Affordable Gaming on GTX 460: Is It Still Worth It in 2019?

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Overview of the NVIDIA GTX 460
3. Specifications of the GTX 460
4. Performance and Gaming Benchmarks
5. Cooling and Temperature Issues
6. Compatibility with OEM Machines
7. Bottleneck Concerns with the i7 920
8. Practicality of the GTX 460
9. Recommended Uses for the GTX 460
10. Conclusion

Introduction

Are you looking for an affordable graphics card that can handle modern gaming? If so, you may have come across the NVIDIA GTX 460. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at this GPU, examining its specifications, performance, and practicality in today's gaming landscape. Whether you're a budget-conscious gamer or simply interested in the capabilities of the GTX 460, we've got you covered.

Overview of the NVIDIA GTX 460

The NVIDIA GTX 460 was released in 2011, and it came in four different models, each with its own variations. While the specific model we will focus on has 768 megabytes of gddr5 vram and a 192-bit memory interface, it is important to note that the GTX 460 is generally considered an underpowered option for modern gaming.

Specifications of the GTX 460

Let's dive deeper into the specifications of the GTX 460. This graphics card has a core clock of 675 megahertz and a boost clock of 1350 megahertz. With its 768 megabytes of gddr5 vram and 192-bit memory interface, the GTX 460 falls short in comparison to more recent GPU offerings. However, for those on a budget, this card may still offer some value.

Performance and Gaming Benchmarks

To truly assess the capabilities of the GTX 460, we conducted several gaming benchmarks. Our test system consisted of an i7 920 processor and six gigabytes of ddr3 memory. While this system may have some potential bottlenecks, we focused primarily on evaluating the practicality of the GTX 460 itself.

In games such as PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds and Fortnite, the GTX 460 performed reasonably well when settings were adjusted to lower presets. However, when facing more demanding titles like Borderlands 2 or modern eSports games like League of Legends and CS:GO, the GTX 460 struggled to maintain a consistently high frame rate.

Cooling and Temperature Issues

One aspect worth mentioning is the cooling and temperature issues we encountered during testing. As temperatures increased, the fan RPMs would also increase, leading to noticeable vibrations. Unfortunately, the GTX 460 lacks proper screws or mounting options to securely integrate it into an OEM machine, further exacerbating the vibration issue. This limitation may require additional DIY solutions to mitigate the problem.

Compatibility with OEM Machines

Due to its lack of proper mounting options, the GTX 460 is not the most compatible GPU for OEM machines. The card's power consumption and vibrations can pose challenges when attempting to integrate it into a pre-built system. If you own an OEM machine and are considering upgrading to the GTX 460, it is important to take these compatibility issues into account.

Bottleneck Concerns with the i7 920

One concern often raised with the GTX 460 is its potential bottleneck with CPUs like the i7 920. According to bottlenecking calculations, the GTX 460 may experience a 69% bottleneck with the i7 920. However, in the context of evaluating the practicality of the GTX 460, this should not be a major concern. We will delve deeper into this topic in the following sections.

Practicality of the GTX 460

Considering the performance benchmarks and compatibility limitations of the GTX 460, it is clear that this graphics card is not the ideal choice for running modern games at 1080p and 60fps. However, dropping the resolution can significantly increase the card's practicality for running older or less demanding titles. The GTX 460 may still find value as a secondary GPU in specific scenarios, as we will discuss further.

Recommended Uses for the GTX 460

Based on its performance and limitations, the GTX 460 is best suited for secondary systems or budget-conscious gamers who prioritize older or less demanding games. It can also serve as a temporary solution while saving up for a more powerful GPU. For those who are just starting out in PC gaming or have limited financial resources, the GTX 460 can offer a worthwhile experience with some compromises.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the NVIDIA GTX 460 is a graphics card that was once considered a budget option for gaming. While it may not meet the demands of modern games at higher resolutions and frame rates, it can still provide a satisfactory gaming experience for those with limited budgets or specific requirements. It's important to assess your own gaming needs and understand the limitations of the GTX 460 before making a purchasing decision.

Highlights:

• The NVIDIA GTX 460 is an affordable graphics card option for budget-conscious gamers.
• It struggles to deliver satisfactory performance in modern games at higher resolutions and frame rates.
• Cooling and temperature issues, as well as compatibility limitations with OEM machines, should be considered.
• Dropping the resolution can increase the practicality of the GTX 460 for running older or less demanding titles.
• It is best suited as a secondary GPU or a temporary solution for budget gamers.

FAQ:

Q: Can the NVIDIA GTX 460 run modern games at 1080p and 60fps? A: No, the GTX 460 is not ideal for running modern games at higher resolutions and frame rates. It is better suited for older or less demanding titles.

Q: What are the compatibility issues with OEM machines? A: The GTX 460 lacks proper screws or mounting options, making it challenging to integrate into pre-built systems. Additional DIY solutions may be required.

Q: Is the GTX 460 a good option for budget-conscious gamers? A: Yes, the GTX 460 can provide a satisfactory gaming experience for those with limited budgets or specific requirements. However, compromises should be expected.

Q: How does the GTX 460 perform in eSports games? A: While the GTX 460 can handle eSports games like League of Legends and CS:GO, it may struggle to maintain consistently high frame rates in more demanding scenarios.

Q: Can the GTX 460 be used as a secondary GPU? A: Yes, the GTX 460 can serve as a secondary GPU in certain scenarios, particularly for running older or less demanding games.

Resources:

• NVIDIA GTX 460 Product Page