GeForce GTX 680 vs Radeon R9 280

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance benchmarks.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance benchmarks.

Performance Comparison

About G3D Mark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

The GeForce GTX 680 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 1.4% higher G3D Mark score and 33.3% more VRAM (4 GB vs 3 GB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the Radeon R9 280.

Insight	GeForce GTX 680	Radeon R9 280
Performance	✅Leading raw performance (+1.4%)	❌Lower raw frame rates (-1.4%)
Longevity	🛑Obsolete Architecture (2012 / Kepler (2012−2018))	🛑Obsolete Architecture (2014 / GCN 1.0 (2012−2020))
Ecosystem	Supports FSR Upscaling	Supports FSR Upscaling
VRAM	✅ More VRAM (+33.3%)	❌ Less VRAM capacity
Efficiency	Normal Efficiency	Normal Efficiency
Case Fit	Standard Size (256mm)	—

💎 Value Proposition

The GeForce GTX 680 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. While both GPUs are considered legacy components by modern standards, the GeForce GTX 680 holds the technical lead. Priced at $40 (vs $40), it costs 0% less, resulting in a 1.4% higher cost efficiency score.

Insight	GeForce GTX 680	Radeon R9 280
Cost Efficiency	✅Better overall value (+1.4%)	❌Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	Equivalent pricing	Equivalent pricing

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.

GeForce GTX 680 Benchmark Check

Radeon R9 280 Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce GTX 680 and Radeon R9 280

GeForce GTX 680

The GeForce GTX 680 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in March 22 2012. It features the Kepler architecture. The core clock ranges from 1006 MHz to 1058 MHz. It has 1536 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 195W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 5,609 points. Launch price was $499.

Radeon R9 280

The Radeon R9 280 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in March 4 2014. It features the GCN 1.0 architecture. The boost clock speed is 933 MHz. It has 1792 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 200W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 5,532 points. Launch price was $279.

⚡

Graphics Performance

The GeForce GTX 680 scores 5,609 and the Radeon R9 280 reaches 5,532 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 1.4% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance. The GeForce GTX 680 is built on Kepler while the Radeon R9 280 uses GCN 1.0, both on a 28 nm process. Shader units: 1,536 (GeForce GTX 680) vs 1,792 (Radeon R9 280). Raw compute: 3.25 TFLOPS (GeForce GTX 680) vs 3.344 TFLOPS (Radeon R9 280). Boost clocks: 1058 MHz vs 933 MHz.

Feature	GeForce GTX 680	Radeon R9 280
G3D Mark Score	5,609+1%	5,532
Architecture	Kepler	GCN 1.0
Process Node	28 nm	28 nm
Shading Units	1536	1792+17%
Compute (TFLOPS)	3.25 TFLOPS	3.344 TFLOPS+3%
Boost Clock	1058 MHz+13%	933 MHz
ROPs	32	32
TMUs	128+14%	112
L1 Cache	128 KB	448 KB+250%
L2 Cache	512 KB	768 KB+50%

✨

Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

Feature	GeForce GTX 680	Radeon R9 280
Upscaling Tech	FSR 2.1 (Compatible)	FSR 1.0 (Software)
Frame Generation	FSR 3 (Compatible)	Not Supported
Ray Reconstruction	No	No
Low Latency	Standard	AMD Anti-Lag

💾

Video Memory (VRAM)

The GeForce GTX 680 comes with 4 GB of VRAM, while the Radeon R9 280 has 3 GB. The GeForce GTX 680 offers 33.3% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 192.2 GB/s (GeForce GTX 680) vs 240 GB/s (Radeon R9 280) — a 24.9% advantage for the Radeon R9 280. Bus width: 256-bit vs 384-bit. L2 Cache: 512 KB (GeForce GTX 680) vs 768 KB (Radeon R9 280) — the Radeon R9 280 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.

Feature	GeForce GTX 680	Radeon R9 280
VRAM Capacity	4 GB+33%	3 GB
Memory Type	GDDR5	GDDR5
Memory Bandwidth	192.2 GB/s	240 GB/s+25%
Bus Width	256-bit	384-bit+50%
L2 Cache	512 KB	768 KB+50%

🔌

Power & Dimensions

The GeForce GTX 680 draws 195W versus the Radeon R9 280's 200W — a 2.5% difference. The GeForce GTX 680 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (GeForce GTX 680) vs 500W (Radeon R9 280). Power connectors: 2x 6-pin vs 6-pin + 8-pin.

Feature	GeForce GTX 680	Radeon R9 280
TDP	195W-3%	200W
Recommended PSU	550W	500W-9%
Power Connector	2x 6-pin	6-pin + 8-pin
Length	256mm	—
Height	111mm	—
Slots	2	—
Temp (Load)	98°C	—
Perf/Watt	28.8+4%	27.7

💰

Value Analysis

The GeForce GTX 680 launched at $499 MSRP and currently averages $40, while the Radeon R9 280 launched at $279 and now averages $40. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 140.2 (GeForce GTX 680) vs 138.3 (Radeon R9 280) — the GeForce GTX 680 offers 1.4% better value. The Radeon R9 280 is the newer GPU (2014 vs 2012).