MSI GTX580 Lightning Review
Introduction and Technical Specifications
Published: 25th March 2011 | Source: MSI | Price: £454.99 |
Introduction
Marketing is always full of semantics. Companies love to proclaim their card as the 'Fastest in the World'. Sometimes that's true only because there is more than one GPU on the board. So the HD6990 is the Fastest Graphics Card in the World, but not the fastest single GPU.
For those of us in the know, we always respect being able to do the most with the least, which is why the GTX580, the "Fastest Single GPU in the World" always makes us smile and drool, in equal quantities. Anyone can be super-fast with a multi-card setup. To have crushing performance from a single chip, that's something special.
In case the standard GTX580 isn't quite enough for you though you might look to a pre-overclocked model. If you've been around OC3D for a little bit you know how highly we rate the Twin Frozr cooling solution from MSI and here we have a Twin Frozr equipped, pre-overclocked model in the form of the MSI GTX580 Lightning.
Seems like a perfect combination. Is it?
Tech Specs
Out of the box the Lightning is overclocked on the Core all the way up to 832MHz which should provide more than a handy boost. The GDDR5 Memory is pushed from 4000MHz up to 4200MHz to ensure that it's not left behind that monster core.
| Graphics Engine | GeForce GTX 580 |
|---|---|
| Bus Standard | PCI Express x16 2.0 |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 |
| Memory Size(MB) | 1536 |
| Memory Interface | 384 bits |
| Core Clock Speed(MHz) | 832 |
| Memory Clock Speed(MHz) | 4200 |
| Memory Bandwidth(GB/sec) | N/A |
| Texture Fill Rate(billion/sec) | N/A |
| DVI Output | 2 |
| D-SUB Output | 2(optional, via DVI to D-Sub adaptor) |
| HDMI-Output | 2(Optional, via Mini HDMI to HDMI dongle) |
| Mini HDMI-Output | 1 |
| TV-Output | N/A |
| DisplayPort | N/A |
| Mini DisplayPort | N/A |
| VIVO(Video-in/out) | N/A |
| HDTV Support | N/A |
| HDCP Support | Y |
| HDMI Support | Y |
| Dual-link DVI | Y |
| Display Ouput(Max Resolution) | 2560x1600 |
| RAMDACs | 400 |
| DirectX Version Support | 11 |
| OpenGL Version Support | 4.0 |
| SLI Support | Y |
| 3-way SLI | Y |
Let's take a closer look.
Most Recent Comments
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Originally Posted by tinytomlogan
Was it worth the wait? |
Thanks VB for the review
QuoteDid you need to bump the voltage to get that kind of OC? I am tempted to OC my Palit GTX580 because it has the palit's cooler with two cooling fans on it. I just dont know what voltages are needed to OC these cards. The default voltage on my card is 1.0vQuote
Mmmm - tri-SLI too - me like Quote
QuoteI just had an accident after looking at the results, brb.Quote
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Originally Posted by dugdiamond
Mmmm - tri-SLI too - me like |
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Originally Posted by steve30x
Did you need to bump the voltage to get that kind of OC? I am tempted to OC my Palit GTX580 because it has the palit's cooler with two cooling fans on it. I just dont know what voltages are needed to OC these cards. The default voltage on my card is 1.0v |
So, one question ... what was the voltage to reach 960Mhz, can you specify? 
i'm really interested in this card... was going for the 590 but after the recent turn downs with the cards and VRM not being strong enough to hold overclock, i see my self going for a OC friend card.
ThanksQuote
i'm really interested in this card... was going for the 590 but after the recent turn downs with the cards and VRM not being strong enough to hold overclock, i see my self going for a OC friend card. ThanksQuote
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Originally Posted by Pedros
So, one question ... what was the voltage to reach 960Mhz, can you specify? i'm really interested in this card... was going for the 590 but after the recent turn downs with the cards and VRM not being strong enough to hold overclock, i see my self going for a OC friend card. Thanks |
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Originally Posted by tinytomlogan
every GPU is different, the point about overclocking is testing it to get the best out of your card. |
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Originally Posted by steve30x
Thats the answer I got. |
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Originally Posted by tinytomlogan
You asked about your palit and thats a completely different card. So answering your question was pointless and would have got you no where but a hot card. |
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Originally Posted by steve30x
Fair enough , but I was just showing that person what I was told which is the same answer to them because it was the same question. |
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Originally Posted by tinytomlogan
He asked about the lightning specifically. |
awsome review,awsome results and one very nice looking cardQuote
I want this card, and I'm fairly sure I'm going to get this card. Just need to find a job for the Easter holiday.
Quote
QuoteExcellent! I like these MSI enhanced hig-end cards, totaly pukka! more power, more frequency, more MORE !
ThanksQuote
ThanksQuote
>finish reading review
>finish watching video review
>read comments
>"nvidia fanboy"
>slam my face onto the deskQuote
>finish watching video review
>read comments
>"nvidia fanboy"
>slam my face onto the deskQuote
20,000++ PPD on a 580 is insane!!Quote
Awesome review, Tom.
Have these dip switches on the card really taken away the need to volt mod.
NiceQuote
Have these dip switches on the card really taken away the need to volt mod.
Nice
QuoteCan some one tell me how the SLI would work on this card because there seems to be no room where the SLI connectors are. I mean it would be fine for the bottom card but the top card would have heatsink in the way. What givesQuote
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Originally Posted by DT-525
Can some one tell me how the SLI would work on this card because there seems to be no room where the SLI connectors are. I mean it would be fine for the bottom card but the top card would have heatsink in the way. What gives |
Quotewill the warranty be voided on this card if it is overvolted/oced? 
Quote
QuoteQuote:
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Originally Posted by coolgame
will the warranty be voided on this card if it is overvolted/oced? |
Quotemanufacturers do give away many surprises with gpus.like the gainward gtx 570 phantom that tom reviewed had a superb cooler but no voltage mods.if u did the warranty is voided.it is funny but still cant help askingQuote
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Originally Posted by tinytomlogan
We finally get our hands on MSIs long awaited Lightning version of the already brilliant GTX580. Was it worth the wait?  Continue Reading |
Lowe to get at list SLI Lightneng GTX 580 I didnt see any SLI tests for Lightneng GTX 580 yet 
QuotePlease type slowly and softly fresher bogami. You're welcome.Quote
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Originally Posted by bogami
When will you lrn to disable PPU on ventige setings ppl plz made as reale tests! Lowe to get at list SLI Lightneng GTX 580 I didnt see any SLI tests for Lightneng GTX 580 yet |
All MSI Twin Forza series beat the others brandsQuote
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Originally Posted by steve30x
What language are you typing there? I dont understand what you are trying to say and I am sure the reviewers dont have a clue either. |
"When will you learn to disable PPU (Nvidia Physx) on 3D Mark Vantage. People, please make real tests. I'll love to get at least GTX580 Lightnings in SLI. I haven't seen any SLI tests for GTX 580 Lightning Yet."
I don't think English is his first language.Quote
I don't mind the common spelling and punctuation mistakes; but honestly, ppl shd lrn to plz stp usn' like that. Even I don't do that for SMSs or tweets; it just smells lazy all over, or some fanboy wanting to troll anonymously.Quote
Any word on release date?Quote
Overclockers have it listed to be released on the 31st, today. Quote
QuoteQuote:
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Originally Posted by Black
I want this card Shame there is no gtx570 like this one. |
It would be nice to be able to buy that cooler seperatly.Quote
Damit now what do I do. I bought the 480 lightning after your last review and while I loved at first the 580s started to role out a month later!
Thinking of getting 580 lightning and selling my 480; there is not a 680 coming out next month is there?
I'm hoping to get 1GHz stable on water. Could only get 960 with my 480.
Loving the site BTW & the video reviews you have the best job in the world! Keep up the good work!Quote
Thinking of getting 580 lightning and selling my 480; there is not a 680 coming out next month is there?
I'm hoping to get 1GHz stable on water. Could only get 960 with my 480.
Loving the site BTW & the video reviews you have the best job in the world! Keep up the good work!Quote
i love the way you could buy a 6990 for only £50 more than this cardQuote
Or get 2x 6950/70s in CF which would be the better option performance wise.Quote
CSS Valid
Continue ReadingQuote