Anyone interested in Nvidia's GeForce GTS 450 has a keen eye for value. But many enthusiasts still want the best performance they can afford. In today’s test, six factory-overclocked models challenge a standard-speed card in performance and value.
Kingston KHX2133C9D3T1K2/4GX (4 GB), DDR3-2133 at DDR3-1600 CAS 7-7-7-21
OS Hard Drive
Western Digital Velociraptor WD3000HLFS, 300 GB, 10 000 RPM, SATA 3Gb/s, 16 MB cache
Sound
Integrated HD Audio
Network
Integrated Gigabit Networking
Power
OCZ-Z1000 1000 W Modular ATX12V v2.2, EPS12V, 80 PLUS Gold
Software
OS
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
GeForce Graphics
Nvidia Ion 260.63
Chipset
Intel INF 9.1.1.1020
Seeking a platform that represented the settings an enthusiastic GeForce GTS 450 buyer might employ, we pushed a Core i3-530 CPU to 4 GHz while keeping heat in check at 1.25 volts.
ASRock’s P55 Extreme4 was already on the bench from a previous review, and happens to match the high-value market that GeForce GTS 450 buyers are likely to embrace.
The one sticking point in our configuration, its memory was chosen for convenience. “Keeping it real” forced us to use settings that are possible with lower-cost parts.
i have a palit gts 450 sonic (not platinum, clocked at 880MHz). very satisfied with it and can play everything (except crysis) on maximum settings @ 1680x1050. nvidia should lower the prices a bit and this card will be the bang for the buck!
I agree Randomacts; A pimped out 450 leaves me at half mast at best. Maybe there are a few people out there that a 450 is all they want but seriously just get a 460 or 5770/5830.
I was hoping a GTX460 and an HD5770/5830 reference cards/price would also be included. It would have helped those considering to cards in a somewhat expanded range of choices to make a more meaningful decision.
Interesting... I'd go for an MSI card or Zotac card then if those were my only options.
I was hoping a GTX460 and an HD5770/5830 reference cards/price would also be included. It would have helped those considering to cards in a somewhat expanded range of choices to make a more meaningful decision.
I would also really have liked to see than noise level in this article especially as I would consider one of these cards for an HTPC where noise is critical.
