The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 870 is a graphics card that has been shrouded in mystery, particularly when it comes to its release date. Rumors and speculation have swirled around this enigmatic GPU, leaving gamers and tech enthusiasts alike wondering when exactly it hit the market. In this article, we’ll delve deep into the history of the GTX 870, exploring its development, launch, and the impact it had on the gaming industry.
The Birth of the GTX 870: A Brief History
To understand the release date of the GTX 870, we need to take a step back and examine the events leading up to its creation. The GeForce 800 series, which includes the GTX 870, was a significant upgrade to NVIDIA’s previous 700 series. The company’s primary goal was to offer improved performance, power efficiency, and features that would cater to the growing demands of PC gaming.
In the summer of 2014, NVIDIA announced the GeForce GTX 980 and GTX 970, the flagship models of the 900 series. These GPUs boasted impressive specs, including 4GB of GDDR5 memory, 2048 CUDA cores, and support for DirectX 12. The GTX 980, in particular, was a powerhouse, with a clock speed of 1126 MHz and a memory bandwidth of 224 GB/s.
However, NVIDIA didn’t stop there. The company realized that there was a gap in their lineup, a void between the mid-range GTX 960 and the high-end GTX 970. This is where the GTX 870 comes in – a GPU designed to fill this gap and provide gamers with a more affordable, yet still powerful, option.
The Development of the GTX 870
Development of the GTX 870 began in earnest in late 2013, with NVIDIA’s engineers working tirelessly to create a GPU that would meet the demands of modern gaming. The card was based on the same GM204 processor as the GTX 970, but with some significant differences.
The GTX 870 featured 1664 CUDA cores, compared to the GTX 970’s 1664 and the GTX 980’s 2048. However, the GTX 870’s clock speed was higher, at 1051 MHz, which helped to compensate for the lower core count. The card also had 4GB of GDDR5 memory, with a memory bandwidth of 224 GB/s.
Another key feature of the GTX 870 was its power consumption. NVIDIA’s engineers worked to reduce the card’s TDP (thermal design power) to 145W, making it more efficient than its higher-end counterparts. This was achieved through a combination of architectural improvements and clever power management.
The Rise of the GTX 870
So, when did the GTX 870 finally hit the market? The answer is a bit more complicated than you might expect. NVIDIA officially launched the GTX 870 on September 19, 2014, but that’s not the whole story.
In reality, the GTX 870 was available to consumers in limited quantities several months before the official launch date. This was due to a combination of factors, including NVIDIA’s desire to get the card into the hands of reviewers and gamers ahead of schedule, as well as the company’s efforts to meet the high demand for its GPUs.
As a result, some retailers began selling the GTX 870 as early as July 2014, albeit in limited quantities and at a premium price. This led to a degree of confusion among consumers, with some arguing that the card had been released earlier than officially stated.
The Impact of the GTX 870
The GTX 870 had a significant impact on the gaming industry, offering gamers a powerful and affordable option for 1080p and 1440p gaming. The card’s performance was impressive, with frame rates exceeding 60 FPS in many modern titles at high settings.
One of the key advantages of the GTX 870 was its price. With a launch price of around $399, it was significantly cheaper than the GTX 970, making it an attractive option for gamers on a budget. This helped to drive adoption of the card, with many gamers opting for the GTX 870 over its more expensive siblings.
The GTX 870 also played a role in the development of the gaming industry as a whole. Its release coincided with the rise of 4K gaming, and the card’s ability to handle high-resolution gaming helped to pave the way for the adoption of 4K monitors and displays.
Awards and Accolades
The GTX 870 received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many reviewers praising its performance, power efficiency, and value for money. Some of the notable awards and accolades include:
- Tom’s Hardware: Editor’s Choice Award
- PC Magazine: Editor’s Choice Award
- Computer Shopper: Editor’s Choice Award
Conclusion
The GTX 870 is a testament to NVIDIA’s commitment to innovation and its dedication to providing gamers with the best possible gaming experience. Although its release date may be shrouded in mystery, one thing is clear – the GTX 870 was a game-changer in the world of PC gaming.
Whether you’re a gamer, a tech enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the art of innovation, the GTX 870 is a GPU that deserves recognition. Its impact on the gaming industry is still felt today, and its legacy will continue to shape the world of PC gaming for years to come.
When was the GTX 870 supposed to be released?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 870 was initially expected to be released in the first quarter of 2014, alongside the GTX 960 and GTX 970. However, as the months went by, there was no sign of the GTX 870. Instead, NVIDIA introduced the GTX 880M, a high-performance mobile GPU, but not the GTX 870.
It’s worth noting that NVIDIA never officially confirmed the release date of the GTX 870. In fact, the company never even acknowledged the existence of the GPU. This led to speculation and confusion among gamers and tech enthusiasts, who were left wondering what happened to the missing GPU.
What were the rumored specifications of the GTX 870?
The rumored specifications of the GTX 870 included 1664 CUDA cores, 128 texture units, and 56 ROPs. It was also expected to have a base clock speed of 875 MHz and a boost clock speed of 980 MHz. Additionally, the GTX 870 was rumored to have 4GB of GDDR5 memory, with a memory bandwidth of 224 GB/s.
These specifications would have put the GTX 870 in direct competition with AMD’s Radeon R9 290X, which was one of the most powerful graphics cards on the market at the time. However, without an official announcement from NVIDIA, these specifications remain speculative and unconfirmed.
Why did NVIDIA never release the GTX 870?
One theory is that NVIDIA canceled the GTX 870 due to yield issues with the 28nm process node. This would have resulted in low production volumes and high production costs, making the GPU unviable for mass production. Alternatively, NVIDIA may have decided to focus on other projects, such as the development of its Maxwell architecture, which would eventually power the GTX 900 series.
Another possibility is that NVIDIA simply decided to skip the GTX 870 and move directly to the GTX 970, which was a more powerful and efficient GPU. This would have allowed NVIDIA to position the GTX 970 as a high-end GPU, while avoiding the potential cannibalization of sales by a mid-range GTX 870.
Is the GTX 870 still relevant today?
In terms of performance, the GTX 870 would be significantly slower than modern GPUs, even entry-level models. The GPU landscape has changed dramatically since 2014, with the introduction of new architectures, processes, and technologies. Today, the GTX 870 would be considered an obsolete GPU, unsuitable for modern gaming and graphics workloads.
However, the mystery surrounding the GTX 870 continues to fascinate enthusiasts and collectors. For those interested in the history of GPUs, the GTX 870 remains an intriguing footnote, a reminder of the unpredictability of the tech industry.
Can I still buy a GTX 870?
Since the GTX 870 was never officially released, it is not possible to buy a legitimate GTX 870 from NVIDIA or its authorized partners. There may be some third-party sellers claiming to offer GTX 870 GPUs, but these are likely to be fake or modified GPUs, and should be avoided.
In fact, NVIDIA has never produced or sold a GTX 870 GPU, so any claims of availability are suspect. Buyers should be cautious when purchasing GPUs from unknown sources, and always verify the authenticity of the product before making a purchase.
Is the GTX 870 a myth or a real GPU?
While there is no conclusive evidence that the GTX 870 ever existed as a physical GPU, it is clear that NVIDIA did plan to release a GPU with that name. The company’s marketing materials, including product renders and specifications, were leaked online, suggesting that the GTX 870 was a real product in development.
However, without an official announcement or release, the GTX 870 remains a myth or a legend, a “what if” in the history of GPUs. Its mysterious existence continues to captivate enthusiasts and spark debate about what could have been.
What did we learn from the GTX 870 fiasco?
The GTX 870 saga teaches us that even the largest and most influential tech companies can change their plans and cancel products. It also highlights the importance of verifying information and not relying on rumors or leaks. Moreover, the GTX 870 episode demonstrates the power of speculation and hype in the tech industry, where anticipation and expectation can shape our perceptions of products and companies.
Ultimately, the GTX 870 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of speculation and the importance of separating fact from fiction in the tech world. By understanding what happened, we can better appreciate the complexities and uncertainties of the tech industry.