Overclocking & Overclocked Performance
The overclocking ability of a graphics card is an important buying consideration irrespective of whether the graphics card is low end or enthusiast level. I’m sure everyone will agree that the more extra performance from overclocking – the better. In our overclocking we push each graphics card to its maximum stable core and memory frequencies. Typically we also raise the power limit to the maximum and where possible raise the voltages if this results in higher overclocks being achieved. We always aim for “24/7” stable overclocks that DO NOT result in potential heat on longevity issues so if we do raise the voltage it is still kept within safe parameters. The latest beta version of MSI’s Afterburner software is the overclocking utility of choice: this is because MSI Afterburner Beta versions typically allows you to circumvent overclocking restrictions – particularly those set by AMD.
Our R7 250X sample was a solid overclocker – we were able to bump the core clock up by an impressive 215 MHz which is a 21.5% overclock. The memory also managed to clock to 1300 MHz which is a 175 MHz actual (700 MHz effective) overclock. All in all the overclocked Powercolor R7 250X provided a nice 15% bump in performance making it faster than a stock Nvidia GTX 650 Ti (non-boost) which is a $120-130 video card.
What is the performance of this R7 250x in terms of ‘CrossFire”mode. Given the I5 processor is somewhat computationally superior. However one the reasons I would take one of these lower end cards would be to benifit the graphics utility with the AMD Kaveris. I’m fairly certain that the results here,would be at least 20% better with using the AMD platform,and this card. And as with this the question would be which one,and what brand would be the better choice of the user wanting to do so.
I dont know what the equivalent technology is available when running a graphics card on the Intel platform. Although the ‘crossfire’ type scenario might be done. And I realize that ‘crossfire’,is actually a different term when utilized presently with the FM2+/Kaveri platform. Since Crossfire,can be used in dual mode,and it is probably not a default of the platform cpu in that vain. (For example two R7 250xs,or 240s on an ATX using the same processor in your system tests).
The AMD would use the same ideal of a medial system with 1866 memory as well. I know the difference between the two proprieties. I dont know which for the AMD platform would be the best low cost card to do so. And as a kicker the Nvidia vrs Crossfire could be seen as well. And compute would be better too.
Thanks.