GTX 680 vs GTX 770 (a few questions to GTX 770 owners)

[MentalVizion]

Hey guys,

I've been reading into various GPU's over the past few weeks A LOT!
And I ultimately narrowed it down to the GTX 680 or the GTX 770.

I am seriously stuck here. Im going to list a few pro's and con's of the two cards.

GTX 680:

Pro: Flashable - lower TDP (195W) - it is just known to work great in the Mac
Con: weaker then 770 - more expensive & harder to get

GTX 770:

Pro: stronger then GTX 680 - less expensive and easier to get
Con: not flashable (atleast I did not find any EFI roms) - 230W TDP

I always read that the 770 is just a little beefier 680, however, benchmarks show quite some difference in various tasks. And on top of that the 770 is - why the hell ever - cheaper then the 680. Also, it's quite hard to get a used 680 where I live.

Is the GTX 770 also able to work with only two 6 pins connected like some of the 680 models are?

The 770 is listed to have a TDP of 230W, however, this test revealed that it's maximum TDP was actually 214W. (if I got that right)

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ASUS/GeForce_GTX_770_Direct_Cu_II_OC/25.html

Then on the other hand I'm thinking - Is a regular 770 even still superior to a clocked 680? I would like to get either the EVGA SC Signature or the FTW 4GB Edition of the 680 which both are slightly overclocked. The 770 has higher bandwidth, but still...

http://www.techpowerup.com/gpudb/b150/evga-gtx-680-sc-signature.html
http://www.techpowerup.com/gpudb/b153/evga-gtx-680-ftw.html
http://www.techpowerup.com/gpudb/b2038/evga-gtx-770-w-acx-cooler.html

These are the models I am interested in.

I think the 680 would be the smarter decision, and I will PROBABLY end up with one anyways, but I thought I'd ask you guys for some help first.

 

[resale]

The 770 is basically a higher scpec'd 680. I've had both in my Mac Pro but decided on the 680 to make my life easier. I started out with a 770 with a second internal power supply just to be safe, then I sold it on eBay and purchased a used 680. I flashed it and it runs as well as I want it to. The performance is almost exactly the same so I don't think I'm missing anything. I'm just waiting now for the MacVidCards flashed 970 now.

 

[Check 6]

The 770 is basically a higher scpec'd 680. I've had both in my Mac Pro but decided on the 680 to make my life easier. I started out with a 770 with a second internal power supply just to be safe, then I sold it on eBay and purchased a used 680. I flashed it and it runs as well as I want it to. The performance is almost exactly the same so I don't think I'm missing anything. I'm just waiting now for the MacVidCards flashed 970 now.

The numbers show the GTX 680 to be better than the HD 5870 but in real life is this true. I'm looking at "upgrading" from and HD 5870 to a GTX 680 for Mac. thanks

 

[Pending]

The numbers show the GTX 680 to be better than the HD 5870 but in real life is this true. I'm looking at "upgrading" from and HD 5870 to a GTX 680 for Mac. thanks

In short, yes.

 

[MacVidCards]

Barefeats.com

 

[Macsonic]

Hey guys,

I've been reading into various GPU's over the past few weeks A LOT!
And I ultimately narrowed it down to the GTX 680 or the GTX 770.

I am seriously stuck here. Im going to list a few pro's and con's of the two cards.

GTX 680:

Pro: Flashable - lower TDP (195W) - it is just known to work great in the Mac
Con: weaker then 770 - more expensive & harder to get

GTX 770:

Pro: stronger then GTX 680 - less expensive and easier to get
Con: not flashable (atleast I did not find any EFI roms) - 230W TDP

I always read that the 770 is just a little beefier 680, however, benchmarks show quite some difference in various tasks. And on top of that the 770 is - why the hell ever - cheaper then the 680. Also, it's quite hard to get a used 680 where I live.

Is the GTX 770 also able to work with only two 6 pins connected like some of the 680 models are?

The 770 is listed to have a TDP of 230W, however, this test revealed that it's maximum TDP was actually 214W. (if I got that right)

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ASUS/GeForce_GTX_770_Direct_Cu_II_OC/25.html

Then on the other hand I'm thinking - Is a regular 770 even still superior to a clocked 680? I would like to get either the EVGA SC Signature or the FTW 4GB Edition of the 680 which both are slightly overclocked. The 770 has higher bandwidth, but still...

http://www.techpowerup.com/gpudb/b150/evga-gtx-680-sc-signature.html
http://www.techpowerup.com/gpudb/b153/evga-gtx-680-ftw.html
http://www.techpowerup.com/gpudb/b2038/evga-gtx-770-w-acx-cooler.html

These are the models I am interested in.

I think the 680 would be the smarter decision, and I will PROBABLY end up with one anyways, but I thought I'd ask you guys for some help first.

I've been using both a 680 gtx Mac Edition and a flashed 770 gtx 4gb GPUs on 2 Mac Pros. Both cards running fine. The 770 gtx running on internal power supply. The 680 gtx would make a good choice if that is your preference.

 

[MentalVizion]

I've been using both a 680 gtx Mac Edition and a flashed 770 gtx 4gb GPUs on 2 Mac Pros. Both cards running fine. The 770 gtx running on internal power supply. The 680 gtx would make a good choice if that is your preference.

Well, my "preference" would be the 770 actually. However, the ability of not-being able to flash the card myself turns me off big time.

Is there a way of flashing a GTX 770 yourself? I searched well - and usually when I search well, I find

The only thing I found was some dude stating that there "are around 10 GTX 770 EFI's" - however, I couldn't find any of those "10 EFI's".

2 questions to you sonic:
Are you running the card with 1x 6pin & 1x 8pin, or is it running fine with just 2x 6pin aswell?

Do you feel/notice any larger performance differences between the two?

Again, I know the 770 is a little beefier 680, but viewing some benchmarks I notice quite some buffs in favour to the 770.

 

[Macsonic]

Well, my "preference" would be the 770 actually. However, the ability of not-being able to flash the card myself turns me off big time.

Is there a way of flashing a GTX 770 yourself? I searched well - and usually when I search well, I find

The only thing I found was some dude stating that there "are around 10 GTX 770 EFI's" - however, I couldn't find any of those "10 EFI's".

2 questions to you sonic:
Are you running the card with 1x 6pin & 1x 8pin, or is it running fine with just 2x 6pin aswell?

Do you feel/notice any larger performance differences between the two?

Again, I know the 770 is a little beefier 680, but viewing some benchmarks I notice quite some buffs in favour to the 770.

Hi Mental Vizion. I am not familiar on flashing a Nvidia 770GTX 4gb card. I got my flashed 770 GTX from this Seller. I am using a 6 pin to 8 pin cable plus a 6 pin to 6 pin in connecting the card. This was recommended by the seller. I know that others are just using a 6 pin to 6 pin connector using the 770 GTX or 780 GTX. In some graphic tasks, there is not much noticeable difference between the 680 GTX and 770 GTX. Keep in mind,this may be because some tasks are more CPU bound than GPU bound. In video rendering, this is were the 770 GTX was faster.

The 770 GTX ran smoothly and was quiet and much cooler. I also have a Mac Radeon 5870, 5770, Nvidia Quadro 4000. Though the 5770 and Quadro 4000 have lower TDP outputs, the 770 GTX was much cooler. After 12 hours of usage, upon touching the body of the 770 GTX, it was just lukewarm. The design of the card and it's cooling system also made some difference. I think the 680 GTX will be adequate for your needs. Hope this helps with your decision.

 

[MentalVizion]

Hi Mental Vizion. I am not familiar on flashing a Nvidia 770GTX 4gb card. I got my flashed 770 GTX from this Seller. I am using a 6 pin to 8 pin cable plus a 6 pin to 6 pin in connecting the card. This was recommended by the seller. I know that others are just using a 6 pin to 6 pin connector using the 770 GTX or 780 GTX. In some graphic tasks, there is not much noticeable difference between the 680 GTX and 770 GTX. Keep in mind,this may be because some tasks are more CPU bound than GPU bound. In video rendering, this is were the 770 GTX was faster.

The 770 GTX ran smoothly and was quiet and much cooler. I also have a Mac Radeon 5870, 5770, Nvidia Quadro 4000. Though the 5770 and Quadro 4000 have lower TDP outputs, the 770 GTX was much cooler. After 12 hours of usage, upon touching the body of the 770 GTX, it was just lukewarm. The design of the card and it's cooling system also made some difference. I think the 680 GTX will be adequate for your needs. Hope this helps with your decision.

Thank you very much for your in-depth answer!
I sadly can't afford a "already flashed card", as prices tend to peak alot higher compared to regular "PC versions".

Thus the GTX 680 is so appealing to me, since it is possible to DIY.

I just had an idea however, regarding power issues:

Shouldn't it be possible to connect both 6-pin's from the logic board to the 8-pin on the GPU using a 8-pin to dual 6-pin adapter cabel, and draw the other 75W from a SATA cable (I guess there is a 2nd one since there are two drive slots available?) using a SATA->PCI-6pin adapter?

Im no electrician, so I could be easily wrong here xD

2x 75W from the 6-pins on the logic board equals 150 - which is the maximum power draw for an 8 pin.

and

1x 75W from the SATA cable (in case it is technically possible)

This would pretty much eliminate one of the two main-reasons not to go for a 770 or anything even higher. Still leaving the flash-question open.

Another (maybe?) possibility:

1x 6-pin from logic board to 6 pin in GPU
1x Sata to 8 pin on GPU (again, IF technically possible)

This would even save one 6-pin for usage of another card etc.

 

[Synchro3]

I just had an idea however, regarding power issues:

Shouldn't it be possible to connect both 6-pin's from the logic board to the 8-pin on the GPU using a 8-pin to dual 6-pin adapter cabel, and draw the other 75W from a SATA cable (I guess there is a 2nd one since there are two drive slots available?) using a SATA->PCI-6pin adapter?

Im no electrician, so I could be easily wrong here xD

2x 75W from the 6-pins on the logic board equals 150 - which is the maximum power draw for an 8 pin.

and

1x 75W from the SATA cable (in case it is technically possible)

This would pretty much eliminate one of the two main-reasons not to go for a 770 or anything even higher. Still leaving the flash-question open.

Another (maybe?) possibility:

1x 6-pin from logic board to 6 pin in GPU
1x Sata to 8 pin on GPU (again, IF technically possible)

This would even save one 6-pin for usage of another card etc.

Hi MentalVizion

Yes, it's possible, if you don't mind loosing two internal SATA connections.

You need one of these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Akasa-SATA-Power-to-6pin-PCIe-Adapter-Cable-/381079601344

And one of these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-E...ARD-POWER-CABLE-ORIGINAL-ONE-19-/321672328779

As you said, you can use the 2x 6pin (75 watt each) to 1x 8pin (150 watt), and 2x sata hard disk power (55 watt each) to 1x 6pin (75 watt).

However, make sure the sata cables are really well secured, because the sata connections in the Mac Pro are not really made for cables. I did this once: https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=18855446#post18855446

 

[MentalVizion]

Hi MentalVizion

Yes, it's possible, if you don't mind loosing two internal SATA connections.

You need one of these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Akasa-SATA-Power-to-6pin-PCIe-Adapter-Cable-/381079601344

And one of these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-E...ARD-POWER-CABLE-ORIGINAL-ONE-19-/321672328779

As you said, you can use the 2x 6pin (75 watt each) to 1x 8pin (150 watt), and 2x sata hard disk power (55 watt each) to 1x 6pin (75 watt).

However, make sure the sata cables are really well secured, because the sata connections in the Mac Pro are not really made for cables. I did this once: https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=18855446#post18855446

Hey,

Nice! So theoretically speaking one should be able to install a card that draws up to 335W?

2x 75W (logic board) = 150W + 75W (PCIe) = 225W + 110W (2x SATA) = 335

This really makes the 770 (and even the 780) alot more appealing to me.


If only it weren't for those stupid boot screens

Is there even anything newer then a GTX 680 thats capable of being flashed by doing it yourself?

Also, am I correct, guessing that the Mac Pro (4,1) has 6 SATA cables installed?

4x for the hard drive bays, and 2x for the disk drives?

 

[Macsonic]

Thank you very much for your in-depth answer!
I sadly can't afford a "already flashed card", as prices tend to peak alot higher compared to regular "PC versions".

Thus the GTX 680 is so appealing to me, since it is possible to DIY.

I just had an idea however, regarding power issues:

Shouldn't it be possible to connect both 6-pin's from the logic board to the 8-pin on the GPU using a 8-pin to dual 6-pin adapter cabel, and draw the other 75W from a SATA cable (I guess there is a 2nd one since there are two drive slots available?) using a SATA->PCI-6pin adapter?

Im no electrician, so I could be easily wrong here xD

2x 75W from the 6-pins on the logic board equals 150 - which is the maximum power draw for an 8 pin.

and

1x 75W from the SATA cable (in case it is technically possible)

This would pretty much eliminate one of the two main-reasons not to go for a 770 or anything even higher. Still leaving the flash-question open.

Another (maybe?) possibility:

1x 6-pin from logic board to 6 pin in GPU
1x Sata to 8 pin on GPU (again, IF technically possible)

This would even save one 6-pin for usage of another card etc.

You're welcome. It's understandable that finances comes first when upgrading. And I know in Europe, computer parts are more scarce and can be expensive. I think the 770 GTX flashing is different compared to the 680 GTX. Before I purchased the 770 GTX from the seller, orangefenix, I asked him to give me brief idea on flashing the 770 GTX. I'm picky and take note on how the seller flashes GPUs so I had to find out before buying. He mentioned that Ideally you should never use the same firmware from one graphic card on another card. He first works on the PC firmware of the card and move forward from there. And you also need to have the correct firmware which is based on the BIOS version. According to him, each GPU card have Different BIOS so for each GPU you flash you don't always repeat the same process on some GPUs, unless I misunderstood what he meant. I know that flashing isn't as easy as "flipping the switch" and you're good to go.

For the power draw, 'Synchro3 already gave a good suggestion and he has tried that process Hope you get your GPU upgrade whether it's the 680gtx or the 770gtx. Happy buying.

 

[MentalVizion]

You're welcome. It's understandable that finances comes first when upgrading. And I know in Europe, computer parts are more scarce and can be expensive. I think the 770 GTX flashing is different compared to the 680 GTX. Before I purchased the 770 GTX from the seller, orangefenix, I asked him to give me brief idea on flashing the 770 GTX. I'm picky and take note on how the seller flashes GPUs so I had to find out before buying. He mentioned that Ideally you should never use the same firmware from one graphic card on another card. He first works on the PC firmware of the card and move forward from there. And you also need to have the correct firmware which is based on the BIOS version. According to him, each GPU card have Different BIOS so for each GPU you flash you don't always repeat the same process on some GPUs, unless I misunderstood what he meant. I know that flashing isn't as easy as "flipping the switch" and you're good to go.

For the power draw, 'Synchro3 already gave a good suggestion and he has tried that process Hope you get your GPU upgrade whether it's the 680gtx or the 770gtx. Happy buying.

Yea, pretty complicated stuff. I'll just go with a 680 and save myself some nerves

These 5 frames aren't worth all that trouble.