GeForce GTX 690 vs GeForce GTX 680

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

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

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 690 Benchmark Check

GeForce GTX 680 Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

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

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.

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.

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Graphics Performance

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

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

✨

Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

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

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

🖥️

Display & API Support

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

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

🎬

Media & Encoding

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

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

🔌

Power & Dimensions

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

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

💰

Value Analysis

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