Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) vs GeForce GTX 960A
Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5)
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GeForce GTX 960A
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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 Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) is positioned at rank 222 and the GeForce GTX 960A is on rank 270, so the Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5)
Performance Per Dollar GeForce GTX 960A
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 1% higher G3D Mark score. This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce GTX 960A.
| Insight | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | GeForce GTX 960A |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+1%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-1%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2015 / Maxwell (2014−2017)) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2015 / Maxwell (2014−2017)) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | ✅ More VRAM (+0%) |
| Efficiency | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption |
| Case Fit | — | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce GTX 960A offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. While both GPUs are considered legacy components by modern standards, the GeForce GTX 960A holds the technical lead. Priced at $60 (vs $75), it costs 20% less, resulting in a 23.8% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | GeForce GTX 960A |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+23.8%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($75) | ✅More affordable ($60) |
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 Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) and GeForce GTX 960A
Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5)
The Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) is manufactured by an unknown manufacturer. It was released in October 1 2015. It features the Maxwell architecture. The core clock ranges from 954 MHz to 993 MHz. It has 384 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 30W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 3,500 points.
GeForce GTX 960A
The GeForce GTX 960A is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in March 13 2015. It features the Maxwell architecture. The core clock ranges from 1029 MHz to 1085 MHz. It has 640 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 75W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 3,465 points.
Graphics Performance
The Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) scores 3,500 and the GeForce GTX 960A reaches 3,465 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 1% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance. The Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) is built on Maxwell while the GeForce GTX 960A uses Maxwell, both on a 28 nm process. Shader units: 384 (Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5)) vs 640 (GeForce GTX 960A). Boost clocks: 993 MHz vs 1085 MHz.
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | GeForce GTX 960A |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 3,500+1% | 3,465 |
| Architecture | Maxwell | Maxwell |
| Process Node | 28 nm | 28 nm |
| Shading Units | 384 | 640+67% |
| Boost Clock | 993 MHz | 1085 MHz+9% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | GeForce GTX 960A |
|---|---|---|
| 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)
Both cards feature 2 GB of GDDR5. Bus width: 128-bit vs 128-bit.
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | GeForce GTX 960A |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 2 GB | 2 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | Unknown | Unknown |
| Bus Width | 128-bit | 128-bit |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 (11_0) (Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5)) vs 12 (GeForce GTX 960A). Maximum simultaneous displays: 2 vs 0.
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | GeForce GTX 960A |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 (11_0) | 12 |
| Max Displays | 2 | 0 |
Media & Encoding
Decoder: NVDEC 1st Gen vs NVDEC 1st Gen.
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | GeForce GTX 960A |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | — | NVENC 1st Gen |
| Decoder | NVDEC 1st Gen | NVDEC 1st Gen |
| Codecs | H.264,MPEG-2,VC-1 | — |
Power & Dimensions
The Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) draws 30W versus the GeForce GTX 960A's 75W — a 85.7% difference. The Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 350W (Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5)) vs 350W (GeForce GTX 960A). Power connectors: PCIe-powered vs 1x 6-pin.
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | GeForce GTX 960A |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 30W-60% | 75W |
| Recommended PSU | 350W | 350W |
| Power Connector | PCIe-powered | 1x 6-pin |
| Length | — | 1mm |
| Slots | 0 | 0 |
| Temp (Load) | 75 | — |
| Perf/Watt | 116.7+153% | 46.2 |
Value Analysis
The Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) launched at $150 MSRP and currently averages $75, while the GeForce GTX 960A launched at $199 and now averages $60. The GeForce GTX 960A costs 20% less ($15 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 46.7 (Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5)) vs 57.8 (GeForce GTX 960A) — the GeForce GTX 960A offers 23.8% better value.
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | GeForce GTX 960A |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $150-25% | $199 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $75 | $60-20% |
| Performance per Dollar | 46.7 | 57.8+24% |
| Codename | Surface Book | GM107 |
| Release | October 1 2015 | March 13 2015 |
| Ranking | #782 | #546 |
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