GeForce 9800M GS vs GeForce GTS 250M
GeForce 9800M GS
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GeForce GTS 250M
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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. The GeForce 9800M GS is positioned at rank 608 and the GeForce GTS 250M is on rank 84, so the GeForce GTS 250M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar GeForce 9800M GS
Performance Per Dollar GeForce GTS 250M
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce GTS 250M is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 0.6% higher G3D Mark score and 100% more VRAM (1 GB vs 512 MB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce 9800M GS.
| Insight | GeForce 9800M GS | GeForce GTS 250M |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-0.6%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+0.6%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2008 / G9x (2007−2010)) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2010 / Fermi (2010−2014)) |
| 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 GTS 250M 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 9800M GS and GeForce GTS 250M
GeForce 9800M GS
The GeForce 9800M GS 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: 517 points.
GeForce GTS 250M
The GeForce GTS 250M is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in September 13 2010. It features the Fermi architecture. The core clock speed is 783 MHz. It has 192 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 106W. Manufactured using 40 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 520 points. Launch price was $129.
Graphics Performance
The GeForce 9800M GS scores 517 and the GeForce GTS 250M reaches 520 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 0.6% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance. The GeForce 9800M GS is built on G9x while the GeForce GTS 250M uses Fermi, both on 65 nm vs 40 nm. Shader units: 224 (GeForce 9800M GS) vs 192 (GeForce GTS 250M).
| Feature | GeForce 9800M GS | GeForce GTS 250M |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 517 | 520 |
| Architecture | G9x | Fermi |
| Process Node | 65 nm | 40 nm |
| Shading Units | 224+17% | 192 |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | GeForce 9800M GS | GeForce GTS 250M |
|---|---|---|
| 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 9800M GS comes with 512 MB of VRAM, while the GeForce GTS 250M has 1 GB. The GeForce GTS 250M offers 100% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 64-bit vs 128-bit.
| Feature | GeForce 9800M GS | GeForce GTS 250M |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 0.5 GB | 1 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 9800M GS) vs 11.1 (10_1) (GeForce GTS 250M). OpenGL: 3.3 vs 2.1. Maximum simultaneous displays: 2 vs 2.
| Feature | GeForce 9800M GS | GeForce GTS 250M |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 11.1 (10_0) | 11.1 (10_1) |
| OpenGL | 3.3+57% | 2.1 |
| Max Displays | 2 | 2 |
Media & Encoding
Decoder: PureVideo HD (VP3) vs PureVideo HD VP4. Supported codecs: H.264,MPEG-2,VC-1 (GeForce 9800M GS) vs H.264,VC-1,MPEG-4 ASP (GeForce GTS 250M).
| Feature | GeForce 9800M GS | GeForce GTS 250M |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | — | PureVideo HD VP4 |
| Decoder | PureVideo HD (VP3) | PureVideo HD VP4 |
| Codecs | H.264,MPEG-2,VC-1 | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-4 ASP |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce 9800M GS draws 150W versus the GeForce GTS 250M's 106W — a 34.4% difference. The GeForce GTS 250M is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 350W (GeForce 9800M GS) vs 300W (GeForce GTS 250M). Power connectors: Legacy vs Legacy. Typical load temperature: 85°C vs 85°C.
| Feature | GeForce 9800M GS | GeForce GTS 250M |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 150W | 106W-29% |
| Recommended PSU | 350W | 300W-14% |
| Power Connector | Legacy | Legacy |
| Slots | 0 | 0 |
| Temp (Load) | 85°C | 85°C |
| Perf/Watt | 3.4 | 4.9+44% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce GTS 250M is the newer GPU (2010 vs 2008).
| Feature | GeForce 9800M GS | GeForce GTS 250M |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $200 | — |
| Avg Price (30d) | $50 | — |
| Codename | NB9E-GTX | GF106 |
| Release | July 15 2008 | September 13 2010 |
| Ranking | #825 | #791 |
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