CPU
GPU
GeForce 8600M GT
Popular choices:
GeForce 305M
Popular choices:
Performance Spectrum - GPU
About G3D Mark
G3D Mark is a standard benchmark that measures graphics performance in real-world gaming scenarios. It simplifies comparing cards from different brands, where higher scores directly correlate with better fps and smoother gaming experiences.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Per Dollar GeForce 305M
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
⚠️ Generational Difference
The GeForce 305M is significantly newer (2015 vs 2008). The GeForce 305M likely supports modern features like Ray Tracing, Tensor Cores, and DLSS/FSR upscaling, which act as force multipliers for performance. The GeForce 8600M GT lacks this hardware feature set, limiting its longevity in modern titles despite any raw power similarities.
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce 8600M GT is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 8.6% higher G3D Mark score. However, the GeForce 305M offers more VRAM, which may be beneficial for texture-heavy scenarios at higher resolutions.
| Insight | GeForce 8600M GT | GeForce 305M |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+8.6%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-8.6%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2008 / G9x (2007−2010)) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2015 / Maxwell (2014−2017)) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | ✅ More VRAM (+100%) |
| Efficiency | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt |
| Case Fit | — | — |
💎 Value Proposition
While current pricing data is unavailable, the GeForce 8600M GT remains the clear technical winner. Check real-time availability to determine if the performance gap justifies the market price.
Performance Check
Real-world benchmarks and performance projections based on comprehensive hardware analysis and comparative metrics. Values represent expected performance on High/Ultra settings at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. Modeled using a Ryzen 7 7800X3D reference profile to minimize specific CPU bottlenecks.
Note: Performance behavior can vary per game. Specific architectures may perform better or worse depending on game engine optimizations and API implementation.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of GeForce 8600M GT and GeForce 305M
GeForce 8600M GT
The GeForce 8600M GT is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in July 15 2008. It features the G9x architecture. The core clock speed is 500 MHz. It has 224 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 150W. Manufactured using 65 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 164 points.
GeForce 305M
The GeForce 305M is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in March 13 2015. It features the Maxwell architecture. The core clock ranges from 549 MHz to 549 MHz. It has 384 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 33W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 151 points.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce 8600M GT scores 164 versus the GeForce 305M's 151 — the GeForce 8600M GT leads by 8.6%. The GeForce 8600M GT is built on G9x while the GeForce 305M uses Maxwell, both on 65 nm vs 28 nm. Shader units: 224 (GeForce 8600M GT) vs 384 (GeForce 305M).
| Feature | GeForce 8600M GT | GeForce 305M |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 164+9% | 151 |
| Architecture | G9x | Maxwell |
| Process Node | 65 nm | 28 nm |
| Shading Units | 224 | 384+71% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | GeForce 8600M GT | GeForce 305M |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | FSR 1.0 (Software) | FSR 1.0 (Software) |
| Frame Generation | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | Standard | Standard |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce 8600M GT comes with 256 MB of VRAM, while the GeForce 305M has 512 MB. The GeForce 305M offers 100% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 64-bit vs 128-bit.
| Feature | GeForce 8600M GT | GeForce 305M |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 0.25 GB | 0.5 GB+100% |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | Unknown | Unknown |
| Bus Width | 64-bit | 128-bit+100% |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 11.1 (10_0) (GeForce 8600M GT) vs 10.1 (GeForce 305M). OpenGL: 3.3 vs 3.3. Maximum simultaneous displays: 2 vs 2.
| Feature | GeForce 8600M GT | GeForce 305M |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 11.1 (10_0)+10% | 10.1 |
| OpenGL | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| Max Displays | 2 | 2 |
Media & Encoding
Decoder: PureVideo HD (VP2) vs PureVideo VP4. Supported codecs: H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 (GeForce 8600M GT) vs H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2,MPEG-4 Part 2 (GeForce 305M).
| Feature | GeForce 8600M GT | GeForce 305M |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | — | None |
| Decoder | PureVideo HD (VP2) | PureVideo VP4 |
| Codecs | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2,MPEG-4 Part 2 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce 8600M GT draws 150W versus the GeForce 305M's 33W — a 127.9% difference. The GeForce 305M is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 350W (GeForce 8600M GT) vs 350W (GeForce 305M). Power connectors: Legacy vs Legacy. Typical load temperature: 85°C vs 80°C.
| Feature | GeForce 8600M GT | GeForce 305M |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 150W | 33W-78% |
| Recommended PSU | 350W | 350W |
| Power Connector | Legacy | Legacy |
| Height | — | 0mm |
| Slots | 0-100% | 1 |
| Temp (Load) | 85°C | 80°C-6% |
| Perf/Watt | 1.1 | 4.6+318% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce 305M is the newer GPU (2015 vs 2008).
| Feature | GeForce 8600M GT | GeForce 305M |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $0 | — |
| Avg Price (30d) | $0 | — |
| Codename | NB9E-GTX | GM108 |
| Release | July 15 2008 | March 13 2015 |
| Ranking | #825 | #880 |
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