Nvidia GeForce GTX 680From real comments

Verdict distilled from 14 mentions across 9 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment79%
PROS 79%
CONS 21%

Rank based on 14 mentions across 9 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a smooth single-GPU experience after dual-GPU stuttering issues
  • You need multi-monitor or Surround support from one card
  • You want strong price-to-performance versus the HD 7970

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You do heavy 3D modelling or rendering needing more VRAM
  • You expect modern-era performance without updated Kepler drivers
  • You're price-sensitive and launch pricing crept above expectations

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Mid
Cool, quiet cooling performanceSleek, understated build qualityLow power consumptionHigh prices during shortageCoil whine on some unitsFan durability concerns long-term
Cool, quiet cooling performance
Sleek, understated build quality
Low power consumption
High prices during shortage
Coil whine on some units
Fan durability concerns long-term
Best value
2Budget
Exceptional longevitySolid 1080p performanceGood upgrade path from old GPUsLimited to lower/medium settings for demanding gamesNot top-tier performanceFan/cooler reliability over time
Exceptional longevity
Solid 1080p performance
Good upgrade path from old GPUs
Limited to lower/medium settings for demanding games
Not top-tier performance
Fan/cooler reliability over time
3Premium
Exceptional longevityStrong 1440p gaming performanceGreat used market valueEventually needs replacement in demanding gamesLacks modern feature setThermal paste degradation over time
Exceptional longevity
Strong 1440p gaming performance
Great used market value
Eventually needs replacement in demanding games
Lacks modern feature set
Thermal paste degradation over time
4Mid
Strong 1080p gaming performanceExcellent value for moneyLong-term reliability and longevityBrand-specific fan noise concernsLimited VRAM versus competitorsOccasional driver/compatibility issues
Strong 1080p gaming performance
Excellent value for money
Long-term reliability and longevity
Brand-specific fan noise concerns
Limited VRAM versus competitors
Occasional driver/compatibility issues
5Mid
Strong 1080p/1440p performancePerformance comparable to GTX 1070/1070Ti at lower priceLong-term reliability and aging wellHigh price for a mid-range card12GB variant seen as poor value or confusingLimited 6GB VRAM
Strong 1080p/1440p performance
Performance comparable to GTX 1070/1070Ti at lower price
Long-term reliability and aging well
High price for a mid-range card
12GB variant seen as poor value or confusing
Limited 6GB VRAM
6Budget
No external power connector neededGreat for small form factor and HTPC buildsLater became a good value due to shortagesPoor value versus RX 570Overpriced at launchRegional price disparities make it worse value
No external power connector needed
Great for small form factor and HTPC builds
Later became a good value due to shortages
Poor value versus RX 570
Overpriced at launch
Regional price disparities make it worse value
7Mid
Near-MSRP pricing and dealsCool operating temperaturesQuiet operation for most unitsCoil whine / fan noise on some unitsConfusing naming schemeNew 12-pin power connector adoption concerns
Near-MSRP pricing and deals
Cool operating temperatures
Quiet operation for most units
Coil whine / fan noise on some units
Confusing naming scheme
New 12-pin power connector adoption concerns
8Mid
Frequently available at or near MSRPStrong performance upgrade from older GPUsRuns cool and quiet, undervolts wellCoil whine or fan noise on some units12GB VRAM may limit future-proofingVoltage locked, limiting overclocking on some units
Frequently available at or near MSRP
Strong performance upgrade from older GPUs
Runs cool and quiet, undervolts well
Coil whine or fan noise on some units
12GB VRAM may limit future-proofing
Voltage locked, limiting overclocking on some units
9Budget
Solid 1080p performanceExcellent budget valueExceptional longevityStruggles with demanding modern gamesCooling wear over yearsDriver instability
Solid 1080p performance
Excellent budget value
Exceptional longevity
Struggles with demanding modern games
Cooling wear over years
Driver instability
10Budget
Low power draw
Low power draw
You are here
20Mid
Nvidia GeForce GTX 680
Long-term durability and staying powerQuiet, cool operation with good coolerStrong value vs HD 7970Limited VRAM for heavy workloadsOutdated by newer cards due to driver supportPrice crept above expectations at launch
Nvidia GeForce GTX 680
Long-term durability and staying power
Quiet, cool operation with good cooler
Strong value vs HD 7970
Limited VRAM for heavy workloads
Outdated by newer cards due to driver support
Price crept above expectations at launch

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

A dramatic upgrade from stuttering multi-GPU setups. Several owners came from dual-GPU AMD/ATI cards plagued by stuttering, and switching to a single GTX 680 felt like a huge leap in smoothness, especially in games like Battlefield 3. One user was so pleased they added a second 680 and stuck with Nvidia afterward. This single-GPU consistency, plus support for up to four monitors, made the card feel like a major step forward compared to previous multi-GPU generations.

Remarkable longevity kept users gaming for years. Multiple commenters reported still using the card years after launch, gaming through 2018 and 2019, or even into middle school and beyond before finally upgrading to a 1660 Ti. One user cleaned and repaired a used unit years later and found it cool, quiet, and capable on a modest 450W PSU. This staying power left a lasting positive impression, even as newer cards eventually overtook it.

Good value against the HD 7970, but VRAM has limits. Buyers frequently compared it favorably to the pricier HD 7970, noting similar gaming performance for $50-100 less and a simpler 3D setup. However, for heavy rendering or 3D modelling workloads, the 7970's extra VRAM made a real difference, with one user reporting notably longer render times on the 680. Later cards like the GTX 1050 Ti eventually surpassed it once Kepler driver support faded.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?