ASUS Matrix Radeon HD 7970 and Platinum revealed

TPU reports ASUS has finalized the Matrix HD 7970, it's available in a standard edition with 1000MHz core and 1050MHz boost clock, and a Platinum Edition with 1050MHz base clock and 1100MHz boost clock. Both models are equipped with 3GB GDDR5 memory clocked at 6600MHz.

Each model has draws power from two 8-pin PCIe connectors, and features 20-phase VRM with load-linecalibration and manual LLC factor control (fine-tune protection against V-droop during voltage-sensitive overclocking sessions). Pricing starts at $430 for the standard model.

Apart from manual LLC factor tuning, the card features VGA Hotwire, clearly labeled points on its PCB that let you outfit it with manual voltage tuning circuitry. The card provides software voltage control via GPU Tweak, too, but is restricted to ~1.3V. The PCB features an LN2 mode switch, which loads an extreme cooling-optimized BIOS. A fan-override button shoots fan speed to 100% without software interference. Lastly, the card is cooled by a triple-slot ROG-styled DirectCU II cooler that covers most hot components, including the GPU, memory, and VRM. An additional LN2-optimized VRM heatsink is included in the package. Prices start at US $490.