The Geforce GTS 250 graphics card is the latest model of the video chip on the G92 platform. This architecture dates back to 2007, and only after the release of the monitored video card did it end its life span.
The first solution on the G92 was the 8800 series graphics card with 512MB of memory. After that, Nvidia released the 9800 GTX and 9800 GTX +. This was the final point in the development of an aging platform.
The developers decided to squeeze out all the juices from it and release the GeForce GTS 250. The characteristics of the modified G92b graphic chip can be called overclocking. At that time, a competitor represented by Radeon 4850 appeared on the market. A modified processor is enough to compete with the new motherboard from AMD, so it was decided to release a video card with the GTS250 index. This model was the last that was developed on the G92b.
Specifications
In fact, the GTS 250, whose characteristics have improved noticeably, remains the same 8800. The only thing that has changed is the increased frequencies and increased video memory. The model was now offered with two options - 512 MB and 1 GB of memory.
So, the video card has a core frequency of 738 MHz and a processing frequency of shaders of 1800 MHz. The bus throughput is 70 Gb / s. The interface for connecting the video card to the motherboard is PCI Express 2.0.
All the innovations that distinguish the GTS250 graphics card from its predecessor 9800 are implemented at the software level. Support PhysX, CUDA - all these changes at the driver level. Therefore, we can conclude that work in the architecture of the board was not carried out. So how much more profitable does this model look? We will learn about this later from testing.
At the time of the release of the video card, its cost ranged from 6 to 8 thousand rubles, which allowed it to calmly compete with AMD in the middle price segment. For the option with a memory capacity of 1 GB, it was necessary to give several thousand more. Initially, the company plans to release the third version of the Nvidia GTS 250, the characteristics of which would differ in the amount of video memory 2 GB. But due to low popularity and small sales, this idea had to be frozen. From this you can immediately understand that such solutions on older platforms did not bring success to Nvidia.
ASUS and Palit
In order not to be unfounded, we take two specific video cards from well-known companies. The first of them is ASUS GTS 250, and the second is Palit GTS 250. The memory capacity of both is 512 MB. To begin, consider their characteristics in more detail. Also get acquainted with the configuration.
Asus GeForce GTS 250: specifications
ASUS video card repeats the original with precision. With only one difference: in this board, the memory frequency was increased to 1900 MHz. Inside the device’s box, we are waiting for one adapter for PCI-E, an audio cable, a disk with all the necessary drivers that were relevant at the time of release, and instructions. The video card itself is small and fits easily into the compact body of the system unit. The cooling system is one cooler and radiator. Three connectors are traditionally located on the back side - HDMI, DVI and D-SUB. The underside is completely empty - all microcircuits are located directly under the cooler and heatsink, which provides them with good airflow and low temperatures even at high loads.
The cooling design of the GeForce GTS 250 512mb, whose default characteristics, is rather complicated. The cooler is connected to a radiator, there are also four heat pipes. Even with the highest load in demanding games at maximum graphics settings, the temperature of the device did not rise above 60 degrees Celsius. The noise level is relatively low, given the budget price category of this model.
Palit GeForce 250 GTS: specifications
Let's move on to the Palit graphics card, whose technical specifications are slightly lower, but the variability of use is greater. The box and equipment are standard - all the same adapters, drivers and instructions.
Outwardly, the board looks more solid. The cooler and cooling covers a translucent plastic case. In addition to standard connectors and interfaces, there is an output for connecting a video card in SLI mode (three identical video cards work simultaneously).
The cooling system is much simpler - one simple radiator and on top - a rather noisy cooler. It is understandable, video cards from Palit have always been more budget options. Because of this, the video card heats much more. The maximum recorded Celsius temperature during testing is 80 degrees. But in terms of noise, both video cards are approximately at the same level. The power consumption of the Palit video card is slightly lower than that of the ASUS GTS 250 512mb. The characteristics of the video card otherwise repeat the previous model.
Test stand
For tests in games and programs, we chose a balanced PC configuration. The processor from Intel is a Core 2 Quad quad-core with a frequency of 2.8 GHz for each core. 4 GB RAM and 320 GB hard drive. The system unit also has a 850 W power supply. The computer is controlled by the Windows 7 64 Bit operating system. All tests were carried out in the same resolution - 1680 by 1050 points.
Competitors
For GTS 250 video cards, whose characteristics are almost the same, a competitor in the person of Radeon HD 4850 was chosen. The competitor’s memory capacity is the same - 512 MB. In general, all video cards are in the same class. After all, the GTS 250 was even created as a direct competitor to the model from AMD.
Test results
The first game was Call Of Duty World At War. Both GTS 250 video cards produced 36–38 frames per second. The video card from AMD also did not lag behind - about 34 frames per second.
Further testing was carried out in the game Mafia 2, which is also quite demanding on hardware. And again, all video cards showed exactly the same results. So all three models show themselves in absolutely any games. The only difference is in the heating temperature, noise level, energy consumption and cost.
Owner reviews
The video card market was already oversaturated with a huge number of models at that time. According to the reviews of the owners, most chose a solution from AMD. The difference in performance was minimal, but the Radeon was much cheaper. In addition, even fans of the Nvidia GTS 250, whose characteristics are pretty good for an outdated platform, did not have warm feelings for this board, because the outdated graphics chip, although overclocked, did not inspire confidence in them.
Verdict
The G92 and G92b platforms are one of the most stable architectures in the world of video cards. Having survived several generations of video cards, the graphics chip worthily ends its life in the GTS 250 model. The characteristics of the video card allow you to easily compete in your segment with competitors from AMD. At the moment, it makes no sense to purchase any of these boards - their performance is already painfully low. But at one time they were real leaders in the budget class. However, the GTS 250 did not manage to surpass its competitor in sales and popularity. And a higher price than AMD did not go to the advantage of GeForce video cards.