channels and socials

The ASUS GTX 770 Direct CU II is a COMPLETELY non-reference GTX 770, which is usual right at launch when a high end GPU is released. Normally the "non-reference" cards we see for a while are just reference cards with a different cooler. In this case ASUS is using beefier components, stronger design, and a beastly cooler to set their GTX 770 apart from the pretenders! Sponsor link: corsair.com Join our community forum: bit.ly twitter.com @LinusTech Pricing & availability: ncix.com

Start
AI OverviewDefault language

The ASUS GTX 770 Direct CU II unboxing and review presents a thorough first look at a non-reference GTX 770 designed by ASUS with a beefier cooler and upgraded components. The video starts with the packaging and the included accessories, highlighting a quick start guide, drivers, GPU tweak software, and a PCIe power adapter, all of which differentiate this card from Nvidia’s reference model. The host explains the core architecture, noting that the GTX 770 uses the GK104 GPU with higher clock speeds and 7 GHz memory compared to the original GTX 680, which helps justify its enhanced performance. An emphasis is placed on the Direct CU II cooler, featuring copper heat pipes and dual fans that are dust-sealed to improve longevity and airflow across the GPU and surrounding components. The speaker also discusses the back plate, power design, and the use of ASICs and high-quality components to bolster overclocking potential and efficiency, setting expectations for real-world performance. Throughout, there is a balance between technical detail and practical impressions, culminating in a preview of overclocking results and software tools that help monitor and push the card further. The overall takeaway is that ASUS aims for better thermals, quieter operation, and more headroom for enthusiasts willing to push their hardware, with a positive initial assessment of the Direct CU II’s capabilities and design philosophy.

Topics · hardware · graphics-cards · unboxing · pc-build

Questions answered

What makes the ASUS GTX 770 Direct CU II different from the reference GTX 770?
The ASUS GTX 770 Direct CU II uses a beefier cooler with copper heat pipes, dual fans, and a higher quality power design (8+2 phase with Super Alloy Power components) to improve cooling, efficiency, and overclocking headroom compared to the reference GTX 770.
What accessories come with the card, and how do they help the setup?
The card includes a quick start guide, drivers, GPU Tweak software, and a dual six-pin to single eight-pin PCIe power adapter, which aid installation, software monitoring, and power management for overclocking.