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The GTX480 is a grand entry point for PC moderate gaming. At the price point, the only step up is the 580 which is very similar but corrects what Nvidia could not do with the 480, enable all shader clusters. Drawbacks? Can run a bit warm in poorly ventilated cases and will reduce its clocks to compensate and thereby reducing performance markedly. The GTX 480 is also power hungry, requires -both- a 6 pin and 8 pin PCIe power connections. Rated at about 200 watts, going SLI with these beasts will require nearly 40 amps of 12 volt power during peaks such as furmark. Overclocks like a mad-man if kept cool. The GTX 580 -is- a better card but can be 50~70 bucks more so the 480 has allot of bang for the buck.
I needed to upgrade my video card to run some of the more recent games that came out. In doing my research I noted that the GTX 480 consistently outperformed many newer cards on FPS ratings. The main drawback to this card is that its a single processor and runs very hot, but its unique cooling structure (looks like race car header pipes actually, lol) keeps the card venting going just fine. For longer gaming sessions, I keep the CPU case open just as a precaution. Overall, this is a HUGE bang for the buck Video Card that is priced well under comparable models. Games tested on highest video settings: Hitman Absolution, Dishonored, Diablo III, BioShock Infinite.
This card is still one of the most powerful single gpu solutions on the market. Yes it does run hot, but with the high flow bracket and backplate mine seldom goes over 80c even after hours of use. Also the price you can find one for here can't be beat especially considering how much the newer equivalent cards cost.
This card is simply great. I know you look online and are seeing the new 590's being listed, but this card the 480, in my experience with it will perform just as well as the newer Nvidia cards as the technology for the 580-590 Nvidia cards is not even being utilized much if it all at this time.