The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 Ti is a graphics card that needs no introduction. Released in the summer of 2015, this behemoth of a GPU took the gaming world by storm, setting new benchmarks for performance and power efficiency. But when exactly did this revolutionary graphics card hit the shelves? In this article, we’ll take a journey back in time to explore the history of the 980 Ti, from its development to its release, and what made it such a groundbreaking piece of hardware.
The Pre-History of the 980 Ti
To understand the significance of the 980 Ti, we need to go back a few years to the release of the GeForce GTX 780 Ti in 2013. This powerful graphics card was based on the GK110 architecture, which was a significant improvement over the previous Kepler-based GPUs. The 780 Ti was a beast of a card, capable of delivering smooth performance at 4K resolutions and handling the most demanding games of the time.
However, as the gaming industry continued to evolve, gamers began to crave even more power and efficiency. NVIDIA responded by launching the Maxwell-based GeForce GTX 980 in 2014, which offered improved performance and power efficiency compared to the 780 Ti. But even the 980 wasn’t enough to satiate the hunger of gamers, who were increasingly demanding more from their graphics cards.
The Development of the 980 Ti
In response to the growing demand for more powerful graphics cards, NVIDIA began working on a new GPU architecture that would eventually become the 980 Ti. Codenamed GM200, this new architecture was designed to push the boundaries of performance and power efficiency even further.
The development of the 980 Ti was a complex and challenging process, involving thousands of hours of engineering and testing. NVIDIA’s team of experts worked tirelessly to optimize every aspect of the GPU, from the design of the CUDA cores to the development of new cooling systems.
One of the most significant innovations of the 980 Ti was its use of a new type of memory called High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM). This innovative technology allowed for faster data transfer rates and lower power consumption, making the 980 Ti a more efficient and powerful GPU than its predecessors.
Leaks and Rumors
As the release of the 980 Ti approached, rumors and leaks began to surface online. In May 2015, a series of leaked slides revealed the specifications of the 980 Ti, including its 2816 CUDA cores, 176 texture units, and 96 ROPs. The rumors were met with excitement and skepticism in equal measure, with many gamers wondering if the 980 Ti would live up to the hype.
The Release of the 980 Ti
Finally, on June 1, 2015, NVIDIA officially announced the release of the GeForce GTX 980 Ti. The card was launched at a ceremony in Los Angeles, attended by gaming industry luminaries and tech journalists.
The 980 Ti was an instant hit, with gamers and reviewers alike marveling at its incredible performance and power efficiency. With its 6 GB of GDDR5 memory and 384-bit memory bus, the 980 Ti was capable of delivering smooth performance at 4K resolutions and handling even the most demanding games.
The 980 Ti was priced at $649 at launch, making it a premium product that was out of reach for many gamers. However, for those who could afford it, the 980 Ti offered unparalleled performance and features.
Performance and Benchmarks
The 980 Ti’s performance was nothing short of phenomenal. In benchmarks, the card consistently outperformed its predecessors, delivering frame rates of over 60 FPS at 4K resolutions in demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Unity and The Witcher 3.
| Game | Resolution | Frame Rate (FPS) |
|---|---|---|
| Assassin’s Creed Unity | 3840 x 2160 | 63.4 |
| The Witcher 3 | 3840 x 2160 | 61.2 |
| Batman: Arkham Knight | 3840 x 2160 | 64.5 |
The Legacy of the 980 Ti
The 980 Ti’s impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. This powerful GPU raised the bar for performance and power efficiency, forcing other manufacturers to up their game and innovate.
Today, the 980 Ti remains a popular choice among gamers, even with the release of newer, more powerful GPUs. Its legacy can be seen in the development of subsequent NVIDIA graphics cards, which have continued to push the boundaries of performance and power efficiency.
In conclusion, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 Ti is a graphics card that will be remembered for years to come. Its release in June 2015 marked a turning point in the history of computer graphics, and its impact on the gaming industry will be felt for generations to come.
What was the 980Ti’s launch date?
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 980Ti was launched on June 1, 2015. This was a highly anticipated release, as the GTX 980 had been out for a while and enthusiasts were eager to see what Nvidia would bring to the table next. The launch date was strategically timed to coincide with the release of several high-profile games that would showcase the card’s capabilities.
The launch of the GTX 980Ti marked a significant milestone in the history of computer graphics, as it represented a major leap forward in performance and power efficiency. With its 2816 CUDA cores and 6GB of GDDR5 memory, the GTX 980Ti was capable of handling even the most demanding games at 4K resolutions. The card’s arrival sent shockwaves through the gaming community, and it quickly became the go-to choice for serious gamers.
How did the 980Ti compare to its competitors?
At the time of its release, the GTX 980Ti was unmatched in terms of performance and power efficiency. Its closest competitor, the AMD Radeon R9 Fury X, was a formidable contender, but the GTX 980Ti ultimately came out on top in most benchmarks. The card’s superior performance was due in part to its advanced Maxwell architecture, which provided a significant boost in clock speed and memory bandwidth.
The GTX 980Ti’s dominance was further solidified by its impressive overclocking capabilities, which allowed enthusiasts to push the card to even greater heights. Nvidia’s advanced manufacturing process and carefully tuned design allowed the card to operate at incredible speeds, making it the clear winner in the high-end graphics card market. As a result, the GTX 980Ti became the de facto standard for serious gamers and content creators.
What were the key features of the 980Ti?
The GTX 980Ti boasted an impressive array of features that set it apart from its predecessors and competitors. One of the most notable was its 6GB of GDDR5 memory, which provided a massive boost in memory bandwidth and allowed for smoother performance at high resolutions. The card’s 2816 CUDA cores were another key feature, providing a significant increase in processing power and GPU acceleration.
In addition to its raw power, the GTX 980Ti also featured several advanced technologies, including Nvidia’s proprietary DirectX Raytracing (DXR) and Variable Rate Shading (VRS). These technologies enabled advanced lighting and shading effects, further enhancing the card’s already impressive graphics capabilities. The GTX 980Ti was also incredibly power-efficient, thanks to Nvidia’s advanced manufacturing process and clever design.
How did the 980Ti impact the gaming industry?
The GTX 980Ti had a profound impact on the gaming industry, as it enabled developers to create more complex and visually stunning games. With its incredible performance and advanced features, the card made it possible for gamers to experience games at resolutions and detail levels that were previously unimaginable. The GTX 980Ti’s influence can still be seen today, as many modern games continue to push the boundaries of what is possible on the PC platform.
The GTX 980Ti’s influence extended beyond the gaming industry, as well. Its advanced graphics capabilities and power efficiency made it an attractive option for professionals working in fields such as video production, 3D modeling, and scientific simulation. The card’s Impact was felt across a wide range of industries, from architecture to medicine, and its legacy continues to shape the world of computer graphics.
What was the price of the 980Ti at launch?
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 980Ti was launched at a price point of $649, making it a premium offering for serious gamers and enthusiasts. While this may seem steep by today’s standards, the GTX 980Ti’s incredible performance and advanced features made it a worthwhile investment for those who demanded the best.
Despite its high price, the GTX 980Ti proved to be a popular choice, as gamers and enthusiasts were eager to experience the latest and greatest technology. The card’s price was further justified by its impressive overclocking capabilities, which allowed users to squeeze even more performance out of the card.
How did the 980Ti hold up over time?
The GTX 980Ti proved to be an incredibly durable and long-lived graphics card, even as new technologies and competitors emerged. Its Maxwell architecture and advanced manufacturing process allowed it to maintain its performance edge for years after its release, and it remained a popular choice among gamers and enthusiasts.
Even today, the GTX 980Ti remains a capable graphics card, and it can still handle modern games at high resolutions. While it has since been surpassed by newer cards, the GTX 980Ti’s legacy continues to inspire and influence the development of new graphics technologies.
What replaced the 980Ti?
The GTX 980Ti was eventually replaced by the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080, which was launched in May 2016. The GTX 1080 represented a major leap forward in graphics technology, with its Pascal architecture and advanced features such as simultaneous multi-projection and HDR support.
The GTX 1080 built upon the foundation laid by the GTX 980Ti, offering even faster performance and more advanced features. It was a natural evolution of the GTX 980Ti’s design, and it further solidified Nvidia’s position as a leader in the graphics card market. The GTX 1080 went on to become one of the most popular graphics cards of all time, and it paved the way for the development of even more advanced graphics technologies.