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As gamers we are explorers. We are time travelers, we are puzzle solvers. With constant new worlds created for us to explore we become the masters of these universes. Every detail from our approach to problem solving to the precision of our skills are tested under stressful conditions. This define us in the digital realm, it unleashes us to heights unparalleled to the reality we live in from our jobs and study.
But good explorers need good equipment to explore these captivating worlds, as without the right equipment how would we fully experience these worlds that game developers design for us?

With that said, it is my honor to present to you the MSi GeForce GTX 750 Ti OC Edition.

THE CARD





Opening this card from its packaging was a delight and I was immediately interested by the “ Twin Frozr” style that seems to be an MSI speciality, as they were the company to start truly toying with the idea of a dual fan cooling system on top of an extended cooling block to draw heat away from the card. What’s also important about this feature is the impact it has on noise reduction. As the card begins to work on more intense processes and the GPU inevitably begins to heat up as more power is required for the further processing power, the dual fans kick in and boy do they do a surprisingly good job at maintaining an optimal core temperature ranging between 40-45 degrees.

There are some MSI exclusive software options that come with the card: Gaming App, MSI After Burner and Live Update 6.



Live update 6 is a tool used for updating the card’s BIOS, drivers or firmware. On the chance you come into a few odd bumps, check the MSI’s site for bug fixes.

MSI’s Gaming App and After Burner are pieces of software used to accelerate your card’s performance.

Although this card already comes with an increased clock speed over its factory default, these tools give users a safer and more controlled environment when it comes to overclocking the core speeds and monitoring them.

Gaming App is for the less experienced overclocker and comes with three settings: Gaming mode, which is the default, automatically controls the fans and stock frequencies; OC mode, which essentially puts the graphics card in overclock mode automatically; and Silent mode, which of course operates the card at the lowest fan speed and really dims down the noise (as if it wasn’t quiet enough).



For the more serious overclockers out there, After Burner is the tool for you. With customisable profiles, you can create the perfect environments for gaming and GPU task delegation. Alternate your card’s power intake, fan speeds and core clock speeds to draw out the extra potential this card has to offer. All of which are performed under a controlled environment to minimise irreversible damage to your card, these tools are an overclocker's wet dream.



GTX 750 Ti OC:




The following is a screen grab using the TechPowerUP tool used to identify the specs of the GPU as a stock install into my pc.



Reference: http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desk...rce-gtx-750-ti



Features of the card by NVIDIA.

The GTX 750 is among the first cards to sport the new Maxwell architecture to give more bang per watt when it comes to performance vs overall power consumption by a GPU. Not only does this technology help out smaller wattage systems, it gives us insight into the ever improving technology NVIDIA is pursuing to create cutting edge GPU's for gamers to really experience games at their full potential.

But with great power comes greater supported technologies and NVIDIA hasn't slacked any! We are now spoilt with choice at even an entry level with the GPU's of today and the GTX 750Ti is host to all of them.

G-SYNC: the 750Ti supports what is known as 'G-SYNC' where, by syncing with specialised monitors refresh rates, creates the smoothest and fastest gaming experience by eliminate screen tearing, minimising display stutter and input lag. This feature dramatically increases the visual aspect of any game as scenes and objects appear instantly and pan much smoother.

For all those tweakers out there Nvidia has a treat for you available in the 700 series; Nvidia GPU Boost 2.0. The aim behind this technology is to allow gamers to tweak and push their systems to the absolute limit while the GPU Boost 2.0 monitors the work load and grants advanced controls like GPU temperature, overclocking and the overvoltage to ensure the GPU can really be unleashed. This combined with the Geforce Experience, which is the easier option when it comes to optimizing your games and making sure your drivers are being updated, keeps our machines in tip top condition to continue delivering us the gaming experience we desire with less hassle.









Testing:

Everyone wants to see the 3D Mark score, so off I went to Steam to get “3D Mark Demo.“

http://www.3dmark.com/

Using this software and running the “cloud gate” simulated world, I was able to score 18,052 and, according to the results of all benchmarked machines, my result was 83% better, falling just under 6,000 short of a fully-fledged high end gaming pc using something like a GTX Titan.

Results can be found here: http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/5568043C:\...arkresults.png





Here is a list of the following games I used to test the power of the Nvidia GTX 750Ti OC edition:

Batman Arkham Origins:


Batman: Arkham Origins features an expanded Gotham City and introduces an original prequel storyline occurring several years before the events of Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City. Taking place before the rise of Gotham City’s most dangerous villains and assassins, the game showcases a young, raw, unrefined Batman as he faces a defining moment in his early career as a crime fighter that sets his path to becoming the Dark Knight.

The reason I chose this game is because it was highlighted on Nvidia’s site as a game that demonstrated elements of this cards potential when it came to increasing the gaming experience using technologies such as GPU PhysX and 3D Vision. Focusing more on the PhysX aspect, I wanted to see the differences in the game when it was turned on as well as the overall frame drop during its activation. The following below is an outstanding example that I feel demonstrates when games and hardware truly come together to increase storytelling and immersion.

Left side being no PhysX and right being the inclusion of PhysX


FPS gauge using my machine combined with the GTX 750Ti and the results are as follows.





The second game I chose to review the GTX 750Ti OC was;

Hitman: Absolution is a stealth video game developed by IO Interactive and published by Square Enix. It is the fifth instalment in the Hitman game series, and runs on IO Interactive's proprietary Glacier 2 game engine.

I chose this game because of its personal behaviour when it comes to dealing with problem solving and the approach to overall game play, which I think appeals to a wide audience. I felt they would want some perspective on how the GTX 750Ti tackles such a game and I can say I wasn’t disappointed. Even in high volume areas with hundreds of actions happening, V Sync turned on and settings maxed, I was able to have a solid 60 frames a second and probably could have gone higher if I was using a more modern monitor capable of higher refresh rates.

reference: google searched hitman: Absolution



These numbers were taken after turning off v sync to see what the card was capable of.



The next game I wanted to review was Deadspace 3:

"Dead Space 3 brings Isaac Clarke and merciless soldier John Carver on a journey across space to discover the source of the Necromorph outbreak. Crash-landed on the frozen planet of Tau Volantis, Isaac must comb the harsh environment for raw materials and scavenged parts. He will then put his engineering skills to the ultimate test to create and customise weapons and survival tools. The ice planet holds the key to ending the Necromorph plague forever, but first Isaac must overcome avalanches, treacherous ice-climbs, and the violent wilderness. Facing deadlier evolved enemies and the brutal elements, Isaac can choose to team up, not only for his own survival, but for that of mankind’s. Play together with a friend or go it alone as Isaac Clarke using the seamless new drop in, drop out co-op functionality. Each mode offers unique story elements and gameplay."

I chose this game because of its intense action scenes and creepy dark lighting and environments.


Final Thoughts:

Whether you’re looking to upgrade from an old pc or for entry into a solid gaming experience you would want to start with the GTX 750Ti. Not only will it give you a perspective of the range of technologies you can choose from with later models, but its affordability is unmatched for its performance due to the introduction of the Maxwell architecture which also puts less strain on your power supply unit, allowing you a little extra leeway in the building phase when choosing a PSU.

The added bonus from the MSI-added dual fan cooling system is if you’re running your PC in your bedroom, the dual fans make the card crispy quiet during sleep time so you’ll have no worries running your pc overnight. Additionally, for those interested in stepping into the realm of 4K and 3D displays, this is always a good card to begin your journey. I wouldn't recommend any intense gaming at a 4K resolution although the option is definitely there.