MSI N285GTX SuperPipe OC
enthusiast.hardocp.com – The MSI N285GTX SuperPipe OC is an appealing enthusiast video card. It has an aesthetic appeal that actually translates into real-world benefits. The SuperPipe technology seems to be a real winner for MSI. This technology allowed the MSI NX285 GTX to remain very cool at idle and full load operation in comparison to a standard GTX 285. We also experienced impressive power numbers, which were lower than a GTX 285 slightly, even though it has a higher clock speed and two fans. The fan noise itself is quiet, so it won’t be making you dive for the nearest bomb shelter when you start it up. Our only disappointment is in the actual overclock achieved, it was just average, we expected more since the cooler does seem to shine in the temperature department. Perhaps there are other factors involved keeping it from achieving higher speeds.
At any rate the MSI N285GTX OC delivered an amazing gameplay experience out of the box. The only real downside to it is its price right now. It is available at a higher price than other GTX 285 based video cards. That higher price does provide better cooling, and near silent operation, but does it justify the cost considering there are no large gameplay performance improvements? Our answer is no, to a “Gamer” it doesn’t really justify its cost, unless Newegg can provide it for cheaper or we see larger mail-in-rebates. But to a Hardware Enthusiast, the cooling solution itself may justify that cost.