NVIDIA GeForce GTX 690
NVIDIA graphics card specifications and benchmark scores
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 690 Specifications
GeForce GTX 690 GPU Core
Shader units and compute resources
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 690 GPU core specifications define its raw processing power for graphics and compute workloads. Shading units (also called CUDA cores, stream processors, or execution units depending on manufacturer) handle the parallel calculations required for rendering. TMUs (Texture Mapping Units) process texture data, while ROPs (Render Output Units) handle final pixel output. Higher shader counts generally translate to better GPU benchmark performance, especially in demanding games and 3D applications.
GTX 690 Clock Speeds
GPU and memory frequencies
Clock speeds directly impact the GeForce GTX 690's performance in GPU benchmarks and real-world gaming. The base clock represents the minimum guaranteed frequency, while the boost clock indicates peak performance under optimal thermal conditions. Memory clock speed affects texture loading and frame buffer operations. The GeForce GTX 690 by NVIDIA dynamically adjusts frequencies based on workload, temperature, and power limits to maximize performance while maintaining stability.
NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 690 Memory
VRAM capacity and bandwidth
VRAM (Video RAM) is dedicated memory for storing textures, frame buffers, and shader data. The GeForce GTX 690's memory capacity determines how well it handles high-resolution textures and multiple displays. Memory bandwidth, measured in GB/s, affects how quickly data moves between the GPU and VRAM. Higher bandwidth improves performance in memory-intensive scenarios like 4K gaming. The memory bus width and type (GDDR6, GDDR6X, HBM) significantly influence overall GPU benchmark scores.
GeForce GTX 690 by NVIDIA Cache
On-chip cache hierarchy
On-chip cache provides ultra-fast data access for the GTX 690, reducing the need to fetch data from slower VRAM. L1 and L2 caches store frequently accessed data close to the compute units. AMD's Infinity Cache (L3) dramatically increases effective bandwidth, improving GPU benchmark performance without requiring wider memory buses. Larger cache sizes help maintain high frame rates in memory-bound scenarios and reduce power consumption by minimizing VRAM accesses.
GTX 690 Theoretical Performance
Compute and fill rates
Theoretical performance metrics provide a baseline for comparing the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 690 against other graphics cards. FP32 (single-precision) performance, measured in TFLOPS, indicates compute capability for gaming and general GPU workloads. FP64 (double-precision) matters for scientific computing. Pixel and texture fill rates determine how quickly the GPU can render complex scenes. While real-world GPU benchmark results depend on many factors, these specifications help predict relative performance levels.
Kepler Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 690 is built on NVIDIA's Kepler architecture, which defines how the GPU processes graphics and compute workloads. The manufacturing process node affects power efficiency, thermal characteristics, and maximum clock speeds. Smaller process nodes pack more transistors into the same die area, enabling higher performance per watt. Understanding the architecture helps predict how the GTX 690 will perform in GPU benchmarks compared to previous generations.
NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 690 Power & Thermal
TDP and power requirements
Power specifications for the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 690 determine PSU requirements and thermal management needs. TDP (Thermal Design Power) indicates the heat output under typical loads, guiding cooler selection. Power connector requirements ensure adequate power delivery for stable operation during demanding GPU benchmarks. The suggested PSU wattage accounts for the entire system, not just the graphics card. Efficient power delivery enables the GeForce GTX 690 to maintain boost clocks without throttling.
GeForce GTX 690 by NVIDIA Physical & Connectivity
Dimensions and outputs
Physical dimensions of the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 690 are critical for case compatibility. Card length, height, and slot width determine whether it fits in your chassis. The PCIe interface version affects bandwidth for communication with the CPU. Display outputs define monitor connectivity options, with modern cards supporting multiple high-resolution displays simultaneously. Verify these specifications against your case and motherboard before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.
NVIDIA API Support
Graphics and compute APIs
API support determines which games and applications can fully utilize the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 690. DirectX 12 Ultimate enables advanced features like ray tracing and variable rate shading. Vulkan provides cross-platform graphics capabilities with low-level hardware access. OpenGL remains important for professional applications and older games. CUDA (NVIDIA) and OpenCL enable GPU compute for video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific applications. Higher API versions unlock newer graphical features in GPU benchmarks and games.
GeForce GTX 690 Product Information
Release and pricing details
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 690 is manufactured by NVIDIA as part of their graphics card lineup. Release date and launch pricing provide context for comparing GPU benchmark results with competing products from the same era. Understanding the product lifecycle helps evaluate whether the GeForce GTX 690 by NVIDIA represents good value at current market prices. Predecessor and successor information aids in tracking generational improvements and planning future upgrades.
GeForce GTX 690 Benchmark Scores
geekbench_openclSource
Geekbench OpenCL tests GPU compute performance using the cross-platform OpenCL API. This shows how NVIDIA GeForce GTX 690 handles parallel computing tasks like video encoding and scientific simulations. OpenCL is widely supported across different GPU vendors and platforms.
geekbench_vulkanSource
Geekbench Vulkan tests GPU compute using the modern low-overhead Vulkan API. This shows how NVIDIA GeForce GTX 690 performs with next-generation graphics and compute workloads. Vulkan offers better CPU efficiency than older APIs like OpenGL. Modern games and applications increasingly use Vulkan for cross-platform GPU acceleration.
About NVIDIA GeForce GTX 690
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 690 debuted in early May 2012 as a flagship solution from NVIDIA. Built on the 28 nm Kepler architecture, it paired two GK104 GPUs on a single PCB. The dual‑GPU design was marketed as a bridge between enthusiast desktops and professional workstations. With a PCIe 3.0 x16 interface, the card could fully exploit the bandwidth of contemporary motherboards. At launch, the price tag of $999 positioned it firmly in the high‑end segment, targeting users who demanded raw horsepower. Its release coincided with the rise of DirectX 11 titles, making it a timely offering for gamers seeking future‑proof performance.
The GTX 690 shipped with 2 GB of GDDR5 memory, split evenly between the two GPU dies. Operating at a base clock of 915 MHz and a boost clock of 1,019 MHz, the card delivered a combined shader frequency that was unprecedented at the time. Its thermal design power of 300 W required a robust power delivery system, typically involving two 8‑pin PCIe connectors. Benchmarks from Geekbench’s OpenCL suite recorded roughly 16,480 points, while the Vulkan test yielded about 14,979 points, underscoring its compute versatility. These scores placed the card well above most single‑GPU solutions released in the same generation. Despite the high power envelope, the silicon process remained efficient enough to sustain the advertised clocks under load.
When evaluating FPS capabilities, the dual‑GPU GTX 690 consistently pushed beyond 60 frames per second in titles such as Battlefield 3 and Crysis 2 at 1080p with high settings. Modern rendering features like tessellation and HDR were supported, though the card’s older driver stack sometimes limited full utilization of newer APIs. The 2 GB memory pool, while ample for 2012 games, can become a bottleneck in texture‑heavy modern titles that exceed 3 GB of VRAM demand. Cooling was handled by a large dual‑fan heatsink that kept temperatures in the mid‑70 °C range during extended stress tests. However, the substantial heat output required a well‑ventilated case and, in some builds, an aftermarket cooler to maintain acoustic comfort. Users who prioritized silence often opted for a custom water‑cooling loop to tame the thermal load without sacrificing performance.
For contemporary gamers, the card remains viable in esports titles such as Counter‑Strike: Global Offensive and League of Legends, where it can sustain ultra settings at 144
The AMD Equivalent of GeForce GTX 690
Looking for a similar graphics card from AMD? The AMD Radeon RX 480 offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.
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