Performance & Overclocking:

In order to accurately represent the performance and scalability of this videocard, a number of tests have been selected - some which rely on the speed of a whole system, and others that hold solely on the videocard. In regard to the first, we've used 3D Mark Vantage, which gives a good idea of how a videocard will handle a game in it's many resolutions. As for GPU bound tests - they're split into Synthetic and Titles; Futuremark and 3DMark 01, as well as FEAR and Crysis. Each of these tests represents the apex of it's genre as well as subclass, and as such should be a good reference to how the card will perform in the wild.

As to the proposition of overclocking, EVGA's Precision Overclocking Tool was used, as it's just about the only thing that wanted to play nice with the card. Through some spurious attempts, the final speeds of 775/1200 were reached with this card. While not the most impressive in the world, they gave it some very appreciable boosts.

Conclusion:

The GTS250 is a bit of a strange product, in any way that you look at it. Effectively speaking, it's just a rebranded 9800GTX+ with a few small tweaks made, and the assurance of G92-B silicon under the hood. Now, while this rendition of last generation's champion may very well run much cooler and clock much better, it doesn't change the fact that it comes in at a strange price point. Wedged unhealthily between the 4830 and the 4850, this lovely little card could prove a difficult purchase for users in quite a few circumstances.

However, should those users have regrets if they do decide to make this purchase? No, not in any regard. Sparkle has competently and pleasantly delivered with this card. It fits the speed mold well, the cooling is quiet, and the installation is quite simple. While it may be a little bit of a no-frills unit, the fact that things went so smoothly, and the promise of support to come makes it more than just a little bit of a winner. In any regard, should you be looking at a GTS250, you should look no father than Sparkle's rendition; especially considering it's inclusion of an HDMI port makes it ideal for any HTPC.