First, the hidden 'Clock Frequencies' panel was activated with the use of NVTweak, available on the VGA Driver and Utility CD provided by Albatron. Default clock frequencies were immediately identified as 350MHz on the GPU and 500MHz on the memory as seen in the panel below. NVTweak was also used for activating clock frequencies panel and overclocking the TC6200, 16/128MB.
Albatron GeFORCE TC6200Q Default Clocks
Both, engineering sample TC6200 and the Albatron TC6200Q settled on a 100MHz
overclock at 450MHz! Remember, overclock capabilities are dependent upon a
number of factors and the 'luck of the draw' must always be considered. These
results are exceptional considering the cards are passively cooled. No
indications of heat buildup or abnormalities were experienced. In fact,
temperature readings stayed below 56C even during the most stressful tests and
extended gaming sessions.
Albatron GeFORCE TC6200Q Overclocking
An impressive 100MHz overclock for the Albatron GeForce TC6200Q with no
indications of excessive heat buildup. What more could you ask? Maybe
overclockable memory? I had a lofty goal of 700MHz for the 3.6ns ram and I
achieved that goal, a 200MHz overclock! That is stretching 3.6ns ram.
On the engineering sample it was a different story. While the ram is rated at
350MHz, effective 700MHz, the 2.86ns ram topped out at 775MHz. I backed it off
to 750MHz for the final overclock.
NVIDIA ForceWare 71.84
NVIDIA ForceWare 71.84 drivers used to record tests although I found no
significant performance increase over the 71.20 drivers which I have been using
with the engineering sample TC6200, 16/128MB card.
NVIDIA ForceWare 71.84
The Albatron's TC6200Q GPU temperature at idle is excellent
As an entry-level, low-end cards enthusiasts or dedicated gamers may take little
note. On the other hand, these cards are a significant improvement over previous
generations of entry-level, low-end cards. Also, due consideration should be
given to those who cannot shell out the money for a more expensive card as well
as those who game occasionally. With the features NVIDIA has tucked away in
these cards it is an exceptional buy considering playing games using the latest
technology is possible. In some games the overclock capability provided
significant performance increases. Temperatures did climb into the 50C's but no
excessive temperature problem was ever experienced during all the testing and
gaming. Let's see just what these cards can do and can't do.
GAME TESTS
Very little quarter is given in the game test suite as I am of the opinion to
find out how a card performs requires the most stressful condition the card may
be used in. I do not expect high marks in any of the following games but I do
want to see the performance that can be produced by these cards, albeit,
entry-level selections. Some have stated that these cards cannot play the newest
games, I want to see for myself as I already know the TC6200, 16MB card, can
play HL2 with due consideration for setting of resolution and of course, no
application of antialiasing. So the tests will begin with four games that have
been out for over a year (COD, UT2004, Halo, and Far Cry) and proceed on to the
current crop of games which include DOOM3 and Half Life2. I have omitted my
selection for 'Sleeper Game of the Year,' Chronicles of Riddick, as I need to
work some on the benchmarking but it should be ready for the next review.
