Asus recently introduced another variation of the GeForce GTX 950 – the new Asus TUF Echelon GTX 950 Limited Edition; featuring an arctic camouflage design for its front shroud and backplate, and military-grade TUF components. Early this month, Asus introduced a 75W GTX 950 that is powered entirely by the PCIe slot. Now, it’s a TUF version of the GTX 950, 2-way SLI capable and draws its power from a 6-pin power connector. I’m not really excited that another GTX 950 variant is released, but what intrigues me the most is the brand name “TUF Echelon”. As far as I remember, the “STRIX” name wasn’t introduced with an Asus’ flagship graphics card; instead it was first introduced with the STRIX GTX 780. This could mean that we might be seeing the TUF Echelon design in the upcoming NVIDIA GeForce Pascal graphics cards or the upcoming AMD Polaris graphics cards. Anyway, check out more details regarding the new Asus Echelon GTX 950 LE from the official news below.
Asus TUF Echelon GTX 950 Limited Edition
ASUS announced Echelon GTX 950, a limited-edition gaming graphics card with unstoppable performance, military-grade quality and reliability, and stunning arctic camouflage coloring on both the card and backplate. Powered by the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950 graphics processing unit (GPU) – clocked at 1329MHz – Echelon GTX 950 delivers up to 10% faster performance than reference cards in the 3DMark 11 (Extreme) benchmark.
The Asus Echelon GTX 950 features ASUS-exclusive DirectCU II cooling technology and a dual-ball-bearing fan for 20% cooler performance and a 4X-longer lifespan than reference cards. Industry-first Auto-Extreme fully automated production technology, TUF Components, and rigorous server-level testing ensure premium quality and military-grade reliability for tough, dependable service.
Echelon GTX 950 comes with GPU Tweak II, an intuitive yet powerful overclocking tool designed to let users get maximum performance out of their graphics card. It also comes with a 14-day XSplit Gamecaster premium license, so gamers can easily stream or record their gameplay via a convenient, in-game overlay.
Ultimate cooling and longevity: DirectCU II with dual-ball-bearing fan
The Asus Echelon GTX 950 is equipped with ASUS-exclusive DirectCU II cooling technology, which features flattened copper heatpipes that make direct contact with the GPU and have double the heat-dissipation area for 20% cooler and 3X-quieter performance. A dual-ball-bearing fan design eliminates the problem of oil drying that is common in sleeve-bearing fans, resulting in a 4X-longer fan lifespan. Additionally, the reduced friction of ball bearings allows the fan to run smoother, further improving card lifespan and cooling efficiency.
Military-grade quality and reliability: Auto-Extreme technology with TUF Components
The Asus TUF Echelon GTX 950 is produced using ASUS-exclusive Auto-Extreme technology, an industry-first, 100% automated production process that incorporates premium materials to set a new standard of quality. Auto‑Extreme technology ensures consistent graphics card quality as well as improved performance and longevity. This new manufacturing process is also environmentally friendly, eliminating harsh chemicals and reducing power consumption by 50%.
Echelon GTX 950 also incorporates military-grade TUF components to ensure incredible durability and high reliability. TUF capacitors last 2.5X longer than standard capacitors, strong alloy chokes manufactured using high-grade materials provide 13.6% better heat dissipation and unbeatable durability.
In addition to being built with military-grade components, Echelon GTX 950 is subjected to extreme environment measurements, thermal-shock testing, and punishing burn-in tests with temperatures of up to 55°C for 48 hours at humidity levels as high as 90%. Echelon GTX 950 is also tested with over 1000 devices and goes through more than 7000 hours of strict validation. With so many whole-build server-grade stability tests, Echelon GTX 950 can be trusted to operate reliably in all conditions.
Tweakable and intuitive: GPU Tweak II with XSplit Gamecaster for easy tweaking and streaming
Redesigned with an intuitive, all-new user interface, GPU Tweak II makes gaming and overclocking easier and more visual than ever, while still retaining advanced options for seasoned overclockers. With one click, the new Gaming Booster function maximizes system performance by removing redundant processes and allocating all available resources automatically. An included 14-day XSplit Gamecaster premium license lets gamers easily stream or record gameplay via a convenient, in-game overlay.
Asus TUF Echelon GTX 950 Highlighted Features
- 1329 MHz engine clock for better performance and outstanding gaming experience.
- Dual-ball bearing fanruns smoother by reducing friction, further improving 4X longer card lifespan and cooling efficiency.
- Server grade testfor systematically-tested stability and operating reliably in all conditions.
- AUTO-EXTREME Technology with TUF componentsensure premium quality and military-grade reliability for tough duty.
- GPU Tweak II with Xsplit Gamecasterfo intuitive performance tweaking and instant gameplay streaming.
- Exclusive World of Warships invite code for free:Diana Cruiser and 15-day Premium Account (worth USD11).*game codes redemption starts from 7/31/2015 to 1/30/2017.
Price and Availability
Asus hasn’t disclosed the retail price for the Echelon GTX 950 yet, but expect that it will be somewhere the price range of a GTX 950 (give or take). It is expected to become available starting the end of this month and onwards.
Asus Echelon GTX 950 (ECHELON-GTX950-O2G) Specifications
| Graphics Engine | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950 |
| Bus Standard | PCI Express 3.0 |
| OpenGL | OpenGL®4.5 |
| Video Memory | GDDR5 2GB |
| Engine Clock | OC Mode - GPU Boost Clock : 1355 MHZ , GPU Base Clock : 1165 MHz Gaming Mode (Default) - GPU Boost Clock : 1329 MHZ , GPU Base Clock : 1140 MHz |
| CUDA Core | 768 |
| Memory Clock | 6610 MHz |
| Memory Interface | 128-bit |
| Resolution | Digital Max Resolution:4096x2160 |
| Interface | DVI Output : Yes x 1 (Native) (DVI-I), Yes x 1 (Native) (DVI-D) HDMI Output : Yes x 1 (Native) (HDMI 2.0) Display Port : Yes x 1 (Native) (Regular DP) HDCP Support : Yes |
| Power Consumption | up to 150W, 1 additional 6 pin PCIe power required |
| Software | ASUS GPU Tweak II & Driver |
| Dimensions | 8.7 " x 4.9 " x 1.5 " Inch 22 x 12.5 x3.9 Centimeter |
| Note | To have the best cooling performance, ASUS ECHELON-GTX950-O-2G extends the fansink to 2 slots. Please double check you Chassis and Motherboard dimension prior to purchase to make sure it fits in your system! Note that the actual boost clock will vary depending on actual system conditions. For more information, please visit http://www.geforce.com/ |
“See Specs, Features and Price” & “Asus hasn’t disclosed the retail price for the Echelon GTX 950 yet, but expect that it will be somewhere the price range of a GTX 950 (give or take). – See more at: https://thepcenthusiast.com/asus-tuf-echelon-gtx-950-graphics-card-unleashed/#sthash.Vy0oiyLV.dpuf“, might aswell just leave the pricing out of the article or just replace it by saying that the price is unknown… nonetheless it is an amazing card and I especially love the looks of it.
Sorry it’s a habit actually with these press releases. Will update the pricing once it became available. I just hope this card is not one of those with very limited number of units produced. I’m actually looking forward with the Echelon X80 / X70 (GTX 1080 / 1070) version if ever Asus decides to continue this design.
Ohhh then it’s all good! I usually see the same kind of thing on different articles, but if you plan to update it, then it’s all fine by me.
Hopefully Asus will indeed keep this design up. Would love to see it on some high end cards, preferably next gen.
I am planning to build a mini itx pc for a relative and she loves white. If it won’t cost too much I will probably pick this card for her, if it isn’t overpriced compared to the other 950/960s ofcourse.
If it will be limited edition it will definitely be significantly more expensive than the regular 950s, which I hope won’t be the case.