14 DAY TRIAL // The GeForce GTX 960 graphics card may not have been released by NVIDIA yet, but it's not much farther off. The many leaks about OEM versions, like the three KFA2 models we're about to take a look at, have made that much clear.
According to reports by WCCFTech, KFA2 has prepared three versions of the GeForce GTX 960 Maxwell-based graphics adapter.
This much was to be expected, since OEMs always do what they can to set their products apart from the norm. KFA2 is no different in this regard.
The cards are known as the GeForce GTX 960, the GeForce GTX 960 OC and GeForce GTX 960 EXOC. You can probably guess their nature from the names alone.
KFA2 is both sticking to and straying from NVIDIA's guidelines
The normal GeForce GTX 960 from KFA2's lineup is just that: a stock-clocked and cooled GTX 960, down to the single-fan cooler of the reference adapter.
You can expect to see one of these things in the product lineups of every one of NVIDIA's partners (ASUS, EVGA, Gigabyte, etc.).
According to previous reports, the normal GTX 960 has the GM206-300 (with 8 to 10 SMMs, suggesting 1,024 to 1,280 CUDA cores) working at 1,178 / 1,228 MHz. We can be reasonably certain that the KFA2 stock model will operate at that level.
The KFA2 GTX 960 OC, however, will be somewhat faster, despite retaining the original PCB (printed circuit board). It will also have a cooler with two fans instead of one. Unfortunately, the exact specs are unknown.
The third and final GeForce GTX 960 in KFA2's lineup is called GeForce GTX 960 EXOC and has a custom PCB, as well as a single 8-pin PCI Express power port, rather than the normal 6-pin. A stronger VRM (voltage regulation module) is also part of the design.
Furthermore, the EXOC benefits from a dual-fan cooler with a backplate (there are memory chips on the back side of the PCB apparently, and they need it).
Availability and pricing
The KFA2 GeForce GTX 960 graphics cards should be launched on January 22, along with all the other upcoming Maxwell boards. Expect to see them equipped with HDMI, DVI and DisplayPort connectors in various configurations.
Prices could range from $415 / €350 to over $500 / €421 at first, but they should fall soon after, as more and more cards come forth.
