Despite the awesome power of the GeForce GTX 400 series, this latest generation of GPUs has not been a raging success for Nvidia. Although the GeForce GTX 480 is able to stick it to ATI in terms of performance, its price, thermals and power efficiency are all working against it. The GeForce GTX 470 also suffered from all of the same problems, despite providing reasonably impressive performance.

Just two months after releasing the initial GeForce GTX 480 and GTX 470 graphics cards, Nvidia came up with the GeForce GTX 465 which was a huge failure in our opinion and therefore we decided to skip it. Making the GeForce GTX 465 look silly was the recently released GeForce GTX 460, which came just two months after.

The GeForce GTX 460 has become an important product for Nvidia, as it is the only sensible member of the GeForce GTX 400 series. The GeForce GTX 460 is the perfect graphics card, delivering solid performance in all games while maintaining excellent operating efficiency and best of all it represents unbeatable value.

Since the release of the GeForce GTX 460 we have seen the Radeon HD 5830 drop down to $200 US, where it matches the price of the GTX 460 (768MB). Despite the price drop we still preferred the GeForce GTX 460 over the Radeon HD 5830, as even the cheaper 768MB version was found to be faster.

However the 1GB version is faster again, though at $230 US it does not represent quite the same level of value as the cheaper 768MB version does. That said, we feel for $30 more the 1GB version might have more legs in it and could stand the test of time a little better.

While the GeForce GTX 460 is a force to be reckoned with when operating at the default Nvidia specification, we have also found an incredible amount of overclocking headroom in these new GPUs. Therefore it is not surprising to find that manufacturers are dishing up overclocked versions, though most come at a price premium.

That said, it is possible to come across products such as the Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI which cost no more than a standard GeForce GTX 460, yet have a whole lot more on offer. Although the GV-N460OC-1GI only features a mild 6% overclock, Gigabyte has priced this product at just $230 US, placing it amongst the cheapest GeForce GTX 460 graphics cards available. Better yet, this graphics card features an improved cooler for better thermals and quieter operating volumes. Read on as we check the Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI out in more detail.

What’s more interesting is the fact that the GeForce GTX 460 has the same number of TMUs (Texture Mapping Units) as the GeForce GTX 470, with 56 in total, which is 27% more than the GeForce GTX 465. The GeForce GTX 460 (768MB) version features 24 ROPs (Raster Operations Pipelines), while the 1024MB versions will carry 32 like the GeForce GTX 465.

The graphics clock speed for fixed function units is 675MHz, while the CUDA Cores operate at a more aggressive 1350MHz. This means that the fixed function units and CUDA Cores are clocked 11% higher on the GeForce GTX 460 than they are on the GTX 465 and GTX 470 graphics cards.

There are two versions of the GeForce GTX 460, one teamed with 1024MB of GDDR5 memory and a smaller cheaper version with just 768MB of GDDR5 memory. Both are clocked at 900MHz (3600MHz DDR). While they both share the same operating frequency, the 768MB cards only feature a 192-bit wide memory bus, while the larger 1024MB cards get a bigger 256-bit bus.

This means that while the 1024MB cards will have a peak memory bandwidth of 115.2GB/s, the smaller 768MB cards are limited to 86.4GB/s, a 25% bandwidth reduction. It is interesting to note that the larger 1024MB version of the GeForce GTX 460 will actually have 12% more bandwidth at its disposal when compared to the more expensive GeForce GTX 465.

Unlike the GeForce GTX 465, the Thermal Design Power (TDP) rating of the GeForce GTX 460 is very reasonable, with the 1024MB version rated at 160 watts and the 768MB version 150 watts. This makes the 1024MB cards 20% more fuel efficient when compared to the GeForce GTX 465 and 9% more efficient when compared to the Radeon HD 5830.

Other than the PCI Express slot, the GeForce GTX 460 draws in power through a pair of external PCI Express power connectors. The GTX 460 requires dual 6-pin connectors, which is the same configuration used by the Radeon HD 5830. The GeForce GTX 460 also features a single SLI bridge connector allowing it to be paired with another graphics card.

The Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI measures just 21cm long, which is the same length as the Radeon HD 5770 and most other GeForce GTX 460 graphics cards. The card is so compact that it only measures a few centimeters longer than the PCI Express x16 slot, a remarkable achievement for such a powerful graphics card.

The biggest change made other than the physical dimensions can be seen when looking at the power circuitry. Gigabyte has changed the layout and design when compared to the standard GeForce GTX 460 cards that we have seen, while they have also included their “Ultra Durable VGA Technology”.

Gigabyte claim to provide better overclocking capabilities, lower GPU temperatures and great power efficiency by using 2oz PCB board, Samsung or Hynix memory, Japanese solid capacitors, Ferrite/Metal core chokes, and Low RDS (on) mosfet.

The new cooler is based on the Gigabyte “WindForce 2x” design, using dual copper heatpipes that connect to a copper base. By using a pair of 75mm fans Gigabyte claims to have effectively minimized the flow of turbulence between the fans and in the process has enhanced heat dissipation. The heatsink is also covered by a black fan shroud which is used to better direct the air-flow. Finally, the Gigabyte design has the power circuitry being passively cooled by a small aluminum heatsink.

Despite providing a well equipped cooling solution, Gigabyte has been quite restrained when it comes to the cards operating frequencies. The core frequency has been boosted by just 40MHz to 715MHz, while the memory frequency remains standard at 900MHz (3.6GHz). The shader clock speed is pushed from 1350MHz to 1430MHz, which is higher than even the GeForce GTX 480.

The last addition we can mention on the Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI is the HDMI port and the dual DVI ports. Overall the GV-N460OC-1GI is an impressive take on the new Nvidia GeForce GTX 460 and we are keen to see how it will perform against the 768MB version and a standard clocked 1GB GTX 460.

The Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB) provided 13% more performance than the Inno3D GeForce GTX 460 (768MB) when testing with Aliens vs. Predator at 1920x1200. However when compared to the heavily overclocked Palit GTX 460 Sonic Platinum (1GB) the Gigabyte card was 10% slower, though this did work out to be just a 3fps difference. The good news is this meant that the GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB) was 17% faster than the Asus Radeon HD 5830, while it costs just 15% more.

The Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB) was considerably faster than the Inno3D GeForce GTX 460 (768MB) when testing with Mass Effect 2, as we saw a 25% performance advantage favoring the Gigabyte card at 1920x1200. This time the GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB) was just 7% slower than the Palit GTX 460 Sonic Platinum (1GB), which did also make it 7% slower than the Asus Radeon HD 5830 in this game.

The Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB) performed well when testing with Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2, delivering an impressive 50fps at 1920x1200. This made the GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB) an incredible 32% faster than the Asus Radeon HD 5830, while it also beat the HIS Radeon HD 5850 by a single frame. When compared to other GeForce GTX 460 cards that we have tested, the GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB) also does well beating the Inno3D GeForce GTX 460 (768MB) by a 16% margin, while trailing the Palit GTX 460 Sonic Platinum (1GB) by an 11% margin.

The Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB) is again able to best the Radeon HD 5850, this time when testing with Dirt 2. At 1920x1200 we saw an average of 63fps produced by the GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB), making it just a single frame slower than a pair of Radeon HD 5770 Crossfire graphics cards and 13% slower than the Palit GTX 460 Sonic Platinum (1GB). The Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB) did manage to defeat the Inno3D GeForce GTX 460 (768MB) by a 9% performance margin.

The Battlefield Bad Company 2 results at 1920x1200 saw the Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB) leading the Inno3D GeForce GTX 460 (768MB) by a 5% margin, which equates to just 2fps. This also meant that the GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB) was 17% slower than the Palit GTX 460 Sonic Platinum (1GB).

The GeForce GTX 460 1GB cards appear to have a real advantage over the 768MB cards when testing with Far Cry 2. As you can see, the Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB) outpaced the Inno3D GeForce GTX 460 (768MB) by a 22% margin, despite still being 8% slower than the Palit GTX 460 Sonic Platinum (1GB).

The Just Cause 2 results are much like those seen in the games already tested with. The Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB) was found to be 16% faster than the Inno3D GeForce GTX 460 (768MB), while it was also 15% slower than the heavily overclocked Palit GTX 460 Sonic Platinum (1GB). As we have also seen a number of times, the GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB) was able to beat even the Radeon HD 5850, and this was again the case when testing with Just Cause 2.

The Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB) rendered an average of 32fps when testing with Crysis Warhead, making it as fast as the Asus Radeon HD 5830. However the GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB) was also just 7% or 2fps faster than the Inno3D GeForce GTX 460 (768MB), while it trailed the Palit GTX 460 Sonic Platinum (1GB) by a 14% margin.

Even at 1920x1200 we find that Metro 2033 is far too demanding for today’s mid-range graphics cards, and although we are using the DX11 rendering mode, features such as Tessellation have been disabled to try and achieve playable performance. Despite that, the Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB) averaged just 15fps at 1920x1200, while the Palit GTX 460 Sonic Platinum (1GB) averaged 19fps. The mighty GeForce GTX 480 averaged just 28fps, so a disappointing batch of results all round.

The Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB) was far more impressive when playing Splinter Cell Conviction, where it averaged 43fps at 1920x1200 making it just 5% or 2fps faster than the Inno3D GeForce GTX 460 (768MB). It was the Palit GTX 460 Sonic Platinum (1GB) that again stole the show, delivering 23% more performance than the Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB).

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat saw the Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB) deliver an average of 37fps at 1920x1200, making it 23% faster than the Inno3D GeForce GTX 460 (768MB). However it was also 12% slower than the Palit GTX 460 Sonic Platinum (1GB), despite beating the Radeon HD 5850.

Finally we have World in Conflict Soviet Assault, and with an average of 47fps, the Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB) was 21% faster than the Inno3D GeForce GTX 460 (768MB), while it was also 8% slower than the Palit GTX 460 Sonic Platinum (1GB). That said, the Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB) once again beat the Radeon HD 5850.

By manually overclocking the Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB) to its maximum stable frequency we were able to boost performance in Call of Duty Modern Warfare by 14%. Crysis Warhead saw an impressive 19% performance hike, while Battlefield Bad Company 2 performance was improved by a massive 22% margin. That being said, the overclocked GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB) was only slightly faster than the Palit GTX 460 Sonic Platinum (1GB) in all three games.

This is where the GeForce GTX 460 really improves on the original GTX 480/GTX 470 cards. The power consumption figures are impressive and the Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB) aligns itself with the Radeon HD 5830 and 5850 graphics cards.

The GeForce GTX 460 GPU also runs very cool and the Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI (1GB) never got above 70 degrees, while at idle it worked at just 32 degrees which is a massive improvement on the 44 degrees of the GeForce GTX 470.

While the Radeon HD 5830 is a reasonable alternative to the GeForce GTX 460 in either 1GB or 768MB configurations, it is a little light on performance. The Radeon HD 5850 and GeForce GTX 460 1GB can often be found rubbing shoulders and with the ATI card costing anywhere from $60 - $70 US more, it’s hard not to go with the Nvidia card in this match up as well.

Nvidia really has pulled a rabbit out of their hat with the GeForce GTX 460. After the release of the GeForce GTX 465 it seemed as though Nvidia was just going backwards, and then from nowhere we get given a card that dominates the mid-range segment. Picking between the 768MB and 1GB version of the GeForce GTX 460 is not easy, as both provide excellent performance and value.

While the GeForce GTX 460 768MB version probably represents the best value, we still prefer the slightly more expensive 1GB version, as we feel it will become the better choice of the two in time. Given how successful the GeForce GTX 460 has been in a relatively short time, it is not surprising that when looking online there are countless examples to choose from.

The Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI is certainly one of the better quality GeForce GTX 460 1GB products out there, with its custom PCB design and upgraded cooler. Best of all the GV-N460OC-1GI meets the MSRP of $230 US, making it one of the cheapest GeForce GTX 460 1GB graphics cards available. Still the GV-N460OC-1GI does share this price bracket with some very stiff competition.

The Palit GeForce GTX 460 Sonic 1GB, which has a core speed that is 10MHz higher than the Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI, can be had for the same price. Additionally the PCB design has been heavily re-worked and as a result it is significantly shorter than a typical GeForce GTX 460 graphics card.

Still the vast majority of the GeForce GTX 460 1GB graphics cards cost $240 US plus and the Palit GTX 460 Sonic Platinum (1GB) card featured in this review costs $250 US. That said, this is a pretty good deal from Palit as you get GeForce GTX 470 like performance at a 17% discount.

Taking that into account, those seeking the ultimate bang for their buck will simply purchase the cheapest GeForce GTX 460 1GB graphics card they can and overclock the hell out of it. Given that the Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI is the cheapest 1GB card you can buy, it’s a perfect candidate. With a few minutes work we arrived at a core speed of 850MHz, while the memory was happy at 4020MHz.

-

-

With our custom overclock applied the Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI was able to mimic the performance of the GeForce GTX 470 and it did so while costing 23% less. This is an impressive result and it is the very reason why gamers are finding it hard to refuse the new GeForce GTX 460.

Adding more value to the GV-N460OC-1GI is the fact that Gigabyte is backing it with a 3 year warranty, while companies such as Palit only offer a 2 year warranty. Finally we have no problem recommending the Gigabyte GV-N460OC-1GI to anyone looking at spending around $230 US on a graphics card, as there really is no better option in our opinion.