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

Test Settings

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Test System Configuration
CPUIntel Core i3-530 (2.93 GHz, 4 MB Shared L3 Cache)Overclocked to 4.00 GHz at 1.25 V, 200 MHz BCLK
MotherboardASRock P55 Extreme4 BIOS 1.42 (08-20-2010), Intel P55 Express, LGA 1156
RAMKingston KHX2133C9D3T1K2/4GX (4 GB), DDR3-2133 at DDR3-1600 CAS 7-7-7-21
OS Hard DriveWestern Digital Velociraptor WD3000HLFS, 300 GB, 10 000 RPM, SATA 3Gb/s, 16 MB cache
SoundIntegrated HD Audio
NetworkIntegrated Gigabit Networking
PowerOCZ-Z1000 1000 W Modular ATX12V v2.2, EPS12V, 80 PLUS Gold
Software
OSMicrosoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
GeForce GraphicsNvidia Ion 260.63
ChipsetIntel 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.

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Benchmark Configuration
3D GamesRow 0 - Cell 1
Aliens Vs. Predator BenchmarkAlien vs Predator Benchmark Tool Test Set 1: Highest Settings, No AA Test Set 2: Highest Settings, 4x AA
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2Campaign, Act III, Second Sun (45 sec. FRAPS) Test Set 1: Highest Settings, No AA Test Set 2: Highest Settings, 4x AA
CrysisPatch 1.2.1, DirectX 10, 64-bit executable, benchmark tool Test Set 1: Highest Quality, No AA Test Set 2: Highest Quality, 4x AA
DiRT 2Run with -benchmark example_benchmark.xml Test Set 1: Highest Settings, No AA Test Set 2: Highest Settings, 4x AA
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call Of PripyatCall Of Pripyat Benchmark version Test Set 1: Highest Settings, No AA Test Set 2: Highest Settings, 4x MSAA
Synthetic Benchmarks and Settings
3DMark VantageVersion: 1.0.1, System and GPU scores
FurMark 1.6.5Stability Test, 1920x1200, 4x AA
Thomas Soderstrom
Thomas Soderstrom is a Senior Staff Editor at Tom's Hardware US. He tests and reviews cases, cooling, memory and motherboards.