GeForce GTS 450 O/C Roundup: Six Custom-Tuned Cards

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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.

Asus ENGTS450 DirectCU TOP/DI/1GD5

Listed on the box without the first space in its name (as ENGTS450), Asus’ TOP GTS 450 is also the highest-clocked part in today’s comparison.

Asus makes room for a full-sized HDMI port on its ENGTS450 TOP by ridding the card of its second DVI output and replacing it with VGA. While that might disappoint some DVI monitor users, industry-standard adapters are able to convert from HDMI to single-link DVI and vice-versa.

Compatibility with standard adapters is really important, since the card doesn’t include any. What it does include is that previously mentioned high-overclock and a mid-sized software suite.

Asus turns its PCIe power connector to face outward, rather than towards the front. While this could help it avoid drive clearance issues in some small tower cases, the optical drive or power supply locations of some cube-shaped enclosures could make cable installation a challenge.

A GPU clock of 925 MHz and GDDR5-4000 could give the ENGTS450 TOP a significant advantage over stock-speed cards, though competing overclocked models aren’t very far behind.

Thomas Soderstrom
Thomas Soderstrom
Thomas Soderstrom is a Senior Staff Editor at Tom's Hardware US. He tests and reviews cases, cooling, memory and motherboards.
48 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Randomacts
    Or you could just get a GTX 460.... I'm 90% sure the price will drop sometime from this friday till next friday.
    Reply
  • Why isn't the noise each card makes tested? Any company could throw a vacuum cleaner on a card and call it the fastest.
    Reply
  • carlhenry
    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!
    Reply
  • wribbs
    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.
    Reply
  • hemburger
    RandomactsOr you could just get a GTX 460.... I'm 90% sure the price will drop sometime from this friday till next friday.BUT I WANT ONE NOW!! >:(
    Reply
  • aznshinobi
    Well then, I guess arctic cooling can really make VGA cooling, especially since ECS and Sparkle use its cooling.
    Reply
  • jestersage
    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.
    Reply
  • jestersage
    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.
    Reply
  • quiky87
    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.
    Reply
  • sudeshc
    Agreed Noise level test would have made this article near perfect.

    Love to see a price drop....hoping to buy :D
    Reply