GeForce GT 520 vs GeForce 9700M GT
GeForce GT 520
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GeForce 9700M GT
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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 GT 520 is positioned at rank 214 and the GeForce 9700M GT is on rank 668, so the GeForce GT 520 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar GeForce GT 520
Performance Per Dollar GeForce 9700M GT
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
⚠️ Generational Difference
The GeForce GT 520 is significantly newer (2015 vs 2008). The GeForce GT 520 likely supports modern features like Ray Tracing, Tensor Cores, and DLSS/FSR upscaling, which act as force multipliers for performance. The GeForce 9700M GT lacks this hardware feature set, limiting its longevity in modern titles despite any raw power similarities.
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce 9700M GT is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 1.2% higher G3D Mark score. However, the GeForce GT 520 offers more VRAM, which may be beneficial for texture-heavy scenarios at higher resolutions.
| Insight | GeForce GT 520 | GeForce 9700M GT |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-1.2%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+1.2%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2015 / Maxwell 2.0 (2014−2019)) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2008 / G9x (2007−2010)) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ✅ More VRAM (+300%) | ❌ Less VRAM capacity |
| Efficiency | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption |
| Case Fit | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly | — |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce GT 520 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. While both GPUs are considered legacy components by modern standards, the GeForce GT 520 holds the technical lead. Priced at $15 (vs $40), it costs 63% less, resulting in a 163.4% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce GT 520 | GeForce 9700M GT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+163.4%) | ❌Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅More affordable ($15) | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($40) |
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 GT 520 and GeForce 9700M GT
GeForce GT 520
The GeForce GT 520 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in August 20 2015. It features the Maxwell 2.0 architecture. The core clock ranges from 1024 MHz to 1188 MHz. It has 768 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 90W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 323 points. Launch price was $159.
GeForce 9700M GT
The GeForce 9700M 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: 327 points.
Graphics Performance
The GeForce GT 520 scores 323 and the GeForce 9700M GT reaches 327 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 1.2% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance. The GeForce GT 520 is built on Maxwell 2.0 while the GeForce 9700M GT uses G9x, both on 28 nm vs 65 nm. Shader units: 768 (GeForce GT 520) vs 224 (GeForce 9700M GT).
| Feature | GeForce GT 520 | GeForce 9700M GT |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 323 | 327+1% |
| Architecture | Maxwell 2.0 | G9x |
| Process Node | 28 nm | 65 nm |
| Shading Units | 768+243% | 224 |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | GeForce GT 520 | GeForce 9700M GT |
|---|---|---|
| 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 GT 520 comes with 2 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce 9700M GT has 512 MB. The GeForce GT 520 offers 300% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 64-bit vs 64-bit.
| Feature | GeForce GT 520 | GeForce 9700M GT |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 2 GB+300% | 0.5 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | Unknown | Unknown |
| Bus Width | 64-bit | 64-bit |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 11.0 (GeForce GT 520) vs 11.1 (FL10_0) (GeForce 9700M GT). OpenGL: 4.1 vs 3.3. Maximum simultaneous displays: 2 vs 2.
| Feature | GeForce GT 520 | GeForce 9700M GT |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 11.0 | 11.1 (FL10_0) |
| OpenGL | 4.1+24% | 3.3 |
| Max Displays | 2 | 2 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: No (GeForce GT 520) vs VP3 (GeForce 9700M GT). Decoder: PureVideo HD VP4 vs VP3. Supported codecs: MPEG-2,H.264,VC-1,MPEG-4 ASP (GeForce GT 520) vs H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 (GeForce 9700M GT).
| Feature | GeForce GT 520 | GeForce 9700M GT |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | No | VP3 |
| Decoder | PureVideo HD VP4 | VP3 |
| Codecs | MPEG-2,H.264,VC-1,MPEG-4 ASP | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce GT 520 draws 90W versus the GeForce 9700M GT's 150W — a 50% difference. The GeForce GT 520 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 250W (GeForce GT 520) vs 350W (GeForce 9700M GT). Power connectors: None vs Legacy. Typical load temperature: 65°C vs 80°C.
| Feature | GeForce GT 520 | GeForce 9700M GT |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 90W-40% | 150W |
| Recommended PSU | 250W-29% | 350W |
| Power Connector | None | Legacy |
| Length | 145mm | — |
| Height | 111mm | — |
| Slots | 1 | 0-100% |
| Temp (Load) | 65°C-19% | 80°C |
| Perf/Watt | 3.6+64% | 2.2 |
Value Analysis
The GeForce GT 520 launched at $59 MSRP and currently averages $15, while the GeForce 9700M GT launched at $200 and now averages $40. The GeForce GT 520 costs 62.5% less ($25 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 21.5 (GeForce GT 520) vs 8.2 (GeForce 9700M GT) — the GeForce GT 520 offers 162.2% better value. The GeForce GT 520 is the newer GPU (2015 vs 2008).
| Feature | GeForce GT 520 | GeForce 9700M GT |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $59-71% | $200 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $15-63% | $40 |
| Performance per Dollar | 21.5+162% | 8.2 |
| Codename | GM206 | NB9E-GTX |
| Release | August 20 2015 | July 15 2008 |
| Ranking | #425 | #825 |
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