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As we have handled GTX 460 reviews before we wanted to concentrate on SLI performance today. With recent price drops, a GTX460 SLI configuration is well within the financial means of many enthusiast users. As these cards cost around £180 each then it logically means that an eVGA SC SLI system will set you back £360.
Our system today is built around one of the fastest KitGuru test beds, based on a Core i7 970 processor which we have overclocked. We will test at 1080p, 1920×1200 and 2560×1600 resolutions when applicable. There is such a small audience who currently own a 30 inch screen (under 1%) so we don't like to focus on this native panel resolution entirely.
Processor: Intel Core i7 970 CPU @4.33ghz (Validation here)
Cooling: Coolit Vantage
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Tracer 1600mhz @ 1800mhz
PSU: Corsair AX850
Motherboard: MSI X58A-GD65
Hard Drive: OCZ Agility 2 120GB
Case: Lian Li PC 8FIB
Monitors: LaCie 730 30 inch LED screen & Panasonic Viera TV
Comparison cards:
MSI Cyclone N460GTX 1GB
GTX465 Reference
GTX460 Reference
HD5850 Reference
HD5830 Reference
Catalyst 10.8
Forceware 258.96
Thermal Diodes
Digital Sound Level Noise Decibel Meter Style 2
Raytek Laser Temp Gun 3i LSRC/MT4 Mini Temp
Unigine Heaven Benchmark 2.1
3DMark Vantage
Crysis
Resident Evil 5
Aliens V Predator
Battlefield: Bad Company 2
Far Cry 2
All the latest bios updates and WHQL drivers are used during testing. We perform under real world conditions, meaning KitGuru test all games across five closely matched runs and average 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.
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.
