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Nvidia gamers can finally rejoice because at last they can spend their hard earned cash on a kick ass GTX600 series graphics card, under the sweet spot of £200. Their GTX660 is a superb discrete solution which sets a new benchmark against competing AMD parts.
The MSI GTX 660 OC Edition Twin Frozr which we reviewed today is a showcase of how to successfully customise a mid range solution to reduce noise while increasing performance. We have reviewed the Twin Frozr cooler many times before and it makes for a sublime pairing with the GTX660.
The MSI GTX 660 OC Edition Twin Frozr is able to outperform the overclocked HD7870 cards from AMD partners, often by a clear margin. Direct X 11 performance is a particular strength, scoring over 7,000 points in 3DMark 11 and delivering smooth frame rates with demanding titles such as Total War Shogun 2, Battlefield 3 and Alien V Predator.
While we have been impressed with the gaming performance, there are other remarkable traits, such as a very low power drain and almost silent gaming performance. We haven't reviewed a reference GTX660, but I have certainly been impressed with the Twin Frozr cooler mounted on the overclocked MSI solution.
The Twin Frozr cooler combines low noise performance with excellent cooling potential. Under load the core temperature was maintained at 54c when playing Crysis 2. Both fans spin at only 1,500 rpm under load, supported by the high grade nickel plated copper base on the cooler which runs into a substantial tri-configuration of thick heatpipes.
Nvidia seem to also have hit the pricing sweet spot, because the MSI GTX 660 OC Edition Twin Frozr is available from Overclockers for £189.95 inc vat and ARIA for £187.14 inc vat. We would imagine a reference clocked card/cooled will be available for around the £170 inc vat mark. At this price it is difficult to find fault.
If you plan on gaming with a single 1080p screen, then we don't really see the need to spend any more money right now. We are positive before Christmas that the prices of these cards will drop even further.
Pros:
- Superb performance.
- Overclocked speeds push this card past HD7870 performance.
- quiet.
- dedicated VRM cooling.
- further overclocking headroom via software.
- low power drain.
Cons:
- weak bundle from MSI.
Kitguru says: A sure fire winner for Nvidia and an excellent custom solution from MSI.
About time, long overdue.
Looks like it was worth it . ill wait until Nov before diving in for my second system im buidling right now. Prices might be lower too !
Just skimmed it as im in work, but looks like a winner. good pricing. AMD prices will drop again soon 🙂
They make great coolers , even better than ASUS imo. and I dont often say that as ASUS are pure pawnage in the mobo space.
They have needed this card for such a long time now. but I fear AMD might already be in the wings waiting with their 8 series cards. january I reckon