
GeForce GTX 280 vs Tesla M2070-Q

GeForce GTX 280
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Tesla M2070-Q
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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 GTX 280 is positioned at rank 314 and the Tesla M2070-Q is on rank 398, so the GeForce GTX 280 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar GeForce GTX 280
Performance Per Dollar Tesla M2070-Q
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The Tesla M2070-Q is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 1.6% higher G3D Mark score. However, the GeForce GTX 280 offers more VRAM, which may be beneficial for texture-heavy scenarios at higher resolutions.
| Insight | GeForce GTX 280 | Tesla M2070-Q |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-1.6%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+1.6%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2008 / Tesla 2.0 (2007−2013)) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2011 / Fermi (2010−2014)) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ✅ More VRAM (+100%) | ❌ Less VRAM capacity |
| Efficiency | Normal Efficiency | Normal Efficiency |
| Case Fit | Standard Size (267mm) | — |
💎 Value Proposition
The Tesla M2070-Q offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. While both GPUs are considered legacy components by modern standards, the Tesla M2070-Q holds the technical lead. Priced at $50 (vs $649), it costs 92% less, resulting in a 1219.2% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce GTX 280 | Tesla M2070-Q |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+1219.2%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($649) | ✅More affordable ($50) |
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 Tesla M2070-Q

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.

Tesla M2070-Q
The Tesla M2070-Q is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in July 25 2011. It features the Fermi architecture. The core clock speed is 574 MHz. It has 448 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 225W. Manufactured using 40 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 1,306 points. Launch price was $5,489.
Graphics Performance
The GeForce GTX 280 scores 1,285 and the Tesla M2070-Q reaches 1,306 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 1.6% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance. The GeForce GTX 280 is built on Tesla 2.0 while the Tesla M2070-Q uses Fermi, both on 65 nm vs 40 nm. Shader units: 240 (GeForce GTX 280) vs 448 (Tesla M2070-Q). Raw compute: 0.6221 TFLOPS (GeForce GTX 280) vs 1.028 TFLOPS (Tesla M2070-Q).
| Feature | GeForce GTX 280 | Tesla M2070-Q |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 1,285 | 1,306+2% |
| Architecture | Tesla 2.0 | Fermi |
| Process Node | 65 nm | 40 nm |
| Shading Units | 240 | 448+87% |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 0.6221 TFLOPS | 1.028 TFLOPS+65% |
| ROPs | 32 | 48+50% |
| TMUs | 80+43% | 56 |
| L2 Cache | 256 KB | 768 KB+200% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | GeForce GTX 280 | Tesla M2070-Q |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | FSR 2.1 (Compatible) | FSR 1.0 (Software) |
| Frame Generation | FSR 3 (Compatible) | Not Supported |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | Standard | Standard |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce GTX 280 comes with 1 GB of VRAM, while the Tesla M2070-Q has 512 MB. The GeForce GTX 280 offers 100% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 128-bit vs 64-bit. L2 Cache: 256 KB (GeForce GTX 280) vs 768 KB (Tesla M2070-Q) — the Tesla M2070-Q has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.
| Feature | GeForce GTX 280 | Tesla M2070-Q |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 1 GB+100% | 0.5 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Bus Width | 128-bit+100% | 64-bit |
| L2 Cache | 256 KB | 768 KB+200% |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce GTX 280 draws 236W versus the Tesla M2070-Q's 225W — a 4.8% difference. The Tesla M2070-Q is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce GTX 280) vs 350W (Tesla M2070-Q). Power connectors: 1x 6-pin + 1x 8-pin vs PCIe-powered.
| Feature | GeForce GTX 280 | Tesla M2070-Q |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 236W | 225W-5% |
| Recommended PSU | 550W | 350W-36% |
| Power Connector | 1x 6-pin + 1x 8-pin | PCIe-powered |
| Length | 267mm | — |
| Height | 111mm | — |
| Slots | 2 | — |
| Temp (Load) | 85 | — |
| Perf/Watt | 5.4 | 5.8+7% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce GTX 280 launched at $649 MSRP and currently averages $649, while the Tesla M2070-Q launched at $5489 and now averages $50. The Tesla M2070-Q costs 92.3% less ($599 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 2.0 (GeForce GTX 280) vs 26.1 (Tesla M2070-Q) — the Tesla M2070-Q offers 1205% better value. The Tesla M2070-Q is the newer GPU (2011 vs 2008).
| Feature | GeForce GTX 280 | Tesla M2070-Q |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $649-88% | $5489 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $649 | $50-92% |
| Performance per Dollar | 2.0 | 26.1+1205% |
| Codename | GT200 | GF100 |
| Release | June 16 2008 | July 25 2011 |
| Ranking | #802 | #798 |
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