NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680: A Legend of the Past in the Era of Modern Technologies
April 2025
Introduction
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680, released in 2012, was a true breakthrough in the world of graphics accelerators. However, 13 years later, its role in the industry has drastically changed. In this article, we will explore how relevant this graphics card remains in 2025, what tasks it can still perform, and who might find it useful in an age of ray tracing and neural network upscaling.
Architecture and Key Features
Kepler Architecture: Foundation for the Future
The GTX 680 is built on the Kepler architecture (GK104), manufactured using a 28nm process technology. This was NVIDIA's first generation focused on energy efficiency. The card features 1536 CUDA cores, operating at a base clock speed of 1006 MHz (with dynamic boost up to 1058 MHz).
Lack of Modern Technologies
The GTX 680 does not support RTX (ray tracing), DLSS, or FidelityFX—these features appeared years later. However, in 2012, its standout features were:
- TXAA (next-generation anti-aliasing);
- Adaptive VSync (adaptive synchronization);
- GPU Boost 1.0 (automatic overclocking).
These technologies are considered outdated now, but they set trends for GPU development in their time.
Memory: Modest Potential for Modern Tasks
GDDR5 and 2 GB: A Challenge for the Times
The graphics card is equipped with 2 GB of GDDR5 memory with a 256-bit bus and a bandwidth of 192.2 GB/s. This was sufficient for games from 2012 to 2015, but in 2025, even indie projects require a minimum of 4 GB VRAM. For example, textures in Hogwarts Legacy or Cyberpunk 2077 take up more than 6 GB.
Media Problems
For video editing in 4K or working with AI filters in DaVinci Resolve, 2 GB of memory is clearly insufficient. This limits the card in professional tasks.
Gaming Performance: Nostalgia or Reality?
1080p: The Baseline
In older titles, the GTX 680 performs decently:
- The Witcher 3 (2015): ~35 FPS on medium settings;
- GTA V (2015): ~45 FPS on high settings;
- CS2 (2023): ~90 FPS on low settings.
However, in modern AAA games like Starfield or Alan Wake 2, FPS drops below 20 even on the lowest settings.
1440p and 4K: Not for GTX 680
Due to limited memory and weak computational power, the card struggles with resolutions above 1080p.
Ray Tracing: Lack of Support
RTX effects require dedicated RT Cores, which the GTX 680 lacks. Attempts to run ray tracing using software methods (like Proton for Windows) result in FPS dropping to 5-10 frames.
Professional Tasks: Limited Applicability
CUDA: A Lifeline
CUDA support allows the GTX 680 to be used in programs like Adobe Premiere Pro or Blender for rendering simple scenes. However, performance is significantly lower compared to modern cards:
- Scene rendering in Blender Cycles: ~30 minutes (versus 2-3 minutes on RTX 4060);
- Exporting 1080p video in Premiere Pro: ~1.5× real-time.
Scientific Calculations: An Outdated Option
For machine learning or simulations, Tensor Cores and more memory are required. The GTX 680 might suffice for educational projects based on CUDA.
Power Consumption and Heat Generation
TDP 195 W: Modest for 2025
By modern standards, the GTX 680 is quite energy-efficient. For comparison, the RTX 4070, with a TDP of 200 W, offers 8-10 times the performance.
Cooling Recommendations
The card is equipped with a turbine cooler, which may seem loud in 2025 (up to 42 dB). For comfortable operation in older cases, it is recommended to:
- Regularly replace thermal paste;
- Install additional case fans;
- Use open test benches for improved airflow.
Comparison with Competitors
AMD Radeon HD 7970: Main Competitor
In 2012, the HD 7970 (Tahiti XT) competed with the GTX 680, offering 3 GB of GDDR5 and higher computational power. By 2025, both cards have aged equally, but the HD 7970 wins due to its larger memory capacity.
Modern Analogues
On the used market, the GTX 680 can be compared to the GTX 1650 (2019), which, with a TDP of 75 W, provides similar performance but supports DirectX 12 Ultimate and partial RTX features.
Practical Advice
Power Supply: 500 W Minimum
Despite its 195 W TDP, a PSU with a margin is needed for stable operation. Models with an 80+ Bronze certification and at least 28 A on the +12 V line (e.g., Corsair CX550) are recommended.
Compatibility with Platforms
- PC: The GTX 680 requires a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot but is compatible with PCIe 4.0/5.0 motherboards (in backward compatibility mode);
- OS: Official driver support ended in 2018. Windows 10/11 works with the card, but some games may not launch.
Drivers: Risk of Incompatibility
The last stable drivers for the GTX 680 are version 472.12 (2021). In new projects, errors may occur due to the lack of support for DirectX 12 Ultimate features.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Historical significance and reliability;
- Low price on the second-hand market (~$30-$50);
- CUDA support for basic professional tasks.
Cons:
- Insufficient VRAM for modern games and applications;
- Lack of ray tracing and DLSS;
- Ended driver support.
Final Conclusion: Who Is GTX 680 Suitable For?
1. Collectors and Retro Hardware Enthusiasts—for rebuilding PCs from the 2010s or running classics like Skyrim or Mass Effect 3.
2. Owners of Old Office PCs—as an upgrade for video playback or document work.
3. Students—to learn the basics of CUDA on budget hardware.
Why You Shouldn't Get the GTX 680 in 2025?
If your goal is modern gaming, 4K editing, or AI development, this card is hopelessly outdated. Even budget newcomers like the Intel Arc A380 (priced from $120) offer better performance and support for current technologies.
Conclusion
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680 is a legend that changed the industry, but time has not spared it. In 2025, it remains a niche solution for specific tasks, and nothing more. As the saying goes, "old hardware doesn't die; it just finds new enthusiasts."