Is the £15 GTS 450 Still Gaming-Worthy in 2017?

Is the £15 GTS 450 Still Gaming-Worthy in 2017?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. GPU Specifications
3. Benchmarks and Performance
   • 3.1 Metro Last Light Redux
   • 3.2 Tomb Raider 2013
   • 3.3 Skyrim SE
   • 3.4 Crysis 3
   • 3.5 Battlefield One
   • 3.6 GTA 5
4. Pros and Cons of the GTS 450
5. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to this GPU review video! Today, we'll be taking a closer look at the GTS 450. This GPU was used in the recent 50 PC Challenge, and it proved to be a capable performer when coupled with an older PC setup. But what happens when we pair it with a newer PC? In this review, we'll benchmark the GTS 450 on a lower-end gaming rig and evaluate its performance in various games. So, let's dive in and see what this budget-friendly card has to offer!

GPU Specifications

The GTS 450 comes with a modest set of specifications. With a cost of just £15, it offers great value for its price. This small-sized card runs cool and only requires a six-Pin PCI power connector. It features 1GB of GDDR5 memory on a 128-bit memory bus. While the specs may not be outstanding compared to more recent GPUs, the GTS 450 can be a viable option for those looking to upgrade from integrated graphics or as a temporary solution.

Benchmarks and Performance

3.1 Metro Last Light Redux

To kick off our benchmarks, we start with Metro Last Light Redux. Running the Game at 1600x900 resolution on the medium preset with ssaa off and other effects disabled, the GTS 450 delivered an average frame rate of 50 FPS. Considering the age of the card and the sub-HD resolution, this is an impressive result.

3.2 Tomb Raider 2013

Moving on to Tomb Raider 2013, we pushed the resolution to 1080p and ran the game on the high preset, including FXAA and eight times anisotropic filtering. The GTS 450 achieved an average frame rate of 40 FPS. While not as high as in Metro Last Light Redux, this is still a decent result for a budget GPU.

3.3 Skyrim SE

Skyrim SE is a popular game, and many enthusiasts wonder if certain GPUs can handle it. At 1080p resolution on the low preset, with some settings scaled up to medium, the GTS 450 managed to maintain an average of 33 FPS. Lowering the resolution to 900p or 720p allows for the activation of nicer effects while still ensuring a frame rate above 30 FPS.

3.4 Crysis 3

Crysis 3 is a demanding game, even for older GPUs. With reasonable settings, the GTS 450 achieved an average frame rate of 34 FPS. Although occasional dips below 30 FPS were observed, this budget GPU can still offer an enjoyable experience for the single-player campaign.

3.5 Battlefield One

Battlefield One, being a more graphically intensive game, posed a challenge for the GTS 450. The initial loading of levels displayed prevalent texture pop-in for the first 20 seconds. However, once the game was running, the average frame rate stabilized at 36 FPS. Competitive multiplayer may require a more powerful GPU, but the single-player campaign can still be played and enjoyed at 30 FPS.

3.6 GTA 5

Surprisingly, GTA 5 delivered the most impressive result. Running the game at 900p resolution with normal settings, the GTS 450 achieved an average frame rate of 68 FPS. This can be attributed to the excellent optimization of GTA 5 on older consoles, which had similar GPU power to the GTS 450. However, due to the GPU's 1GB VRAM limitation, higher settings are restricted, even though the GPU itself can handle them. Nevertheless, GTA 5 on normal settings still looks good and provides a smooth gameplay experience.

Pros and Cons of the GTS 450

Let's summarize the pros and cons of the GTS 450:

Pros:

• Budget-friendly option at just £15
• Efficient cooling with the Asus direct CU top Edition
• Can offer playable frame rates for older games
• Surprisingly good performance in well-optimized titles like GTA 5

Cons:

• Limited VRAM capacity restricts settings in newer games
• Not suitable for competitive multiplayer or high-demand games

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether or not you should buy the GTS 450 depends on your specific needs and location. If you are content with its capabilities and mainly play older games, this budget GPU will serve you well. However, for newer games and more demanding scenarios, a higher-spec GPU is recommended. Considering its low cost and decent performance, the GTS 450 can be a cost-effective option for those on a tight budget. The Asus direct CU2 version, in particular, offers excellent build quality and an efficient cooler. Overall, the GTS 450 is a solid choice for casual gamers or those looking for an affordable upgrade from integrated graphics.