GeForce GTS 250 vs GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+
GeForce GTS 250
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GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+
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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 GTS 250 is positioned at rank 246 and the GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ is on rank 616, so the GeForce GTS 250 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar GeForce GTS 250
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 0.4% higher G3D Mark score. However, the GeForce GTS 250 offers more VRAM, which may be beneficial for texture-heavy scenarios at higher resolutions.
| Insight | GeForce GTS 250 | GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-0.4%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+0.4%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2010 / Fermi (2010−2014)) | 🛑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 | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly | Standard Size (267mm) |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce GTS 250 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. While both GPUs are considered legacy components by modern standards, the GeForce GTS 250 holds the technical lead. Priced at $20 (vs $40), it costs 50% less, resulting in a 99.3% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce GTS 250 | GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+99.3%) | ❌Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅More affordable ($20) | ⚠️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 GTS 250 and GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+
GeForce GTS 250
The GeForce GTS 250 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: 569 points. Launch price was $129.
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 GTS 250 scores 569 and the GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ reaches 571 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 0.4% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance. The GeForce GTS 250 is built on Fermi while the GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ uses G9x, both on 40 nm vs 65 nm. Shader units: 192 (GeForce GTS 250) vs 224 (GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+).
| Feature | GeForce GTS 250 | GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 569 | 571 |
| Architecture | Fermi | G9x |
| Process Node | 40 nm | 65 nm |
| Shading Units | 192 | 224+17% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | GeForce GTS 250 | 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 GTS 250 comes with 1 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ has 512 MB. The GeForce GTS 250 offers 100% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 128-bit vs 64-bit.
| Feature | GeForce GTS 250 | 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: 11.1 (10_0) (GeForce GTS 250) vs 11.1 (10_0) (GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+). OpenGL: 3.3 vs 3.3. Maximum simultaneous displays: 2 vs 2.
| Feature | GeForce GTS 250 | GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 11.1 (10_0) | 11.1 (10_0) |
| OpenGL | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| Max Displays | 2 | 2 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: PureVideo HD VP5 (GeForce GTS 250) vs No NVENC (G92) (GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+). Decoder: PureVideo HD VP5 vs PureVideo HD VP2. Supported codecs: H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 (GeForce GTS 250) vs H.264,VC-1,MPEG-1,MPEG-2,WMV (GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+).
| Feature | GeForce GTS 250 | GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | PureVideo HD VP5 | No NVENC (G92) |
| Decoder | PureVideo HD VP5 | PureVideo HD VP2 |
| Codecs | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-1,MPEG-2,WMV |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce GTS 250 draws 106W versus the GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+'s 150W — a 34.4% difference. The GeForce GTS 250 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 450W (GeForce GTS 250) vs 350W (GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+). Power connectors: 1x 6-pin vs PCIe-powered. Card length: 229mm vs 267mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 90°C vs 80°C.
| Feature | GeForce GTS 250 | GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 106W-29% | 150W |
| Recommended PSU | 450W | 350W-22% |
| Power Connector | 1x 6-pin | PCIe-powered |
| Length | 229mm | 267mm |
| Height | 111mm | 111mm |
| Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 90°C | 80°C-11% |
| Perf/Watt | 5.4+42% | 3.8 |
Value Analysis
The GeForce GTS 250 launched at $129 MSRP and currently averages $20, while the GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ launched at $229 and now averages $40. The GeForce GTS 250 costs 50% less ($20 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 28.4 (GeForce GTS 250) vs 14.3 (GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+) — the GeForce GTS 250 offers 98.6% better value. The GeForce GTS 250 is the newer GPU (2010 vs 2008).
| Feature | GeForce GTS 250 | GeForce 9800 GTX/9800 GTX+ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $129-44% | $229 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $20-50% | $40 |
| Performance per Dollar | 28.4+99% | 14.3 |
| Codename | GF106 | NB9E-GTX |
| Release | September 13 2010 | July 15 2008 |
| Ranking | #791 | #825 |
Top Performing GPUs
The most powerful gpus ranked by G3D Mark benchmark scores.
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