Question: Overclocked GTX 260 versus Stock GTX 280

Cheex

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2006
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Topic:
Overclocked GTX 260 versus Stock GTX 280.


Question:
What Core/Shader/Memory clock speeds would have to be achieved (whether theoretical or actual) in order for an overclocked GTX 260 to EQUAL the performance of a stock GTX 280?
 

Cheex

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2006
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Well this might bode well for some technical discussion...

Using a neat tool (not sure how accurate) provided by GPUReview, I have calculated the theoretical (it has to be) clocks needed for the GTX 260 to equal the performance of a stock GTX 280.

They are as follows:
Core: 961MHz
Shader: 1625MHz
Memory: 2538MHz



Here is a screenshot I took after using the tool to get these results:
Overclocked GTX 260 versus Stock GTX 280
 

JPB

Diamond Member
Jul 4, 2005
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Originally posted by: Cheex
Well this might bode well for some technical discussion...

Using a neat tool (not sure how accurate) provided by GPUReview, I have calculated the theoretical (it has to be) clocks needed for the GTX 260 to equal the performance of a stock GTX 280.

They are as follows:
Core: 961MHz
Shader: 1625MHz
Memory: 2538MHz



Here is a screenshot I took after using the tool to get these results:
Overclocked GTX 260 versus Stock GTX 280

EVGA GTX 260 FTW Edition

And I doubt you would ever get the GTX260 to clock that high.

The 260FTW Edition comes pretty close to it. I think it would be the best option.

# Core clock: 666MHz
# Memory Clock: 2214MHz

It comes real close, But I don't think it will actually *catch up* to the GTX280 due to more memory, wider frame buffer and the fact that you just cannot overclock to 280 speeds.
 

JPB

Diamond Member
Jul 4, 2005
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After looking at the review I posted...it looks like the GTX260 FTW Edition actually outruns the GTX280 in alot of tests.

Not bad :thumbsup:
 

Cheex

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2006
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Very interesting stuff JPB, thank you. I guess this means that the tool at GPUReview isn't so accurate. Also, if the GTX 260 FTW Edition really does equal or slightly surpass the performance of a bone stock GTX 280, then there is really no need for me to consider buying the GTX 280.

First of all, the GTX 280 is not as good as the GTX 260 considering performance/dollar ratio and I'm pretty sure I can buy a stock GTX 260 and take it to FTW clocks, maybe higher. So I guess I have my mind kinda set on a GTX 260 then.

On the other hand, my X48 board should be arriving this week (hopefully tomorrow) so....that opens up a whole new can of worms....What the hell to get?

I think this is the most confusing time ever in the GPU market for people looking to buy now or soon. So many great options at some many great price points, its amazing and confuzing (deliberately spelt it wrong).

Sure the GTX 260 looks great now at $280 but what about the 4850 X2 to debut in a month or so @ $400 (with the price to drop in a few weeks after release). Then there is the option to CrossFireX that with another later on....

Arggggggghhhh.....:confused::confused::confused:
 

bdubyah

Senior member
Nov 20, 2007
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yeah, just get a stock 260 and OC it.

mine's running at 726/1483/2500 right now.
 

Cheex

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2006
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Now that's what I'm talking about.

Without really researching the overclocks that people have been getting, I was aiming for something like 700/1500/2400 but I guess I can get even more out of it.

Thanks for the figures bdubyah.


Note: I'm still confused like hell.
Note: I'm still :confused: like :evil:
 

Cheex

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2006
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Originally posted by: Ocguy31
Yes but a 280 running @ FTW clocks.....nom nom nom nom. (trust me)

Money, Cash, Dinero, Cheddar,....you get the idea....

Can't afford a GTX 280...plus...the performance/dollar isn't as good....:p
 

Stiffe

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Jul 26, 2006
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Got my EVGA 260 stock card running at FTW speeds. Seems to be stable as a rock. Played crysis and Tf2. I upped the fan speed to 55 percent.

The 260 seems to OC quite nicely.
 

Cheex

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2006
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Originally posted by: Stiffe
Got my EVGA 260 stock card running at FTW speeds. Seems to be stable as a rock. Played crysis and Tf2. I upped the fan speed to 55 percent.

The 260 seems to OC quite nicely.

That's what I've been thinking about and with that under its belt and the limited overclock potential of the HD 4870, at the same price point, might be able to pull the GTX 260 just ahead for those who overclock. Not to mention the 896MB frame buffer versus 512MB.

Just brainstorming here, although benchmarks may say something different.

:confused:
 

bdubyah

Senior member
Nov 20, 2007
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yeah, seems like 700 core is the lowest they top out at, and around 1475-1500 on the shaders.

haven't fully tested my max yet, but i'm happy where i'm at.
 

ajaidevsingh

Senior member
Mar 7, 2008
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Originally posted by: JPB
Originally posted by: Cheex
Well this might bode well for some technical discussion...

Using a neat tool (not sure how accurate) provided by GPUReview, I have calculated the theoretical (it has to be) clocks needed for the GTX 260 to equal the performance of a stock GTX 280.

They are as follows:
Core: 961MHz
Shader: 1625MHz
Memory: 2538MHz



Here is a screenshot I took after using the tool to get these results:
Overclocked GTX 260 versus Stock GTX 280

EVGA GTX 260 FTW Edition

And I doubt you would ever get the GTX260 to clock that high.

The 260FTW Edition comes pretty close to it. I think it would be the best option.

# Core clock: 666MHz
# Memory Clock: 2214MHz

It comes real close, But I don't think it will actually *catch up* to the GTX280 due to more memory, wider frame buffer and the fact that you just cannot overclock to 280 speeds.

This review is very bias against the XFX 280 "See CRYSIS results" I mena a 260 "non oced" kills a 280 every time and in every resolution!!



EDIT:- Also RV770 is said to be able to handle 1Ghz even if that an inflated amount it would still come close to 900Mhz and also the amount to DT on an Oced 4870 would be more than on a 260!!!

Just wait for non-ref. 4870's to come through and flash a 4870 with those TOXIC, etc bios!!!
Also you cant ignore 10.1 "Some keys similar to DX11" and tessellation "DX11 will use this"
 

sticks435

Senior member
Jun 30, 2008
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I don't think 700mhz core is the norm. The max I can get my evga SC is 689 @ 60% fan speed. Also, you have to remember, there is a point where performance actully gets worse the higher you go. For instance, almost anything over 2200mhz memory and your fps will drop.
 

videopho

Diamond Member
Apr 8, 2005
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Originally posted by: Stiffe
Got my EVGA 260 stock card running at FTW speeds. Seems to be stable as a rock. Played crysis and Tf2. I upped the fan speed to 55 percent.

The 260 seems to OC quite nicely.

What brand is your 260?
Mine is eVGA (SC) version is a poor one at that.
I'm upgrading the PSU at the moment to add some juicy power to it and then I will give it another shot.
Otherwise, it may go back.
 

NoStateofMind

Diamond Member
Oct 14, 2005
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Cheex, you're gaming on a 19" LCD? If you HAVE TO have one of the two I would go for the GTX260. The resolution of a 19" monitor is what? Like 1440x900?
 

Cheex

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Jul 18, 2006
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Originally posted by: PC Surgeon
Cheex, you're gaming on a 19" LCD? If you HAVE TO have one of the two I would go for the GTX260. The resolution of a 19" monitor is what? Like 1440x900?

Yes it is 1440x900 but...the reason I'm so keen on this is that I expect to move up into the 1920x1200 territory. I want to get a 24" - 28" monitor as soon as I can. I like the Hanns-G 28" :p.
 

ashishmishra

Senior member
Nov 23, 2005
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Originally posted by: videopho
Originally posted by: Stiffe
Got my EVGA 260 stock card running at FTW speeds. Seems to be stable as a rock. Played crysis and Tf2. I upped the fan speed to 55 percent.

The 260 seems to OC quite nicely.

What brand is your 260?
Mine is eVGA (SC) version is a poor one at that.
I'm upgrading the PSU at the moment to add some juicy power to it and then I will give it another shot.
Otherwise, it may go back.

My GTX 260 also overclocks very poorly, it not completely stable even at FTW speeds. First I thought not getting enough power because the PCIe 1.1 slot is 75W max compared to PCIe 2.0 slot with 150W, but switching motherboards didn't make any difference. This is the first gen of video cards where the FTW edition might be a better idea if getting GTX280 performance on the cheap is your goal.
 

winnar111

Banned
Mar 10, 2008
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Originally posted by: bdubyah
yeah, just get a stock 260 and OC it.

mine's running at 726/1483/2500 right now.

I'm running at basically the same clocks.

691/1458/1269 with an EVGA SC.

Quite a few cards hit 1512 shaders and 1300 memory. They're very dependent on temps and cooling.
 

TC91

Golden Member
Jul 9, 2007
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a heavily oc'ed gtx 260 (lets say around 700 / 1500 / 2500) should give roughly 90-95% of the performance of a stock gtx 280.
 

Cheex

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2006
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Would you say that the OCing further negates the price difference for a GTS 280, making the GTX 260 a better purchase??
 

TC91

Golden Member
Jul 9, 2007
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Originally posted by: Cheex
Would you say that the OCing further negates the price difference for a GTS 280, making the GTX 260 a better purchase??

yes and no. if you are running a higher resolution such as 1920x1200 or higher then i will say that a gtx280 is better than an oc'ed gtx260 as you can oc it as well, and in higher resolutions, you will start to see a stock gtx280 pull away from a heavily oc'ed gtx260. If you are running a lower resolution then i will reccomend an oc'ed gtx260 or a 4870 (maybe even a 4850 since they are so cheap now) over the gtx280 as the difference will not be as pronounced.