Manufacturer’s Product Page: Gigabyte GTX 275 SOC
Product Number: GV-N275SO-18I
Price: Approx $300USD / $320CAD
Warranty: 3-years



When it was released earlier this year, the GTX 275 was heralded as a perfect mix of performance and great pricing. Its initial availability wasn’t what we expected when compared to its closest competition –the HD 4890 1GB- but things gradually improved and prices were further cut in order to compete in a cut-throat market. Unfortunately, in light of recent ATI DX11 releases the future of the GTX 275 is anything but certain even though it’s all NVIDIA has that can compete with the HD 4890 on an even footing. These $230 cards have become increasingly hard to find but this hasn’t stopped Gigabyte from marching on in their quest to release the highest clocked GTX 275 on the market.

The GTX 275 Super Overclock isn’t aimed at standard GTX 275s or even the HD 4890. Rather, Gigabyte it pitting it against the $400 GTX 285. That’s a hefty goal if there ever was one but we have to remember that a stock GTX 275 usually performs close to a GTX 285 in a few tests so a core and memory speed increase should bring the lower-priced card to within striking distance of its bigger brother. It also has some great expectations to live up to considering we couldn’t help but be impressed by how the GTX 260 Super Overclock performed when we reviewed it.

At this point, the only problem Gigabyte may have with this card is the fact that competition from ATI’s side of the fence is nearly insurmountable. Even more so when you realize that the Super Overclock will retail for about $320CAD if it ever becomes available at all. Not only does such a price point put its entrance fee above that of the HD 5850 but also significantly above the price most reference GTX 275 or HD 4890 cards go for. Granted, the HD 5850 is currently harder to find than a four leafed clover and the GTX 285 –the card Gigabyte is hoping to compete with- goes for a ridiculous $400. However that doesn’t make the paper launch of the GTX 275 Super Overclock look that much better from our standpoint.

If we take a step back and look at the current NVIDIA market, it isn’t hard to understand why Gigabyte thinks now is a good time for this card. Something needs to compete with the HD 5850 on somewhat level footing and if anything, the Super Overclock may be able to do just that. But is it too little too late? Only time will tell.