Gainward Phantom GTX570 Review

Test Setup

Gainward Phantom GTX570
Intel Core i7-950 @ 4GHz
ASUS Rampage III Extreme
Muskin Joule 1200w
6GB Mushkin Redline
Noctua NH-D14
Windows 7 Ultimate x64

Overclocking

Unfortunately the Gainward doesn’t come with any method of upping the voltage on the Phantom and therefore the overclocking capabilities are limited. Either Gainward are saving this for a Golden Sample card, or hopefully there will be a “Extreme” or similar version of this card because the lack of voltage tweaking really hinders the ability to overclock.

As it was we managed to get another 75MHz out of the Core on top of the 18MHz increase it comes with. This obviously gives 150MHz on the Shader speeds, alongside another 25MHz out of the GDDR5.

So how does this gorgeous new cooler design control the temperatures? Very well indeed is the answer.

We see a maximum temperature of 64°C which is impressive enough, but even better is the way in which it obtains it. The reference design GTX570 is pretty quiet even under load, but the Gainward Phantom is not only cooler, but even when it’s having to speed the fans up to keep the card cool it’s unnoticeable from when it’s at idle.

If your desire is to hear yourself think while gaming then the Phantom definitely has you covered.