Removing the two metal back-plates reveals a total of twelve memory modules with 6 on each side behind each core. In total, the GTX590 boasts 24 modules so the other 12 are on the other side of the PCB. It is clear that the arrangement is asymmetrical based on the positioning of the modules at each ends of the PCB. It’s also good to see each module being passively cooled by the back plate and thermal pads.


Taking a closer look at one end of the PCB, we can see the 6 modules and 4 Hi-c capacitors just behind where the GPU is located.


The centre positioned 80mm fan has the challenging task of cooling two GF110 core on the same PCB. Unlike AMD’s approach of going for a blower fan, Nvidia have settled for a mid-positioned down draft fan that can cool both cores as effectively as possible. The depressed central region means that the 8 fan blades protrude out slightly so cool air can be drawn in more easily and blown towards the PCB and heatsinks. The fan is PWM controlled and will vary its speed based on a temperature profile. The depressed region also means that if another card is installed right next to it, the former does not become starved of airflow.


At the end of the card, the shroud has been left open ended so that air being blown through from the centre can exhaust out through the vent. It means the hot air is recycled so good airflow is necessary to ensure optimum cooling. Through the vent, the densely finned heatsink can be seen and each GPU has its own.


The GTX590 already has two on-board GPUs and currently Nvidia is limited to Quad GPU SLI so it is not surprising to find a single SLI connector as opposed to two as found on the GTX580 and GTX570.


The GTX590 has a 375W TDP, achieving that by drawing 150W from each 8 Pin PCIe connectors and an extra 75W from the PCIe slot. Overclocking will draw more power but thankfully the more than 150W can be drawn from the PCIe connectors, although both Nvidia and AMD won’t advertise that as such. The connectors are ideally situated on the side of the card to avoid conflicts with HDD cages or other components.


Although the card can only support two displays, a plethora of connectors are located on the back I/O panel for good measure. In total are three Dual-Link DVI-I connectors and one mini-DisplayPort connector. The ports also support Nvidia Surround technology, without requiring DisplayPort, as long as another GTX590 is used in SLI. A DVI to HDMI cable is provided for those that need the latter connection. Unfortunately a mini-DP to DisplayPort adapter is not bundled. The back I/O plate features narrow vents that allow hot air to be exhausted at the rear of the case.


The GTX590 is slightly longer than the GTX580 and GTX570, the latter two being 26.8cm in length and the former being 27.94cm long. This is short enough to ensure compatibility in the majority of mid-tower cases.


The GTX590 is dwarfed by the near foot long AMD HD6990 which comes at 30.5cm. It is also clear that the fan on the Nvidia card is larger in diameter and a down-draft rather than blower type.