ASUS GeForce® GTX 660 DirectCU II TOP and GTX 650 DirectCU TOP Unveiled

TOP-selected GPUs combine with enhanced cooling, stability, and performance on mass-appeal 28nm-based graphics cards

Taipei, Taiwan (September 13, 2012) ― ASUS GeForce® GTX 660 DirectCU II TOP and GeForce® GTX 650 DirectCU TOP graphics cards expand the range of options available to customers looking for a graphics upgrade or component for a new build. Priced attractively, they bring NVIDIA® 28nm GPU technology and DirectX® 11 compatibility, and improve on these with exclusive ASUS add-ons. Both use TOP-selected GPUs for better overclocking performance, and employ DirectCU cooling to ensure improved heat removal. DIGI+ VRM digital voltage regulation and durable Super Alloy Power components contribute to greater stability and product longevity, while GPU Tweak paves the way for user-friendly card tuning. As a result, the two new cards are an appealing proposition for budget-savvy customers keen on entering the 28nm GPU era.

Relentless performance with TOP-selected GPUs
ASUS TOP graphics cards deliver customers hand-picked GPUs that ensure better performance out of the box. GPUs are selected for stronger overclocking tolerance, while the PCB and power delivery parts are subjected to more stringent heat and stress testing. The GeForce® GTX 660 DirectCU II TOP ships with the core clocked at 1137MHz, or 104MHz (10%) quicker than reference. Its GeForce® GTX 650 DirectCU TOP sibling offers a speedy 1215MHz core or 157MHz (14.8%) above reference. In both cases, gamers get extra frames per second from the get go with no additional effort required.

DirectCU cooling and noise-reduction advantage on both new models
The GeForce® GTX 660 DirectCU II TOP and GeForce® GTX 650 DirectCU TOP employ exclusive ASUS DirectCU thermal innovation, which entails flattened all-copper heatpipes that touch the GPU unhindered. Heat dissipation sees an immediate boost in efficiency with twice the contact area on the GeForce® GTX 660 DirectCU II TOP. Both cards operate around 20% cooler and up to three times quieter than reference.

Precise digital voltage control increases performance, reliability, and longevity
The two new models ensure a wide audience of PC users and gamers can tap greater stability and more overclocking headroom through the use of exclusive ASUS DIGI+ VRM digital voltage regulation and durable Super Alloy Power components. At 30% lower power noise, 15% higher efficiency, and 2.5 times the lifespan of reference products, both cards deliver dependable graphics performance in every scenario, with a wider voltage modulation band. Super Alloy Power components utilize concrete-core chokes that eliminate buzzing noise even under full load, and premium capacitors offer a 50,000-hour lifespan, which is over twice the longevity of generic capacitors. All of these advantages give customers graphics cards that far exceed reference properties, yet retain a very attractive price point.

Accessible and intuitive graphics tuning for everyone
ASUS graphics cards always provide added value, and so the GeForce® GTX 660 DirectCU II TOP and GeForce® GTX 650 DirectCU TOP include the GPU Tweak card tuning utility. Customers can easily modify core and memory speeds, fan settings, and voltages, all via a unified and intuitive user interface