24 July 2009

XFX GTS250 512Mb DDR3 Core Edition [VGA]

http://www.labamanta.lv/cache/product_images/big/20090403/xfx_gf_gts250_pci-e_512mb_ddr3_2xdvi_tv_gs-250x-ydfc.jpg

Alright! Let's start this very first post with my first hardware review. Today we are going to take a close look at XFX GeForce GTS250 512Mb DDR3 Core Edition, freshly arrived...last month - when I decided to upgrade my computer.

Even though I was upset at first, that I should have bought the 1GB version of this card instead, I found this one surprisingly great. The card can run almost every game without a drop in framerate except one game - you know what game I am talking about: the spec killer Crysis.

Now let's have a quick look on GTS250 specification sheet.

- GeForce GTS250 specification (original nVidia clock) -

  • series: GeForce GTX200
  • chipset: G92+
  • interface: PCI-Express 2.0 x16
  • core clock: 738Mhz
  • shader clock: 1836Mhz
  • memory clock: 1100Mhz
  • memory bandwidth: 70.4Gb/sec
  • max power consumption: 150 W
  • memory bus: 256bit
  • directX compatible: directX 10
  • openGL compatible: openGL 2.1
  • shader version: version 4.0
  • SLi: 2 ways SLi supported, 3 ways SLi supported
Surprisingly, this mid-range card has all the features those higher-end video cards have. This card supports DirectX 10, which requires Windows Vista installed on your system to operate, and also runs perfectly with my Core 2 Duo E4500. Who needs $400 video card?

It produces a satisfying framerate which is around 40-60fps in almost every I tried - Vsync enabled. By 30fps you will be playing smoothly, thus, there's no need for explanation with 60fps. Someone said "oh my GTX295 takes me to 120+fps, dude!" But does that really matter? You can hardly tell the differences between 60fps and 120fps when you play. Moreover, many games these days lock their maximum framerate to 60, so why would you need another 60?

Alright, if someone is going to tell me they want to play Crysis at maximum setting without any drop in framerate, then I can't help you. Crysis is actually very good game which, however, is hungry for your money. It will laugh at every graphic card thrown at it unless you have two GTX295 running in Quad-SLi. Whatever. I'm actually tired of people caught up in hype. Many are wasting their money upgrading their computers JUST to play Crysis. I'm not talking about those who love overclocking as a hobby. But seriously, if you want to upgrade your computer just to p

However, it is recommended for gaming. If you are looking for a great graphic card that has great output running at great speed, go buy Quadro series.

http://techwiki.hardwarecanucks.com/productimages/100590_XFX_GTS_250_GS250XYDFC2.jpghttp://i41.tinypic.com/mx29e9.jpg

Now let's look at other specification. The card is 9 inches long and weigh around 2 or 3 pounds. Don't worry, it's not going to tear your motherboard down. As we know, XFX usually uses the same standard heatsink nVidia uses. This one, however, looks a bit different in the series. The fan is still located on the right side, but this time, without XFX sticker. The design looks pretty nice as always. The front side of the card is fully covered in that plastic shell you see, while the back is left opened. However, one little complaint would be the SLi slot which is left opened as well. It could be a problem in the future if you let that part get dusty, you know.

The card has 2 DVI outputs and 1 HDTV output with adapter included in the box. It also requires at least 450W power supply with 1 6-pins connector.

Here are some results of my benchmarking.
  • Resident Evil 5 Benchmark - maximum setting, C16XQ anti-aliasing, Vsync enabled
result: 50fps in average, 60-70 during cutscene, 40-60 during gameplay.
  • Street Fighter IV Benchmark - maximum setting, no anti-aliasing, Vsync enabled
result: 60fps, always :)
  • Mass Effect (fraps) - maximum setting, grain disabled, anisotropic filtering
result: 75fps in average, slightly drop due to cpu usage

No, I'm not talking about 3DMark Vantage - for that program is also another spec killer. If you want to play game to entertain yourself and be happy with it, just forget all these professional benchmark programs, they are for higher-end computer.

2 comments:

  1. Feel free to leave either positive or negative comments. :)

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  2. i have this board and my issue is the dirt... i cant open but my temperatures are around 70C in win and 111 max in 3d game when the games blow down in FPS to 14... and when the temperature is low... at... 98C... the FPS come back and the temperature back to go up... 110C and down again the FPS...
    i have it for more than a year... it started this month

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