So, it makes perfect sense, the out of the box performance. The titan x will be TDP limited. Boost 2 is really really good at what it does. Taking temps and TDP as its guide, the boost clocks are a result of that equation.
If the titan x and 980ti have the same power target, which i am sure they do. The out of the box performance (when not limited by vram(which would be super rare)), the 980ti would boost higher and hold its boost longer. The clocks are directly linked to the power consumed. Both right out of the box, the 980ti probably should be as fast as the titan x. Mainly because we already seen the titan X will not boost high when the power target and temp is left in its default state. If you look at the titanX review threads, there is a group of people that called this throttling. I guess if you look at it backwards, you can wrongly call it throttling. Looking at the 980ti with that backwards logic, we can say the 980ti will throttle less.
If that makes it easier for some people to understand. I think it is the wrong way to look at it though.
So, from there we can say that the 980ti is as fast as titanX and everyone who bought a titanX should be mad
But what should be noted is that moving the sliders to the highest power and temp target ,the situation should be different. The titanX should be faster than the 980ti, without issue, as long as they are both on the same cooler.
Reviewers dont typically move the power and temp targets on nvidia cards unless they are overclocking. But just moving the power/temp targets, the titan X should be able to spread its wings further. Their powertuning is gimping the titanX down more, and this allows the 980ti to catch up.
Max overclock to max overclock, on the same cooler, titanX should be faster.
The only thing is the coolers. If OEMs dont get to release many 3d party aftermarket titanX models, the titan X will get left in the dust by 980ti custom cards. This is where i see a huge potential. The 980ti boosting to 1400+ and holding it.......
A 1400mhz titan X will be faster, there is no way around it. But i am not sure how many aftermarket titan X options will be out there. I think vendors might cling to the 980ti because it will be a higher volume product, for sure.
On the flip side.......
This really has to be a devastating blow to AMDs fiji plan. I think it is a great punch in the gut. There really is no way around it. We know that AMD had set their sights on the titanX, they are releasing their premium FURY in a planned attack. But now nvidia drops a 980ti, which is right out of the box as fast as the titanX. It is priced hundreds less.....
I cannot see how this wouldnt effect their plan. It has to be a huge blow.
Now performance guesses for fiji are all over the place. But it doesnt matter, as i see it. If custom 980ti cards launch that boost to 1400mhz and are priced under $700, i cannot see how this would be good for AMD at all. Imagine if it doesnt take 1400mhz 980ti's to match fiji, it just cant be good.
This is a punch in the gut. And i think it is gonna hurt.