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The MSI R7 265 2GD5 OC is powered by an AMD Radeon R7 265, the latest AMD GPU designed to take your gaming to the next level. Based on AMD generation GCN architecture and boasting support for DirectX 11.2, the Radeon R7 265 is built to play the very latest games with perfectly smooth action, even at higher resolutions. New AMD Eyefinity Technology allows you to build three-monitor environment through just two DVI and one HDMI ports without connecting a DisplayPort, which is required in HD 7000 series. AMD PowerTune technology redefines the nature of performance, giving you the performance you need when you need it. A rich set of AMD innovative technologies is included, such as App Acceleration, AMD ZeroCore, and AMD HD3D technology. With these technology advancements, you'll get more than one way to elevate your gaming experience.
This model is BIOS overclocked to 955 MHz Boost Clock (925MHz for reference design) for smoother gameplay. Along with MSI's exclusive Propeller Blade technology and Military Class Components, you can game with full confidence in the most demanding situations.
Pros: 256bit memory bus Can handle 1080p gaming in most modern titles with Med/High settings at 60fps Quiet fan under 35% Very good performance per dollar. 750TI is better for strictly low heat/power scenarios but if you have the power supply , room and average air flow then the 265x at $95 AR is the best deal easy. The next best card was a 270x for $133 AR.
Cons: A bit larger than my MSI TwinFrozr III Runs about 5c hotter than current 7850 The heatsink is average in effectiveness, higher fan speed doesn't make a massive dent on lower temps compared to the better designed TwinFrozr III from 1.5yrs ago. Basic cooler design, nothing special. Wouldn't be my first choice for small low air flow cases.
Overall Review: I compared my current MSI 7850 to this 265x using only Tomb Raider benchmark tool running to a 1080p LG TV. Room temps were about 72F and it was tested in a Antec 900 case with only 3 case fans on a very low speed setting. Temps 7850 - 28-30c idle 265x - 33-35c idle Peak Temps under gaming with a quiet fan speed (30-40%) 7850 65c 265x 72c Tomb Raider Benchmark - Mostly Ultra settings 7850 51.1fps 265x 53.5fps Power Draw was nearly identical within 5-10watts from simple monitor on a Kill A Watt meter during benchmark. I like the 265x design for a possible fan replacement down the road. It appears it would hold a good quiet 120mm fan relatively easy if the factory fan goes bad. Can't say the same for the TwinFrozer 7850. When the time came to help a friend on a budget buy the best card in the $50-100 range I ended up researching performance per dollar back to the same tech I bought for my media PC over a 1.5 years ago. Just with a new name and higher factory clock speeds. TDP went from 130watt (7850) to 150watt(265x) but my Kill O watt meter really showed less than 10watts during gaming.