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 Overclocking Utilities

First of all is Asus GamerOSD, a screen-capature program that allows the gaming PC to transmit screen data over a network so that other users can watch you in action without staring over your shoulder.

Asus’ SmartDoctor6 provides adjustment and monitoring capabilities similar to some of its competitor’s best efforts, all of these launching from a simplified main application menu.

GPU voltage can be adjusted between 1.075 and 1.212V, which should be more than enough to push the limits of Asus’ DirectCU cooler. GPU frequency range is far less extreme at 750-1000 MHz, and DRAM adjusts only between GDDR5-3800 and GDDR5-4200.

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The first two pages of advanced settings allow users to configure how the card is monitored and which actions to take if anything potentially dangerous happens.

Four settings allow the fan’s temperature-based speed curve to be set as desired.

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HyperDrive allows the card to be overclocked only when its 3D engine is active for a potential energy savings in 2D mode.

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.
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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