The first GeForce primed for 4K gaming. The Nvidia GeForce GTX 980 graphics processor has held the title of world's fastest GPU since its launch in September 2014. Equipped with a second-generation Maxwell architecture, the 2,048-shader part is able to mete out acceptable framerates when tasked with rendering modern games at a lofty 4K (3,840x2,160) resolution.

Perhaps more impressive is the energy efficiency aspect of the GPU, consuming up to 165W over extended periods, which enables add-in board partners to produce quiet cards that certainly don't skimp on performance.

Yet this second-generation Maxwell GPU - a full implementation of the GM204 die - is the warm-up act before the main gig. You see, the ultra-enthusiast Maxwell GPU, home to a gazillion transistors and silly amounts of VRAM, has yet to reveal itself... until now.