The main cooler will need removing before access is granted to the backplate screws which can then, itself be removed.


On this particular model, the backplate serves no purpose other than for protection but it does add greatly to the aesthetics of the card.


The heatsink cooler features three heatpipes stretch out for the off centre core outwards to dissipate heat amongst the many longitudinal aluminium fins.


As the name suggests, the copper heatpipes make direct contact with the exposed NVIDIA core. This is the most efficient way of heat transfer available as any material, other than the thermal interface paste, between the core and copper will only reduce the heat transfer.


The PCB itself is actually quite small in comparison to the heatsink assembly. It also looks fairly sparse with just 8 512Mb memory chips surrounding the diminutive Maxwell core. ASUS have made a wise decision by colouring the PCB matt black as this perfectly matches the theme of the card.


The VRM area features the ASUS Digi+ components comprising of a 6 phase power design. ASUS claim the digital voltage regulators reduce noise by up to 30% while enhancing power efficiency by 15%. Sadly, we do not have the testing kit available to validate these claims but we have no reason to believe this is not the case.


The memory comes courtesy of Samsung and carry the model number K4G41325FC-HC28. These chips are rated to run at 1750 MHz (7000 MHz GDDR5 effective).


With 5.2 billion transistors crammed into a tiny footprint of 398 mm², the Maxwell core GM204 holds much promise. I think it’s time we put it to the test don't you?