ASUS ARES 2 Graphics Card: Unboxing and First Look
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Design and Packaging
2.1. Custom Foam and Collector’s Item Packaging
2.2. High-End Case Design
- Specifications and Features
3.1. GPU Configuration and Overclocking
3.2. Cooling Solution
3.3. Multiple Displays and Connectivity
- Unboxing Experience and Components
4.1. Components Inside the Package
4.2. Included Accessories
- Installation and Compatibility
5.1. Radiator Mounting and Airflow
5.2. Power and Connectivity
5.3. PCI Express Compatibility
- Performance and Usage
6.1. Gaming and Graphics Processing
6.2. Multitasking and Productivity
6.3. Thermal Performance
- Maintenance and Care
7.1. Cleaning and Handling
7.2. Preventing Damage and Wear
- Comparison with Similar Graphics Cards
8.1. Ares 2 vs. GTX 690
8.2. Ares 2 vs. HD7970
- Pros and Cons
9.1. Pros
9.2. Cons
- Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Introduction
🖥️ Welcome to the unboxing and first look at the Asus Ares 2 graphics card. Today, we’re diving into the intricacies of this collector’s item, featuring a custom cooler with both liquid dissipation and air cooling. With its advanced specs and high-end packaging, it’s a truly unique piece of hardware in the world of gaming and computing.
Design and Packaging
🛡️ Custom Foam and Collector’s Item Packaging
As we remove the outer carton, we find the Ares 2 graphics card encased within a high-end collector’s item-style packaging. The card itself is protected by a custom foam layer, handcrafted to fit and protect the card during transit. This level of attention to detail emphasizes its status as a premium collectible item, ensuring its appearance remains pristine even after handling.
🛡️ High-End Case Design
The Ares 2 graphics card features a unique high-end case design, complete with feet and a locking mechanism. This not only provides added protection during installation but also ensures the card can be transported with ease. The intricate detailing and craftsmanship in the packaging are a testament to Asus’s commitment to quality.
Specifications and Features
🖥️ GPU Configuration and Overclocking
The Ares 2 is equipped with dual 7970 GHz edition GPUs, clocked at 1,050 MHz base and 1,100 MHz boost. With this level of processing power, the Ares 2 offers exceptional graphics performance, suitable for gaming and content creation tasks alike. The card also supports AMD CrossFire, allowing you to install up to two cards for quad GPU setups.
🖥️ Cooling Solution
With a hybrid cooling solution featuring both liquid and air dissipation, the Ares 2 maintains remarkably low temperatures even under heavy load. The dual GPUs are cooled via quarter-inch tubes that connect to a large radiator, and the card features an additional fan for cooling the VRM assembly and memory. This innovative cooling solution ensures optimal performance and stability, regardless of the task.
🖥️ Multiple Displays and Connectivity
The Ares 2 offers six display outputs, including DisplayPort and dual-link DVI, enabling support for up to six displays. This is particularly useful for multitasking or creating a multi-monitor setup for immersive gaming experiences.
Unboxing Experience and Components
🖥️ Components Inside the Package
Inside the package, you will find additional accessories, including a fan for the radiator, mounting screws, and a numbered certificate. This certificate confirms the limited edition status and adds a collector’s value to the card. Additionally, the packaging contains various adapters and case badges, ensuring everything you need for installation and customization is included.
🖥️ Included Accessories
Included with the Ares 2 are adapters for power connectors, a crossfire bridge, and a DVI to HDMI converter. These accessories add to the overall versatility of the graphics card, allowing seamless integration into various systems and setups.
Installation and Compatibility
🖥️ Radiator Mounting and Airflow
For optimal installation, the Ares 2 features a radiator mounting point designed to Align with the case. The additional fan assists in maintaining efficient airflow and cooling, even when the card is under heavy load. This setup ensures the Ares 2 remains a viable and effective choice for long gaming Sessions or resource-intensive applications.
🖥️ Power and Connectivity
To accommodate its high-power needs, the Ares 2 requires three 8-Pin PCIe power connectors. For a dual card setup, a case must support two 120mm radiator mounting points and have at least six PCIe power connectors. This setup provides sufficient power for an extended performance boost.
🖥️ PCI Express Compatibility
The Ares 2 is a PCI Express 3.0 x16 card, ensuring maximum bandwidth and compatibility with modern motherboards. With this setup, the card is capable of handling even the most demanding workloads and applications.
Performance and Usage
🖥️ Gaming and Graphics Processing
The Ares 2 offers unparalleled graphics processing capabilities, making it suitable for gaming at the highest settings. With its dual GPU configuration and advanced cooling system, the card can handle demanding titles with ease, offering smooth frame rates and immersive experiences.
🖥️ Multitasking and productivity
The multi-monitor support and powerful GPU configuration make the Ares 2 a suitable choice for multitasking and productivity. You can edit videos, create content, and manage various applications simultaneously without experiencing a drop in performance.
🖥️ Thermal Performance
Thanks to its hybrid cooling solution, the Ares 2 maintains low temperatures during extended gaming sessions or resource-intensive tasks. This cooling design ensures stability and performance longevity, even under heavy loads.
Maintenance and Care
🧹 Cleaning and Handling
To preserve the collector’s item status of the Ares 2, handle it with care during installation and cleaning. Avoid using harsh cleaning agents, and instead, use a gentle microfiber cloth to wipe away any Dust or fingerprints. Proper care and handling will keep the card looking pristine for years to come.
🧹 Preventing Damage and Wear
To minimize wear and tear, use gloves during installation and avoid touching the aluminum backplate directly. Store the card in a safe, dust-free environment when not in use to prevent damage from external elements.
Comparison with Similar Graphics Cards
🖥️ Ares 2 vs. GTX 690
The Ares 2 offers a more advanced cooling solution, dual GPU configuration, and multi-display support compared to the GTX 690. While the GTX 690 may be adequate for some gaming and multitasking scenarios, the Ares 2 provides superior performance and cooling efficiency.
🖥️ Ares 2 vs. HD7970
Compared to the HD7970, the Ares 2 offers a dual GPU configuration with enhanced cooling efficiency and multi-display support. This makes the Ares 2 a more versatile and powerful choice for gaming and productivity.
Pros and Cons
🖥️ Pros
- Advanced dual GPU configuration for exceptional graphics performance
- Innovative hybrid cooling solution ensures low temperatures
- Multi-display support for immersive gaming and productivity
- Collector’s item packaging and craftsmanship
🖥️ Cons
- High power consumption
- Large form factor requiring specific case compatibility
- Limited availability as a limited edition item
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The Ares 2 from Asus is a premium graphics card designed for enthusiasts and collectors seeking the pinnacle of gaming and productivity performance. Its dual GPU configuration, advanced cooling solution, and multi-display support make it a powerful choice for gaming and content creation. While it may require specific case compatibility and has a high power consumption, the Ares 2 offers unparalleled performance and craftsmanship that enthusiasts will appreciate.
FAQ Q&A
Q: Is the Ares 2 compatible with all motherboards?
A: The Ares 2 requires a PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot and specific case compatibility for mounting, but it can work with most modern motherboards as long as they support PCI Express.
Q: Does the Ares 2 come with a warranty?
A: Yes, the Ares 2 comes with a three-year limited warranty from Asus.
Q: Can I use the Ares 2 for content creation and productivity tasks?
A: Yes, the multi-display support and advanced GPU configuration make the Ares 2 a suitable choice for content creation and productivity tasks.
Q: Is the Ares 2 difficult to install?
A: While it may require careful handling due to its size and weight, installation is straightforward with a compatible case and necessary power connectors.
Resources
This detailed article should provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the Asus Ares 2 graphics card, highlighting its design, features, installation process, and performance capabilities. Feel free to refer to the FAQ section for additional queries.