Reviving the GTS 450: A Gaming Experience in 2023

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Overview of the GTS 450 video card
3. testing specifications of the GTS 450
4. Performance in GTA 5
5. Performance in Dota 2
6. Performance in War Thunder
7. Performance in World of Tanks
8. Performance in Fortnite
9. Pros and cons of the GTS 450 video card
10. Conclusion

Introduction

In today's article, we will be taking a closer look at the performance of the GTS 450 video card from Asus. This particular video card was released in 2010 and is equipped with 192 shaders, 1GB of VRAM, and operates on a 128-bit bus width. With a core clock speed of 850 MHz and a memory clock speed of 950 MHz, we will assess whether this aging video card is able to keep up with modern demands in gaming. Our evaluation will include testing its performance in popular games such as GTA 5, Dota 2, War Thunder, World of Tanks, and Fortnite. So, let's dive in and see how this legendary video card holds up in today's gaming landscape.

Overview of the GTS 450 video card

The GTS 450 video card from Asus is a notable entry from 2010. With 192 shaders and 1GB of VRAM, it offers respectable specifications for its time. The 128-bit bus width ensures smooth data transfer, while the core clock speed of 850 MHz and the memory clock speed of 950 MHz contribute to its overall performance. Although it may not meet the requirements of modern games, we are curious to see if it is still capable of delivering playable framerates.

Testing specifications of the GTS 450

Before delving into the performance of the GTS 450 video card, it is important to note the specifications we will be using for testing purposes. The video card will be paired with an i910 gen weak CPU to determine if any bottlenecking occurs. We will be assessing its performance in various games by adjusting the graphics settings and resolutions to determine the optimal balance between visual quality and framerate.

Performance in GTA 5

First on our list is the popular Game GTA 5. To evaluate the GTS 450's performance, we will be running the game at 720p resolution with normal details and advanced graphics settings. By adjusting the frame Scale, we aim to achieve playable framerates without compromising too much on visual quality. During testing, we observed an average framerate of 37, which is acceptable for a video card of this age. However, pushing it to 1080p resolution resulted in a significant drop in performance, emphasizing the limitations of the GTS 450 in more demanding scenarios.

Performance in Dota 2

Moving on to Dota 2, we set the GTS 450 to medium graphics settings at 1080p resolution. Despite the weak CPU, we were pleasantly surprised by the performance. With an average framerate of 56, the GTS 450 manages to hold its ground in this popular game. The utilization of 7GB of VRAM indicates efficient memory management, while the core stays heavily loaded at 99%. Although not the ideal choice for Dota 2, the GTS 450 performs admirably for its age.

Performance in War Thunder

Continuing our assessment, we tested the GTS 450 in the game War Thunder. Running the game at minimal details on 1080p resolution, we were surprised by the decent average framerate of 23. It is worth noting that War Thunder is a free-to-play game and the GTS 450 can handle it adequately. Despite occasional drops in framerate during intensive fights, the video card manages to utilize all its components effectively. The temperature remains stable at 60°C, even during maximum load.

Performance in World of Tanks

Next, we examined the GTS 450's performance in World of Tanks. With medium graphics settings at 1080p resolution, the video card struggled to maintain satisfactory framerates. It became evident that a downgrade to low graphics settings would yield better results. At 80% render scale, we achieved a stable 60 FPS, showcasing the GTS 450's ability to adapt to lower settings. However, we recommend playing World of Tanks with this video card on low details for an optimal experience.

Performance in Fortnite

Lastly, we tested the GTS 450 in the popular game Fortnite. With performance mode enabled and low graphics settings, the video card manages to deliver an average framerate of 56 at 1080p resolution. Adjusting the render scale to 80% allows for a smooth 60 FPS experience. While these numbers may not be exceptional, considering the age of the GTS 450, it is commendable that it can still handle Fortnite to some extent.

Pros and cons of the GTS 450 video card

Pros:

• Decent performance for its age
• Good utilization of VRAM
• Can handle older games at playable framerates
• Affordable option for budget gaming setups

Cons:

• Limited performance in modern games
• Struggles with higher resolutions and graphics settings
• Bottlenecking may occur with weak CPUs

Conclusion

In conclusion, the GTS 450 video card from Asus has displayed a respectable level of performance considering its age. While it may not be able to handle the latest and most demanding titles, it can still provide a playable gaming experience in older or less demanding games. Its decent utilization of VRAM and stable core temperatures further support its viability as a cost-effective option for budget gaming setups. If you are in need of a budget-friendly video card for gaming on older titles, the GTS 450 could be a viable choice.

Highlights

• The GTS 450 video card from Asus, released in 2010, still offers respectable performance for its age.
• With 192 shaders, 1GB of VRAM, and a 128-bit bus width, it delivers decent graphics capabilities.
• When paired with a weak CPU, the video card showcases its ability to handle popular games like GTA 5, Dota 2, War Thunder, World of Tanks, and Fortnite.
• Although it struggles with higher resolutions and graphics settings, optimizing the GTS 450's performance through adjustments can yield playable framerates.
• The GTS 450 stands as an affordable option for budget gaming setups, providing decent gaming experiences in older titles.

FAQ

Q: Can the GTS 450 video card run modern games? A: The GTS 450 may struggle with modern games due to its older specifications. It is recommended for use with older or less demanding titles.

Q: Is the GTS 450 a good option for budget gaming setups? A: Yes, the GTS 450 can be a cost-effective choice for budget gaming setups, especially for playing older games where it can still provide respectable performance.

Q: Does the GTS 450 face any bottlenecks with weak CPUs? A: There is a possibility of bottlenecking when pairing the GTS 450 with weak CPUs. It is important to consider the overall system specifications when using this video card.