MSI N460GTX HAWK – Multiplied Overclocking Potential with Triple Over Voltage

Conclusions

The MSI N460GTX HAWK offers something else other than the already remarkable, price-performance value of the GTX 460 1 GB. Enhanced with overclocking-oriented features such as Triple Over Voltage, V-Check Points, and the MSI Afterburner 2.0 (included in the driver disc), it holds a clear advantage over other similar products when it comes to overclocking. Of course, casual users could also use this card and enjoy improved performance right out of the box. The full potential can be exploited later on through serious overclocking attempts.

Speaking of performance, with its higher-clocked core frequency (around 105 MHz above reference specification), we noticed an overall performance improvement of more than 10% compared to standard versions of GTX 460 1 GB. Overclocking the card yields even more additional speed.

The N460GTX HAWK leaves plenty of overclocking headroom. Even without modifying any voltage setting, we managed to increase the frequencies to 875 MHz (core), 1750 MHz (shader), and 4200 MHz (effective memory clock). It could still be pushed beyond that by tweaking the voltage supply. MSI claims that the HAWK could reach a core frequency of as high as 1 GHz, but we’ll leave this rather hazardous endeavor to the “Jagat Overclocking Team”.

Finally, if you’re looking for a more potent version of the GTX 460 1GB, the HAWK might fit the bill just nice.

Pros

• Overclocked right out-of-the-box, at 780 MHz core frequency.
• Fitted with a high performance, Twin Frozr II heatsink
• Adds a mini-HDMi to HDMI Converter into the sales package
• Triple Over Voltage feature increases overclocking success probability
• V-Check Points allow for reliable voltage monitoring
• Good overall performance

Cons

• Memory chips are left without any heatsink cover

MSI N460GTX HAWK

Manufacturer: MSI

Info: www. msi.com

Price: US$ 275 (29 September 2010)

Indonesian Distributor: Alfa Artha Andaya

Phone: 021 622 00000

TECHNICAL DATA

Graphics Chip: NVIDIA GTX 460

Interface: PCI Express 2.1 x16

Memory Size: 1024 MB

Core Clock: 780 MHz

Shader Clock: 1560 MHz

Memory Clock: 3600 MHz

Stream Processor: 336

D-Sub Output: Yes

DVI Output: Yes

HDMI Output: Yes

Memory Type: GDDR5

Memory Interface: 256-bit

Package Contents: Quick User Guide, Manual Book, Driver Disc, 2x Molex to 6-pin power converter, DVI to D-Sub, mini-HDMI to HDMI, and 3x V-Check Point Cables.