CPU
GPU
GeForce 9800M GT
Popular choices:
GeForce GT 420M
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. The GeForce 9800M GT is positioned at rank 622 and the GeForce GT 420M is on rank 113, so the GeForce GT 420M 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 GT
Performance Per Dollar GeForce GT 420M
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce GT 420M is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 2.9% higher G3D Mark score. This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce 9800M GT.
| Insight | GeForce 9800M GT | GeForce GT 420M |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-2.9%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+2.9%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2008 / G9x (2007−2010)) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2012 / Kepler (2012−2018)) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | ✅ More VRAM (+0%) |
| Efficiency | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt |
| Case Fit | — | — |
💎 Value Proposition
While current pricing data is unavailable, the GeForce GT 420M 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 GT and GeForce GT 420M
GeForce 9800M GT
The GeForce 9800M 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: 381 points.
GeForce GT 420M
The GeForce GT 420M is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in March 22 2012. It features the Kepler architecture. The core clock ranges from Up to 625 MHz to 645 MHz. It has 384 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 32W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 392 points.
Graphics Performance
The GeForce 9800M GT scores 381 and the GeForce GT 420M reaches 392 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 2.9% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance. The GeForce 9800M GT is built on G9x while the GeForce GT 420M uses Kepler, both on 65 nm vs 28 nm. Shader units: 224 (GeForce 9800M GT) vs 384 (GeForce GT 420M).
| Feature | GeForce 9800M GT | GeForce GT 420M |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 381 | 392+3% |
| Architecture | G9x | Kepler |
| Process Node | 65 nm | 28 nm |
| Shading Units | 224 | 384+71% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | GeForce 9800M GT | GeForce GT 420M |
|---|---|---|
| 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)
Both cards feature 512 MB of GDDR5. Bus width: 64-bit vs 128-bit.
| Feature | GeForce 9800M GT | GeForce GT 420M |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 0.5 GB | 0.5 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | Unknown | Unknown |
| Bus Width | 64-bit | 128-bit+100% |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 10.0 (GeForce 9800M GT) vs 11.0 (GeForce GT 420M). Vulkan: None vs None. OpenGL: 3.3 vs 4.0. Maximum simultaneous displays: 1 vs 1.
| Feature | GeForce 9800M GT | GeForce GT 420M |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 10.0 | 11.0+10% |
| Vulkan | None | None |
| OpenGL | 3.3 | 4.0+21% |
| Max Displays | 1 | 1 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: No (GeForce 9800M GT) vs No (GeForce GT 420M). Decoder: PureVideo HD VP3 vs PureVideo HD VP4. Supported codecs: MPEG-2,H.264,VC-1 (GeForce 9800M GT) vs MPEG-2,H.264,VC-1,MPEG-4 ASP (GeForce GT 420M).
| Feature | GeForce 9800M GT | GeForce GT 420M |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | No | No |
| Decoder | PureVideo HD VP3 | PureVideo HD VP4 |
| Codecs | MPEG-2,H.264,VC-1 | MPEG-2,H.264,VC-1,MPEG-4 ASP |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce 9800M GT draws 150W versus the GeForce GT 420M's 32W — a 129.7% difference. The GeForce GT 420M is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 350W (GeForce 9800M GT) vs 350W (GeForce GT 420M). Power connectors: Legacy vs PCIe-powered. Card length: 0mm vs 0mm, occupying 0 vs 0 slots. Typical load temperature: 90°C vs 75°C.
| Feature | GeForce 9800M GT | GeForce GT 420M |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 150W | 32W-79% |
| Recommended PSU | 350W | 350W |
| Power Connector | Legacy | PCIe-powered |
| Length | 0mm | 0mm |
| Height | 0mm | 0mm |
| Slots | 0 | 0 |
| Temp (Load) | 90°C | 75°C-17% |
| Perf/Watt | 2.5 | 12.3+392% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce GT 420M is the newer GPU (2012 vs 2008).
| Feature | GeForce 9800M GT | GeForce GT 420M |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $160 | — |
| Avg Price (30d) | $5 | — |
| Codename | NB9E-GTX | GK107 |
| Release | July 15 2008 | March 22 2012 |
| Ranking | #825 | #909 |
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