Performance conclusion
Our benchmarks have proved what is already an accepted fact in the graphics card industry. The Geforce4 Ti 4600 video card is simply the fastest ever to grace the home PC market. The MSI G4Ti4600-VTD, based largely on the reference design, is able to deliver exceptional performance at each resolution, comfortably outdistancing the Geforce3 Ti 500. Just like the reference card, the MSI truly excels at anti-aliasing, it becomes not incrementally faster, but markedly faster than anything that has gone before when anti-aliasing is enabled.
The 128MB of onboard 2.8ns memory is put to good use, providing an extensive memory buffer for the larger textures that will inevitably be employed in future games. We marvelled at the performance of the Ti 4600 on its press launch on 7 Feb, we continue to be impressed 3 months later.
Conclusion
It stands to reason that designs based on one grade of GPU aren't going to differ markedly in performance. So, if a manufacturer wishes to distinguish their product in a homogenous world, they have to either make it look different, or offer potential buyers extra incentives to purchase their cards. MSI's G4Ti4600-VTD tries to distinguish itself by offering extra features over and above the reference design such as VIVO and a modified GPU cooling system. It also attempts to woo the gamer by providing an exceptional software bundle. We're presented with 3 recent titles that are excellent in their own right, together they make a welcome addition to anyone's games collection, extra demos should keep potential owners occupied for a while.
Unlike the recently reviewed Creative GF4 Ti4600, MSI had the care and attention to bundle relevant VIVO software and a rebadged WinDVD software player with their flagship card. We also hear that a DVI-to-VGA adapter will be bundled with all new retail Ti 4600s, a welcome addition in our eyes. You should not have to purchase extra equipment when buying an expensive video card.
We've previously alluded to the fact that MSI always attempt to deliver extra value for money. We would expect a Geforce4 Ti 4600, coupled with a comprehensive games bundle and VIVO functionality, to retail at around £350 or so, bare Geforce4 Ti4600s are usually offered at the wrong side of £300. We scoured our comprehensive list of online retailers and found the MSI G4Ti4600-VTD in stock for £304 including VAT. For objectivity, we can only compare this Ti 4600 to others, in that context the MSI offers incredible value for money once you have factored in the extras that are provided.
The MSI also did relatively well from an overclocking point of view, we managed to get a rock-solid overclocked speed of 320MHz core / 735MHz memory. Of course, ours is a sample of precisely one, your overclocking mileage may vary considerably.
The only reason that I personally cannot wholeheartedly recommend the MSI GF4Ti4600-VTD has actually very little to do with our test card itself. NVIDIA's, and unsurprisingly MSI's lineup, also features a Geforce4 Ti 4400, it differs from the Ti 4600 in employing 275/550 card clocks as opposed to 300/650 of the Ti 4600. The upside of slightly decreased card clocks is price. We've seen that a great number of Ti 4400s comfortably overclock to Ti 4600 default levels and beyond. The MSI variant, featuring the same classy software bundle and VIVO functionality, can be purchased for £217 including VAT. The £85 price differential somewhat detracts from the Ti 4600's attractiveness. Having said all that, if you find that you have £300 burning a large hole in your wallet, and are in the market for a video card, I feel that there are currently none better than the MSI G4Ti4600-VFD. Recommended.
Highs
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The fastest video card in town.
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2D quality: excellent.
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Price: £304 is excellent considering the added VIVO.
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Software bundle is excellent.
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Reputable manufacturer.
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Availability: Most decent retailers will carry it.
Lows
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Slightly noisy fan.
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MSI's very own Ti 4400 offers nearly as much performance for £85 less.
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Generic looks: Other manufacturers have made a point of distinguishing their cards with unique colours and ad-hoc packaging.
Overall rating - 8.5 / 10.
