Graphics Card MSI N650 Ti PE 1GD5/OC Review

PC hardware of average price category is traditionally in demand with a wide range of customers. Graphics cards are not exception, especially if the manufacturers offer truly outstanding facilities for comparatively medium price. The launch of GeForce GTX 650 Ti adapter raised an army of graphics solutions based on it; still, each company tries to deviate in some terms from the reference model. Thus, MSI introduced N650 Ti Power Edition 1GD5/OC model which takes GTX 650 Ti adapter as the basis, but employs fundamentally original printed circuit board and cooling system.

Integration

Graphics card MSI N650 Ti PE 1GD5/OC features all attributes ascribed to Power Edition series. Printed circuit board has been elongated to 230 mm, as compared to the 154 mm in reference GeForce GTX 650 models. Along with the PCB elongation, MSI implemented a reinforced 5-phase VRM scheme (4+1) that is intended at operational intensification on heightened frequencies. The connection of additional power supply is accomplished with the help of 6-contact socket located on the rear panel. The model supports Triple Over Voltage function which allows regulating power voltage index on a bus and memory chip.

N650 Ti PE 1GD5/OC employs absolutely original cooling system, codenamed Cyclone II. It was previously used by MSI in its N550 GTX-Ti Cyclone II adapter. The cooler demonstrated quite decent results and this prompted the manufacturer to implement the very system in a new edition as well. Cyclone II is distinguished by an extraordinary design; it is based on nickel-copper heat extractor and a compact heatsink that has got an increased heat dissipation surface. Two typesetting heatsinks with thin aluminum plates and six heatpipes are considered to be the major components of the system. The whole construction is cooled down by 90 mm fan, the blades of which are designed under Propeller Blade technology. This adapter, along with the cooler, takes two expansion slots within the chassis.

The upper part of the board does not contain any connectors. As far as GeForce GTX 650 Ti adapters do not support SLI technology, there is no dedicated socket for the connection of two graphics cards. Interface panel accommodates three video outputs: mini-HDMI, DVI-D and DVI-I.

The equipping of the nominal delivery kit of the adapter is stipulated by the primary demands to its operation. Hence, it consists of CD with drivers and brief guideline, a single adapter from Molex to 6-contact socket, one adapter from mini-HDMI to HDMI, and one adapter from DVI to D-Sub.

Overclocking

MSI has paid special attention to the performance characteristics and overclocking facilities of its graphics card N650 Ti PE 1GD5/OC. With this purpose, GPU frequency has been increased to 993 MHz, instead of 925 MHz; however, the user is able to overclock the core to 1148 MHz that is 15% more than the primary index. On such conditions, the integrated memory frequency approximates 6400 MHz that adds 18.5% of increase.

On the Go

Efficiency of the implemented cooling system deserves a genuine praise. The nominal 90 mm fan is able to keep the temperature at 26 degrees on idle mode and 1000 rpm index. On conditions of full loading, this graphics adapter warms up to 49 degrees; this is considered to be more than a satisfactory result, since the cooler manages to keep the GPU temperature within the admissible measures on any loading. It should be noted that Cyclone II demonstrates its best on the open stand, while its integration within the typical chassis might result in the growth of temperature at several degrees.

Upon the whole, the benefits of MSI N650 Ti PE 1GD5/OC are seen in the improved power supply subsystem, more elaborated PCB and rather powerful cooling characteristics. Though, the price might appear to be a bit higher than other products based on this graphics adapter.