Overclocked NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580 Round-Up
MSI N580GTX GTX 580
Micro Star International (MSI) manufactures a variety of computer components. Established in 1986, they originally focused on the motherboard and graphics card markets, but now produce a variety of notebooks, barebone systems,and wireless networking devices as well. Here we look at a re-badged reference design GTX 580 with a very aggressive factory overclock.
;)
 |
|
| Model N580GTX-M2D15D5/OC Core Clock 823 MHz Memory Clock / Size 1069 MHz / 1.5 GB Accessories Mini HDMI to HDMI Cable DVI to VGA Adapter Two PCIe Power Adapters Warranty 3 Yr Parts / 2 Yr Labor Price $509 |
 |
MSI offers several versions of the GTX 580. They consist of the base model with stock clocks, the Twin Frozr II/OC, the HydroGen/OC, and the M2D15D5/OC, which is the model we're reviewing today. Both the Twin Frozr II and HydroGen cards boost frequencies to 800 MHz core / 1024 MHz memory, but the Twin Frozr II comes with MSI's aftermarket air cooling system, while the HydroGen sports a liquid cooling solution. The M2D15D5/OC features NVIDIA's reference design but comes with a factory overclock of 823 MHz core / 1069 MHz memory. It's the fastest air cooled GTX 580 on the market. Only the water cooled Hydro Copper 2 from EVGA offers faster a GPU frequency (850 MHz core).
;)
;)
;)
;)
Besides the attractive decals, this card is physically identical to every other stock GTX 580 on the market. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as NVIDIA's design features a vapor chamber cooler with a smooth copper base fused to a dense array of thin aluminum cooling fins. And of course, the M2D15D5/OC requires both a 6-pin and 8-pin PCIe power connection from the PSU.
This bundle includes a user's manual, utility disk featuring MSI's Afterburner software, a DVI to VGA adapter, mini HDMI to HDMI cable, and a couple of PCIe power adapters. ;)
