CPU
GPU
GeForce GT 550M
Popular choices:
GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+
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 GT 550M is positioned at rank 125 and the GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ is on rank 616, so the GeForce GT 550M 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 550M
Performance Per Dollar GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 1.8% higher G3D Mark score. However, the GeForce GT 550M offers more VRAM, which may be beneficial for texture-heavy scenarios at higher resolutions.
| Insight | GeForce GT 550M | GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-1.8%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+1.8%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2013 / Kepler (2012−2018)) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2008 / G9x (2007−2010)) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ✅ More VRAM (+100%) | ❌ Less VRAM capacity |
| Efficiency | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption |
| Case Fit | — | Standard Size (267mm) |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce GT 550M offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. While both GPUs are considered legacy components by modern standards, the GeForce GT 550M holds the technical lead. Priced at $30 (vs $40), it costs 25% less, resulting in a 31% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce GT 550M | GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+31%) | ❌Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅More affordable ($30) | ⚠️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 550M and GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+
GeForce GT 550M
The GeForce GT 550M is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in June 25 2013. It features the Kepler architecture. The core clock speed is 980 MHz. It has 384 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 50W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 561 points.
GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+
The GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ 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: 571 points.
Graphics Performance
The GeForce GT 550M scores 561 and the GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ reaches 571 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 1.8% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance. The GeForce GT 550M is built on Kepler while the GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ uses G9x, both on 28 nm vs 65 nm. Shader units: 384 (GeForce GT 550M) vs 224 (GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+).
| Feature | GeForce GT 550M | GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 561 | 571+2% |
| Architecture | Kepler | G9x |
| Process Node | 28 nm | 65 nm |
| Shading Units | 384+71% | 224 |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | GeForce GT 550M | GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | FSR 1.0 (Software) | FSR 2.1 (Compatible) |
| Frame Generation | Not Supported | FSR 3 (Compatible) |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | Standard | Standard |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce GT 550M comes with 1 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ has 512 MB. The GeForce GT 550M offers 100% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 128-bit vs 64-bit.
| Feature | GeForce GT 550M | GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 1 GB+100% | 0.5 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | Unknown | Unknown |
| Bus Width | 128-bit+100% | 64-bit |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 11.0 (GeForce GT 550M) vs 11.1 (10_0) (GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+). OpenGL: 4.0 vs 3.3. Maximum simultaneous displays: 1 vs 2.
| Feature | GeForce GT 550M | GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 11.0 | 11.1 (10_0) |
| OpenGL | 4.0+21% | 3.3 |
| Max Displays | 1 | 2+100% |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: No (GeForce GT 550M) vs No NVENC (G92) (GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+). Decoder: PureVideo HD VP4 vs PureVideo HD VP2. Supported codecs: MPEG-2,H.264,VC-1,MPEG-4 ASP (GeForce GT 550M) vs H.264,VC-1,MPEG-1,MPEG-2,WMV (GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+).
| Feature | GeForce GT 550M | GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | No | No NVENC (G92) |
| Decoder | PureVideo HD VP4 | PureVideo HD VP2 |
| Codecs | MPEG-2,H.264,VC-1,MPEG-4 ASP | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-1,MPEG-2,WMV |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce GT 550M draws 50W versus the GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+'s 150W — a 100% difference. The GeForce GT 550M is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 350W (GeForce GT 550M) vs 350W (GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+). Power connectors: PCIe-powered vs PCIe-powered. Card length: 0mm vs 267mm, occupying 0 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 85°C vs 80°C.
| Feature | GeForce GT 550M | GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 50W-67% | 150W |
| Recommended PSU | 350W | 350W |
| Power Connector | PCIe-powered | PCIe-powered |
| Length | 0mm | 267mm |
| Height | 0mm | 111mm |
| Slots | 0-100% | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 85°C | 80°C-6% |
| Perf/Watt | 11.2+195% | 3.8 |
Value Analysis
The GeForce GT 550M costs 25% less ($10 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 18.7 (GeForce GT 550M) vs 14.3 (GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+) — the GeForce GT 550M offers 30.8% better value. The GeForce GT 550M is the newer GPU (2013 vs 2008).
| Feature | GeForce GT 550M | GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | — | $229 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $30-25% | $40 |
| Performance per Dollar | 18.7+31% | 14.3 |
| Codename | GK107 | NB9E-GTX |
| Release | June 25 2013 | July 15 2008 |
| Ranking | #726 | #825 |
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