In 2008, the premium graphics accelerator GeForce GTX 280 was introduced. The characteristics of this adapter allowed it to provide a high level of performance and solve any problems that were relevant at that time. It is this expensive solution that will be discussed in this review.
Appointment
The characteristics of the GeForce GTX 280, as noted earlier, were attributed to the segment of high-performance computer graphics cards. Moreover, in 2008 she had worthy opponents. Therefore, such an adapter could only be found in stationary computers that provided an uncompromisingly high level of performance. Such computing systems include graphic stations and gaming PCs. The first of them specialize in processing images of maximum quality. The second case of using such an accelerator is the launch of any toy with maximum settings and resolution.
Equipment
Features The NVidia GeForce GTX 280 Series was positioned as a premium device with superior technical specifications. Therefore, the delivery list of this solution should have been appropriate. The manufacturer included the following in it:
- Discrete graphics accelerator with active cooling system.
- A disk with documentation, a set of drivers and various diagnostic utilities that allow for advanced diagnostics of this PC component.
- A set of adapters for the implementation of additional power supply to the accelerator from the power supply.
- The instruction manual is in short form.
- Warranty card.
- Logo - a sticker for the front of the computer.
The above list does not raise any questions, and it is sufficient to start actively operating this accelerator immediately after its purchase.
Characteristics. Technical specifications
The characteristics of the GeForce GTX 280 indicate that it is based on a chip codenamed GT200. Its second conditional name is D10U-30. This chip was manufactured using technology with a tolerance of 65nm. In 2008, it was the most advanced technology for the production of silicon crystals. The number of transistors in the GPU of this device is 1,400 million transistors. The claimed power consumption of this device is 236 watts. That is, this accelerator cannot function normally without an active heat sink system. Also, in the process of functioning, the device needs additional power supply through separate power connectors.
The composition of this graphic chip includes 240 processors that operate at a frequency of 1296 MHz. Again, this device does not support Boost technology. Therefore, the last value will somehow not change in the process of functioning. The rest of the graphics chip operates at a frequency of 602 MHz.
The GTX 280 microprocessor includes 80 TMUs and 32 ROPs.
Memory
The amount of RAM for this accelerator is 1 GB. The type of memory used in this device is GDDR3. Moreover, its microcircuits operate at a fairly high frequency of 2214 MHz. The physical capacity of the bus is 512 bits. As a result, the memory subsystem bandwidth is -141 Gb / s. That is, this model of a graphics accelerator has high performance even by today's standards. Well, in 2008, this device was out of competition.
Cost
The GeForce GTX 280 video card was quite expensive at the time of release. The characteristics of this solution allowed it to issue the maximum level of performance in 2008. Therefore, his cost was appropriate. Now such an adapter in a new state is no longer available. Formerly used devices of this model can be purchased at a price of 1500-2000 rubles. It is not practical to install such an accelerator in a new computer. But such an adapter can be used to repair old system units. Moreover, material investments will not be so big. That is, through minimal costs, you can easily bring your PC back to life.
Reviews
The characteristics of the NVidia GeForce GTX 280 primarily indicate its high level of performance. This is a key advantage of this device. But its disadvantages include the outdated element base, increased power consumption and a noisy active cooling system. The whole list is complemented by the current democratic value.
Conclusion
This review article examined in detail the characteristics of the GeForce GTX 280, as well as recommendations on the use of such a graphics subsystem. At the time of release, the accelerator was rightfully considered a revolutionary device and provided the highest performance. Now it is outdated and can compete with mid-range and entry-level adapters on equal terms. At the same time, the power consumption of such a video card is quite high. In a new computer, such an adapter will significantly reduce the speed of work. But in any old PC it will look very decent.