GeForce GTX 680 vs GeForce GTX 690

G3D Mark is a standard benchmark that measures graphics performance in real-world gaming scenarios. It simplifies comparing cards from different brands, where higher scores directly correlate with better fps and smoother gaming experiences.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance benchmarks.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance benchmarks.

Performance Comparison

About G3D Mark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

The GeForce GTX 680 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 1.3% higher G3D Mark score and 100% more VRAM (4 GB vs 2 GB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce GTX 690.

Insight	GeForce GTX 680	GeForce GTX 690
Performance	✅Leading raw performance (+1.3%)	❌Lower raw frame rates (-1.3%)
Longevity	🛑Obsolete Architecture (2012 / Kepler (2012−2018))	🛑Obsolete Architecture (2012 / Kepler (2012−2018))
Ecosystem	Supports FSR Upscaling	Supports FSR Upscaling
VRAM	✅ More VRAM (+100%)	❌ Less VRAM capacity
Efficiency	💡 Excellent Perf/Watt	⚡ Higher Power Consumption
Case Fit	Standard Size (256mm)	Standard Size (279mm)

💎 Value Proposition

The GeForce GTX 680 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. While both GPUs are considered legacy components by modern standards, the GeForce GTX 680 holds the technical lead. Priced at $40 (vs $45), it costs 11% less, resulting in a 14% higher cost efficiency score.

Insight	GeForce GTX 680	GeForce GTX 690
Cost Efficiency	✅Better overall value (+14%)	❌Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	✅More affordable ($40)	⚠️Higher upfront cost ($45)

Performance Check

Real-world benchmarks and performance projections based on comprehensive hardware analysis and comparative metrics. Values represent expected performance on High/Ultra settings at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. Modeled using a Ryzen 7 7800X3D reference profile to minimize specific CPU bottlenecks.

Note: Performance behavior can vary per game. Specific architectures may perform better or worse depending on game engine optimizations and API implementation.

GeForce GTX 680 Benchmark Check

GeForce GTX 690 Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce GTX 680 and GeForce GTX 690

GeForce GTX 680

The GeForce GTX 680 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in March 22 2012. It features the Kepler architecture. The core clock ranges from 1006 MHz to 1058 MHz. It has 1536 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 195W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 5,609 points. Launch price was $499.

GeForce GTX 690

The GeForce GTX 690 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in May 3 2012. It features the Kepler architecture. The core clock ranges from 915 MHz to 1019 MHz. It has 3072 ×2 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 300W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 5,536 points. Launch price was $999.

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Graphics Performance

The GeForce GTX 680 scores 5,609 and the GeForce GTX 690 reaches 5,536 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 1.3% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance. The GeForce GTX 680 is built on Kepler while the GeForce GTX 690 uses Kepler, both on a 28 nm process. Shader units: 1,536 (GeForce GTX 680) vs 3,072 (GeForce GTX 690). Raw compute: 3.25 TFLOPS (GeForce GTX 680) vs 3.13 TFLOPS ×2 (GeForce GTX 690). Boost clocks: 1058 MHz vs 1019 MHz.

Feature	GeForce GTX 680	GeForce GTX 690
G3D Mark Score	5,609+1%	5,536
Architecture	Kepler	Kepler
Process Node	28 nm	28 nm
Shading Units	1536	3072 ×2+100%
Compute (TFLOPS)	3.25 TFLOPS+4%	3.13 TFLOPS ×2
Boost Clock	1058 MHz+4%	1019 MHz
ROPs	32	32 ×2
TMUs	128	128 ×2
L1 Cache	128 KB	128 KB
L2 Cache	512 KB	512 KB

✨

Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

Feature	GeForce GTX 680	GeForce GTX 690
Upscaling Tech	FSR 2.1 (Compatible)	FSR 2.1 (Compatible)
Frame Generation	FSR 3 (Compatible)	FSR 3 (Compatible)
Ray Reconstruction	No	No
Low Latency	Standard	Standard

💾

Video Memory (VRAM)

The GeForce GTX 680 comes with 4 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce GTX 690 has 2 GB. The GeForce GTX 680 offers 100% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 192.2 GB/s (GeForce GTX 680) vs 192.2 GB/s x2 (GeForce GTX 690) — a 0% advantage for the GeForce GTX 690. Bus width: 256-bit vs 256-bit x2.

Feature	GeForce GTX 680	GeForce GTX 690
VRAM Capacity	4 GB+100%	2 GB
Memory Type	GDDR5	GDDR5
Memory Bandwidth	192.2 GB/s	192.2 GB/s x2
Bus Width	256-bit	256-bit x2
L2 Cache	512 KB	512 KB

🖥️

Display & API Support

DirectX support: 12 (FL 11_0) (GeForce GTX 680) vs 12_0 (GeForce GTX 690). Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.

Feature	GeForce GTX 680	GeForce GTX 690
DirectX	12 (FL 11_0)	12_0
Max Displays	4	4

🎬

Media & Encoding

Hardware encoder: NVENC 1st gen (GeForce GTX 680) vs NVENC 1st Gen (GeForce GTX 690). Decoder: PureVideo VP5 vs VP5.

Feature	GeForce GTX 680	GeForce GTX 690
Encoder	NVENC 1st gen	NVENC 1st Gen
Decoder	PureVideo VP5	VP5
Codecs	H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2	—

🔌

Power & Dimensions

The GeForce GTX 680 draws 195W versus the GeForce GTX 690's 300W — a 42.4% difference. The GeForce GTX 680 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce GTX 680) vs 650W (GeForce GTX 690). Power connectors: 2x 6-pin vs 2x 8-pin. Card length: 256mm vs 279mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots.

Feature	GeForce GTX 680	GeForce GTX 690
TDP	195W-35%	300W
Recommended PSU	550W-15%	650W
Power Connector	2x 6-pin	2x 8-pin
Length	256mm	279mm
Height	111mm	—
Slots	2	2
Temp (Load)	98°C	—
Perf/Watt	28.8+56%	18.5

💰

Value Analysis

The GeForce GTX 680 launched at $499 MSRP and currently averages $40, while the GeForce GTX 690 launched at $999 and now averages $45. The GeForce GTX 680 costs 11.1% less ($5 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 140.2 (GeForce GTX 680) vs 123.0 (GeForce GTX 690) — the GeForce GTX 680 offers 14% better value.