We test how Dual GPU configuration work out for Nvidia’s famous GTX460 cards.
Test Bed
Today we would be testing out 2 Nvidia Geforce GTX 460s from different manufacturers. They will be tested in SLI configuration. Following configuration was setup to check out the babies.
Test System Specs
- Intel Core i7 870 (Overclocked @ 3.30GHz & 4.2Ghz)
- GSkillRipJaws 4GB 1600Mhz (CAS 7-8-7-24)
- Asus Maximus 3 Formula (Intel P55)
- Xigmatek 700W Modular PSU
- GSkill 40 GB SSD
- Gigabyte GeForce GTX 460– 715/1800Mhz / OC Profile 880-1995
- Sparkle Calibre Geforce GTX 460- 790/1900 / OC Profile 880-1995
Software
- Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
- NVidiaForceware 270.61
Gigabyte GTX460
The first card chosen was a Gigabyte 460 1GB which has a windforce custom cooler designed from Gigabyte themselves. A small preview of the card itself.
Box:
Accessories:
This card comes with a Mini to Full HDMI convertor, DVI to VGA Convertor, booklet, CD and lastly the 2 molex to 6 pin convertors.
The Card:
GPU-Z Specification Shot
As you can see the stock clocks of this card are 715 MHz, they are bumped up to 790 MHz so that they can match the speed of the Calibre and both cards can run in SLI mode at the same speed.
Sparkle Calibre GTX460
Now we come to the 2nd card that was chosen for this SLI configuration which was a Sparkle Calibre GTX 460 1GB.
The Box:
The Sparkle Calibre also comes in a very well packaged box with plastic wrapping around it in a stylish briefcase like matte black box with a plastic handle on top. This would also help once the card is shipped to respective owners. The Card inside is wrapped in a pretty decent bubble wrap packaging which makes it safe during shipping.
Accessories:
The Sparkle almost comes with the same accessories: 2 Molex to 6 pin convertors, DVI to VGA Convertor, CD, and Manual. The plus side with the Sparkle card is that it comes with a mini HDMI to Full HDMI cable which in my opinion is a better option than a small convertor that comes with Gigabyte Card.
The Card:
GPU-Z Specification shot:
The Sparkle Calibre uses a custom cooler design which is Arctic Accelero Twin Turbo Pro and comes with a cooler from arctic cooling. The Color combination of the purple fans and the brown PCB looks good. These fans measure to be 92mm each. They are controlled by PWM signal and provide a total of 54CFM.This aftermarket cooler features 4 copper heat pipe which provides excellent cooling for this little monster. Sparkle has done a great job with this card and the cooler does help a lot in bringing down the temperatures. Not to mention that the GF-104 is somewhat a decent chip and doesn’t heat up that much as compared to GTX 480 but nonetheless cooler helps a lot.
