GeForce GTX 280 vs GeForce RTX 4070
GeForce GTX 280
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GeForce RTX 4070
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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 4070
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
⚠️ Generational Difference
The GeForce RTX 4070 is significantly newer (2023 vs 2008). The GeForce RTX 4070 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 4070 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 1994.9% higher G3D Mark score and 1100% more VRAM (12 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 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-1994.9%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+1994.9%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2008 / Tesla 2.0 (2007−2013)) | 🏆Elite Architecture (Ada Lovelace (2022−2024) / 5nm) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | ✨ DLSS 3/4 + Frame Gen Support |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | 🎮 High Capacity (12 GB) |
| Efficiency | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt |
| Case Fit | Standard Size (267mm) | Standard Size (304mm) |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce RTX 4070 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Priced at $550 versus $649 for the GeForce GTX 280, it costs 15% less. While it maintains basic entry-level capabilities, this results in a 2371.9% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce GTX 280 | GeForce RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+2371.9%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($649) | ✅More affordable ($550) |
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 4070
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 4070
The GeForce RTX 4070 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in April 12 2023. It features the Ada Lovelace architecture. The core clock ranges from 1920 MHz to 2475 MHz. It has 5888 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 200W. Manufactured using 5 nm process technology. It features 46 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 26,919 points. Launch price was $599.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce GTX 280 scores 1,285 versus the GeForce RTX 4070's 26,919 — the GeForce RTX 4070 leads by 1994.9%. The GeForce GTX 280 is built on Tesla 2.0 while the GeForce RTX 4070 uses Ada Lovelace, both on 65 nm vs 5 nm. Shader units: 240 (GeForce GTX 280) vs 5,888 (GeForce RTX 4070). Raw compute: 0.6221 TFLOPS (GeForce GTX 280) vs 29.15 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 4070).
| Feature | GeForce GTX 280 | GeForce RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 1,285 | 26,919+1995% |
| Architecture | Tesla 2.0 | Ada Lovelace |
| Process Node | 65 nm | 5 nm |
| Shading Units | 240 | 5888+2353% |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 0.6221 TFLOPS | 29.15 TFLOPS+4586% |
| ROPs | 32 | 64+100% |
| TMUs | 80 | 184+130% |
| L2 Cache | 0.25 MB | 36 MB+14300% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
A critical advantage for the GeForce RTX 4070 is support for DLSS 3 Frame Gen. This allows it to generate entire frames using AI/Algorithms, essentially doubling the frame rate in CPU-bound scenarios or heavy ray-tracing titles. The GeForce GTX 280 lacks specific hardware/driver support for this native frame generation tier.
| Feature | GeForce GTX 280 | GeForce RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | FSR 2.1 (Compatible) | DLSS 3.5 |
| Frame Generation | FSR 3 (Compatible) | DLSS 3.0 (Native) |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | Yes (DLSS 3.5) |
| Low Latency | Standard | NVIDIA Reflex |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce GTX 280 comes with 1 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 4070 has 12 GB. The GeForce RTX 4070 offers 1100% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 128-bit vs 192-bit. L2 Cache: 0.25 MB (GeForce GTX 280) vs 36 MB (GeForce RTX 4070) — the GeForce RTX 4070 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.
| Feature | GeForce GTX 280 | GeForce RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 1 GB | 12 GB+1100% |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR6X |
| Memory Bandwidth | Unknown | 504 GB/s |
| Bus Width | 128-bit | 192-bit+50% |
| L2 Cache | 0.25 MB | 36 MB+14300% |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 11.1 (10_0) (GeForce GTX 280) vs 12.2 (GeForce RTX 4070). Vulkan: N/A vs 1.3. OpenGL: 3.3 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 2 vs 4.
| Feature | GeForce GTX 280 | GeForce RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (2x) (GeForce RTX 4070). 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 (GeForce RTX 4070).
| Feature | GeForce GTX 280 | GeForce RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | None | 8th Gen NVENC (2x) |
| Decoder | PureVideo HD (VP2) | 5th Gen NVDEC |
| Codecs | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 | MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC,VP9,AV1 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce GTX 280 draws 236W versus the GeForce RTX 4070's 200W — a 16.5% difference. The GeForce RTX 4070 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce GTX 280) vs 650W (GeForce RTX 4070). Power connectors: 1x 6-pin + 1x 8-pin vs 8-pin. Card length: 267mm vs 304mm, occupying 2 vs 3 slots. Typical load temperature: 85 vs 80°C.
| Feature | GeForce GTX 280 | GeForce RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 236W | 200W-15% |
| Recommended PSU | 550W-15% | 650W |
| Power Connector | 1x 6-pin + 1x 8-pin | 8-pin |
| Length | 267mm | 304mm |
| Height | 111mm | 137mm |
| Slots | 2-33% | 3 |
| Temp (Load) | 85 | 80°C-6% |
| Perf/Watt | 5.4 | 134.6+2393% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce GTX 280 launched at $649 MSRP and currently averages $649, while the GeForce RTX 4070 launched at $599 and now averages $550. The GeForce RTX 4070 costs 15.3% less ($99 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 2.0 (GeForce GTX 280) vs 48.9 (GeForce RTX 4070) — the GeForce RTX 4070 offers 2345% better value. The GeForce RTX 4070 is the newer GPU (2023 vs 2008).
| Feature | GeForce GTX 280 | GeForce RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $649 | $599-8% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $649 | $550-15% |
| Performance per Dollar | 2.0 | 48.9+2345% |
| Codename | GT200 | AD104 |
| Release | June 16 2008 | April 12 2023 |
| Ranking | #802 | #32 |
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