Inno3D GeForce 6200A - Overclocking and Conclusion
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When people overclock a 6800 Ultra, each extra MHz enables additional cycles through 16 pipelines, 6 vertex shaders, all while being fed by a 256-bit memory bus. With only 4 pixel pipelines, 3 vertex pipelines, and a 64-bit memory bus, overclocking the 6200A has a negligible effect. Plus, the Inno3D 6200A comes default with a 350MHz core clock and 500MHz memory clock. The core is passively cooled and the RAM used is rated for speeds up to 500MHz. Already the memory is at its specification max, and the core is not meant to run much hotter than it is at default speeds. Therefore, overclocking the Inno3D 6200A is pretty much a worthless cause.
Overall, the Inno3D 6200A performs as expected. It matches the performance of one of last generation's middle-level graphics card, the ATI Radeon 9600. Judging by this fact, the 6200A probably also performs similarly to the NVIDIA GeForce 5600. In Counter-Strike: Source, Far Cry, and Unreal Tournament 2004, the 6200A and 9600 have the same performance. In Doom 3, the 6200A is the clear winner, and in Need For Speed Underground 2, the 9600 is the better performer. In older games like UT2K4, the 6200A is capable of running 1024x768 resolution. But for newer games like HL2 and Doom 3, the 6200A is better suited to running at 800x600.
NVIDIA has tried to step up their game by giving all 6 series GPUs the same features, like CineFX 3.0 and UltraShadow II. So far, the only visible benefit the 6200A has from this is good Doom 3 performance and the ability to run NVIDIA's graphical demos. Although Far Cry 1.3 takes advantage of SM 3.0, that fact alone does not really sell the 6200A. If you value features, then a 6 series GPU is where you want your money to go.
As for Inno3D, their 6200A package is simple and straightforward. We had no problems installing the card, and it was perfectly stable with its passive heatsink throughout all testing and two weeks of normal, everyday use. The 6200A's 2D and TV-out quality has not deviated from any of NVIDIA's other video cards. Currently, it is difficult to find a 6200A. Performance wise, the 6200A and 64-bit 6200 are practically the same. The cheapest 128 MB 64-bit 6200 runs for $80. Once the 6200A is more available, it should be priced under $80 as manufacturing costs decrease. Thus, if you are in the market for the absolute cheapest video card with the performance we have described to you today and the features of a NVIDIA 6 series GPU, then wait for the 6200A.
Pros
Projected to be cheaper than currently available 6200s
Equals the performance of last generation's mid-level Radeon 9600
NV44 core with low transistor count stays cool by passive heatsink
Small size will fit any HTPC or SFF
Cons
64-bit memory interface (could have been 128-bit)
Missing two ROPs over the previous 6200
NV44 core means you cannot unlock 4 pixel pipelines that you could with the NV43 6200
Dev Hardware would like to thank you for joining us here today for the review of the Inno3D GeForce 6200A. Check out Inno3D if you would like to see what other GeForce cards they have to offer. Shoot me an email if you have any questions, otherwise head back to the front-page for some other news and reviews or check out the forums!
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