Above you can see the card tested, this is the GeForce GTX 460 1024MB MSI HAWK model. The card comes with a fairly basic bundle, no additional game software or anything. You do however receive the standard stuff like peripheral to 6-pin power converters, manual etc. Also included, is the latest version of MSI's Afterburner overclock software that allows for triple voltage options with this HAWK.

While 675 MHz is the default reference clock frequency on the core, this one is clocked at 780 MHz. The 1GB 256-bit gDDR5 memory remains clocked at the normal 3600 MHz (effective data-rate).

The design is intricate alright, we like that. The board has been completely overhauled which allows MSI to implement extra features and better specs.

You'll spot for example a dark colored custom PCB, equipped with MSI's military class components. Though the Military class components branding has a lot of marketing value, there is truth to be found behind it. The component usage is excellent, much better than b-grade components allowing this board to be more stable, have better power distribution, greater lifespan and hopefully more overclockability.

Next to the PCB change and component BOM (Bill of materials - is the list of components needed to produce the product) selection we spot two other things, let's zoom in a little.