GeForce GTX 280 vs GeForce RTX 3050 OEM
GeForce GTX 280
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GeForce RTX 3050 OEM
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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. The GeForce GTX 280 is positioned at rank #314 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar GeForce GTX 280
Performance Per Dollar GeForce RTX 3050 OEM
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
⚠️ Generational Difference
The GeForce RTX 3050 OEM is significantly newer (2022 vs 2008). The GeForce RTX 3050 OEM likely supports modern features like Ray Tracing, Tensor Cores, and DLSS/FSR upscaling, which act as force multipliers for performance. The GeForce GTX 280 lacks this hardware feature set, limiting its longevity in modern titles despite any raw power similarities.
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce RTX 3050 OEM is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 825.4% higher G3D Mark score and 700% more VRAM (8 GB vs 1 GB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce GTX 280.
| Insight | GeForce GTX 280 | GeForce RTX 3050 OEM |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-825.4%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+825.4%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2008 / Tesla 2.0 (2007−2013)) | 🏆Elite Architecture (Ampere (2020−2025) / 8nm) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | ✨ DLSS 3/4 + Frame Gen Support |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | 🎮 High Capacity (8 GB) |
| Efficiency | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt |
| Case Fit | Standard Size (267mm) | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce RTX 3050 OEM offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Priced at $150 versus $649 for the GeForce GTX 280, it costs 77% less. While it maintains basic entry-level capabilities, this results in a 3904.1% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce GTX 280 | GeForce RTX 3050 OEM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+3904.1%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($649) | ✅More affordable ($150) |
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 GTX 280 and GeForce RTX 3050 OEM
GeForce GTX 280
The GeForce GTX 280 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in June 16 2008. It features the Tesla 2.0 architecture. The core clock speed is 602 MHz. It has 240 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 236W. Manufactured using 65 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 1,285 points. Launch price was $649.
GeForce RTX 3050 OEM
The GeForce RTX 3050 OEM is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in January 4 2022. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1515 MHz to 1755 MHz. It has 2560 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 130W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 20 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 11,892 points.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce GTX 280 scores 1,285 versus the GeForce RTX 3050 OEM's 11,892 — the GeForce RTX 3050 OEM leads by 825.4%. The GeForce GTX 280 is built on Tesla 2.0 while the GeForce RTX 3050 OEM uses Ampere, both on 65 nm vs 8 nm. Shader units: 240 (GeForce GTX 280) vs 2,560 (GeForce RTX 3050 OEM). Raw compute: 0.6221 TFLOPS (GeForce GTX 280) vs 8.986 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3050 OEM).
| Feature | GeForce GTX 280 | GeForce RTX 3050 OEM |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 1,285 | 11,892+825% |
| Architecture | Tesla 2.0 | Ampere |
| Process Node | 65 nm | 8 nm |
| Shading Units | 240 | 2560+967% |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 0.6221 TFLOPS | 8.986 TFLOPS+1344% |
| ROPs | 32 | 32 |
| TMUs | 80 | 80 |
| L2 Cache | 0.25 MB | 2 MB+700% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | GeForce GTX 280 | GeForce RTX 3050 OEM |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | FSR 2.1 (Compatible) | DLSS 2.0 |
| Frame Generation | FSR 3 (Compatible) | FSR 3 / AFMF (Compatible) |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | Standard | NVIDIA Reflex |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce GTX 280 comes with 1 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 3050 OEM has 8 GB. The GeForce RTX 3050 OEM offers 700% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 128-bit vs 128-bit. L2 Cache: 0.25 MB (GeForce GTX 280) vs 2 MB (GeForce RTX 3050 OEM) — the GeForce RTX 3050 OEM has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.
| Feature | GeForce GTX 280 | GeForce RTX 3050 OEM |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 1 GB | 8 GB+700% |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bandwidth | Unknown | 224 GB/s |
| Bus Width | 128-bit | 128-bit |
| L2 Cache | 0.25 MB | 2 MB+700% |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 11.1 (10_0) (GeForce GTX 280) vs 12.2 (GeForce RTX 3050 OEM). Vulkan: N/A vs 1.3. OpenGL: 3.3 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 2 vs 4.
| Feature | GeForce GTX 280 | GeForce RTX 3050 OEM |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 11.1 (10_0) | 12.2+10% |
| Vulkan | N/A | 1.3 |
| OpenGL | 3.3 | 4.6+39% |
| Max Displays | 2 | 4+100% |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: None (GeForce GTX 280) vs 8th Gen NVENC (GeForce RTX 3050 OEM). Decoder: PureVideo HD (VP2) vs 5th Gen NVDEC. Supported codecs: H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 (GeForce GTX 280) vs MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC,VP9,AV1 (Decode) (GeForce RTX 3050 OEM).
| Feature | GeForce GTX 280 | GeForce RTX 3050 OEM |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | None | 8th Gen NVENC |
| Decoder | PureVideo HD (VP2) | 5th Gen NVDEC |
| Codecs | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 | MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC,VP9,AV1 (Decode) |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce GTX 280 draws 236W versus the GeForce RTX 3050 OEM's 130W — a 57.9% difference. The GeForce RTX 3050 OEM is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce GTX 280) vs 450W (GeForce RTX 3050 OEM). Power connectors: 1x 6-pin + 1x 8-pin vs 8-pin. Card length: 267mm vs 235mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 85 vs 75°C.
| Feature | GeForce GTX 280 | GeForce RTX 3050 OEM |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 236W | 130W-45% |
| Recommended PSU | 550W | 450W-18% |
| Power Connector | 1x 6-pin + 1x 8-pin | 8-pin |
| Length | 267mm | 235mm |
| Height | 111mm | 124mm |
| Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 85 | 75°C-12% |
| Perf/Watt | 5.4 | 91.5+1594% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce GTX 280 launched at $649 MSRP and currently averages $649, while the GeForce RTX 3050 OEM launched at $249 and now averages $150. The GeForce RTX 3050 OEM costs 76.9% less ($499 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 2.0 (GeForce GTX 280) vs 79.3 (GeForce RTX 3050 OEM) — the GeForce RTX 3050 OEM offers 3865% better value. The GeForce RTX 3050 OEM is the newer GPU (2022 vs 2008).
| Feature | GeForce GTX 280 | GeForce RTX 3050 OEM |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $649 | $249-62% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $649 | $150-77% |
| Performance per Dollar | 2.0 | 79.3+3865% |
| Codename | GT200 | GA106 |
| Release | June 16 2008 | January 4 2022 |
| Ranking | #802 | #224 |
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