MSI N450GTS Cyclone 1GB Review

For testing today we built a system specifically based around the Intel Core i5 760 processor (check out this article). nVidia have recommended that the GTS450 should be tested at a maximum of 1680×1050, but as we received an overclocked edition we have pushed some of the engines to 1080p (1920×1080).

KitGuru is all about buying advice. Life is all about choices. We're going to compare MSI's Cyclone against several cards that you're likely to consider alongside nVidia's latest offering, including Sapphire's HD5770 Vapor X and a standard HD5750.

The GTX460 has also been included to show what you can expect if you decide to part with a little extra cash.

System Validation here

Main System:
Processor: Intel Core i5 760 @ 4.2ghz
Memory: Corsair Dominator with Air Flow Pro @ 1600mhz
Motherboard: ASRock P55 Extreme4
Power Supply: Thermaltake ToughPower XT 675W
Case: Bitfenix Colossus
Cooler: Corsair H70
Monitor: iiyama ProLite E2472HDD

Comparison video cards:
Sapphire HD5770 Vapor X – 860mhz core/1200mhz memory
HD5750 – 700 mhz core/1150 mhz memory
GTX 460 OC 715mhz core / 900 memory

Technical Equipment:
Keithley Integra unit
Thermal Diodes
Raytek Laser Temp Gun 3i LSRC/MT4 Mini Temp
SkyTronic DSL 2 Digital Sound Level Meter (6-130dBa)

Software:
Windows 7 64 bit Ultimate Edition

Forceware Driver 260.52
Catalyst 10.8
FRAPS Professional
GPU Z
CPU Z
MSI Afterburner
Furmark

Unigine Heaven Benchmark 2.1
3DMark Vantage
Stone Giant Benchmark
Resident Evil 5
Tom Clancy HAWX
Mafia 2
Aliens V Predator
Far Cry 2
Metro 2033
HQV Benchmark 2.1

All the latest BIOS updates and drivers are used during testing. We perform under real world conditions, meaning KitGuru tests all games across five closely matched runs and averages out the results to get an accurate median figure.

Our minimum frame rate game graphs have three main zones. These are sampled over a specific 30 interval period of time and then mapped into a chart. These are handy reference guides to detail worst case performance of the product being reviewed. When we test video cards we try to find the best combination of resolution and image quality settings while still maintaining playable frame rates.

Over 30fps is the zone most people want at all times, this means perfectly smooth frame rates with no hitching.

Between 30fps and 25fps is the KitGuru ‘Playable’ zone, although some people might notice occasional stuttering in specific scenes.

Under 25fps is classed as the KitGuru ‘Danger Zone’ which means that the game experience will be less than impressive. Settings and/or resolution would need lowered to help smooth out the frame rate.

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