MSI GTX580 Lightning Review

Conclusion

Published: 25th March 2011 | Source: MSI | Price: £454.99 | Author: Tom Logan

Conclusion

Product names are a double-edged sword. Whilst they can be very evocative of previous successes and so come with a level of cachet built-in, that same anticipatory factor that might lean you towards a certain product over another also raises expectations. To use an example from the motoring world the Ferrari F70 better be amazing, and should Carrol Shelby ever release another Cobra we'd hope it was nothing but stunning.

So it is in the PC world too, and just hearing MSI Lightning automatically has us slavering, but expectant.

This doesn't disappoint on any level. In the introduction I asked if the combination of the best GPU and the best non-reference cooler would be a perfect combination and unquestionably is.

The Lightning covers all the bases. It's fast as hell out of the box, but more importantly can overclock like a beast. Should you want to really find out how far it can be pushed then there are swathes of accoutrements to help you do so, from LN2 BIOS switches to unlocked voltage options.

Probably the most astonishing aspect is how you get all this performance without the normal downsides of high-performance products. Even with a hefty overclock the card remains cooler and quieter than the reference design thanks to the incredible Twin Frozr III cooler. We've often said that if MSI sold the Twin Frozr separately they'd make a mint and we stand by it. No matter what GPU it's bolted to it always delivers the goods.

The MSI GTX580 Lightning is a sledgehammer in a Whack-A-Mole world and a no-brainer for the OC3D Gold Award. Such are the gains made and potential to be unlocked we are happy to also award it our OC3D Performance Award.

Thanks to MSI for providing the GTX580 Lightning for review. Discuss in our forums.

Most Recent Comments

25-03-2011, 07:36:28

tinytomlogan

We finally get our hands on MSIs long awaited Lightning version of the already brilliant GTX580. Was it worth the wait?

25-03-2011, 07:53:56

adamjamesroe

AHHHHH! so that was what it was.

all the secracy when reviewing the H2

25-03-2011, 08:01:35

SnW

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinytomlogan

Was it worth the wait?

IMO the MSI GPU's (FRZ) are always worth the wait

Thanks VB for the review

25-03-2011, 08:13:26

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

25-03-2011, 08:33:06

dugdiamond

Mmmm - tri-SLI too - me like

25-03-2011, 08:36:08

Zeals

I just had an accident after looking at the results, brb.

25-03-2011, 08:42:36

Zeals

Quote:

Originally Posted by dugdiamond

Mmmm - tri-SLI too - me like

If you get this in tri-SLI I think your monitor might explode.

25-03-2011, 09:14:11

tinytomlogan

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve30x

every GPU is different, the point about overclocking is testing it to get the best out of your card.

25-03-2011, 10:57:56

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

25-03-2011, 11:02:17

steve30x

Quote:

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinytomlogan

every GPU is different, the point about overclocking is testing it to get the best out of your card.

Thats the answer I got.

25-03-2011, 11:06:25

tinytomlogan

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve30x

Thats the answer I got.

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.

25-03-2011, 11:08:26

steve30x

Quote:

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.

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.

25-03-2011, 11:23:44

tinytomlogan

Quote:

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.

He asked about the lightning specifically.

25-03-2011, 11:32:31

steve30x

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinytomlogan

He asked about the lightning specifically.

OH right. I didnt know that.

25-03-2011, 16:48:58

AMDFTW

awsome review,awsome results and one very nice looking card

25-03-2011, 16:49:41

Black

I want this card

Shame there is no gtx570 like this one.

25-03-2011, 17:08:46

Grizzly

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.

25-03-2011, 18:04:28

Jerome

Excellent! I like these MSI enhanced hig-end cards, totaly pukka! more power, more frequency, more MORE !

Thanks

26-03-2011, 01:27:02

JCBenton

>finish reading review

>finish watching video review

>read comments

>"nvidia fanboy"

>slam my face onto the desk

26-03-2011, 01:34:35

ahboyhan

20,000++ PPD on a 580 is insane!!

26-03-2011, 19:51:11

PCTwin

Awesome review, Tom.

Have these dip switches on the card really taken away the need to volt mod.

Nice

26-03-2011, 20:04:57

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

27-03-2011, 06:19:45

Icekube

Quote:

Originally Posted by DT-525

I think the extra piece of black metal running above the sli fingers looks like it's for support, and there looks to be a big enough gap to run the sli bridge though, but I'm buggered if I know how you' fit a 3 way sli bridge as they're usually pretty rigid

27-03-2011, 06:41:14

coolgame

will the warranty be voided on this card if it is overvolted/oced?

27-03-2011, 06:47:18

Grizzly

Quote:

Originally Posted by coolgame

will the warranty be voided on this card if it is overvolted/oced?

lol

27-03-2011, 14:53:13

coolgame

manufacturers 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 asking

28-03-2011, 08:53:15

bogami

Quote:

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?

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

28-03-2011, 09:25:27

jonowee

Please type slowly and softly fresher bogami. You're welcome.

28-03-2011, 10:02:16

steve30x

Quote:

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

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.

28-03-2011, 11:23:25

Godsmack

All MSI Twin Forza series beat the others brands

29-03-2011, 09:53:19

Zeals

Quote:

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.

Here's what I think he said.

"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.

29-03-2011, 10:21:26

jonowee

I don't mind the common spelling and punctuation mistakes; but honestly, ppl shd lrn to plz stp usn' shit 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.

30-03-2011, 17:09:04

CLB

Any word on release date?

31-03-2011, 02:45:05

Grizzly

Overclockers have it listed to be released on the 31st, today.

13-04-2011, 04:41:43

neliz

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black

I want this card

Shame there is no gtx570 like this one.

Well Actually .. there is a N570GTX Power Edition.. also sporting the Twin Frozr III cooler.

13-04-2011, 04:44:34

steve30x

It would be nice to be able to buy that cooler seperatly.

17-04-2011, 05:11:05

SieJoe

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!

26-04-2011, 19:37:28

the cod god

i love the way you could buy a 6990 for only £50 more than this card

28-04-2011, 07:42:20

SieJoe

Or get 2x 6950/70s in CF which would be the better option performance wise.

MSI GTX580 Lightning Review

Conclusion

Published: 25th March 2011 | Source: MSI | Price: £454.99 | Author: Tom Logan

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