INTRODUCTION

   We may not see many important and up to date (at least in graphics) game titles lately (many are just console ports) but that doesn't keep the two leading graphics cards manufacturers (AMD/NVIDIA) from keeping the competition alive and kicking by introducing new models every now few months. Lately we've checked some of the brand new Radeon HD 7xxx series by AMD so it was time to jump into the opposite camp and see what the latest GeForce GTX 6xx cards are all about. Gainward is amongst the only exclusive NVIDIA partners and really needs no introductions since it's the company behind some of the best non-reference (custom) NVIDIA card designs (offering factory overclocking, low noise levels and improved cooling) including the Golden Sample and Phantom line. The first of their GTX 6xx line to reach our test bed is the latest Gainward GeForce GTX 670 Phantom 2GB model.

   Gainward Co. Ltd was founded in Taipei back in 1984 with a single goal, to produce a variety of innovative PC video enhancement products. In 1989 Gainward starts production of new VGA technology and becomes a major developer for Tseng Labs ASIC in Taiwan. Their USA presence was officialized in 1991 and by 1992 Gainward was ranked Top 1000 Industrial companies in Taiwan. TNC Industrial Co. Ltd. merged with Gainward in 1997 and with that move they became one of the largest graphics cards suppliers, shipping more than 2 million boards during the year. In 2000 Gainward establishes their presence in Europe with a new branch in Germany while in 2001 they become an NVIDIA Certified Selection Solution Provider and NVIDIA Launch Partner. Gainward and Palit Microsystem Inc. merge together in 2005 to ensure a higher level of accessibility and the highest possible product quality. In 2006 they introduce a new company logo which they change again in 2008 when they become an AMD authorized partner.

   The GeForce GTX 670 may currently be the third and less powerful model in the GTX 6xx line (after the GTX 690, 680) but its excellent performance levels which came extremely close to those of the GTX 680 surprised everyone and immediately made it the best price/performance card in the market today. All of the above however are true about the reference NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670 and so as usual it's not really surprising that Gainward (and others) took it upon themselves to further improve it by adding a mild factory overclocking and their entirely new cooling system used in their own Phantom line. The end result is quite impressive and although i have yet to start on the GTX 680 Phantom review i am pretty sure that the GTX 670 Phantom will give it a run for its money. Specs-wise the GeForce GTX 670 comes complete with support for 4-Way SLI/3D Vision Surround and features 112 TMUs (texture memory units) and 32 ROPs (raster operation processors).