Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) vs GeForce RTX 3070
Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5)
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GeForce RTX 3070
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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 Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) is positioned at rank #222 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 Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5)
Performance Per Dollar GeForce RTX 3070
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
⚠️ Generational Difference
The GeForce RTX 3070 uses modern memory architecture. The GeForce RTX 3070 likely supports modern features like Ray Tracing, Tensor Cores, and DLSS/FSR upscaling, which act as force multipliers for performance. The Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) lacks this hardware feature set, limiting its longevity in modern titles despite any raw power similarities.
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce RTX 3070 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 533.5% higher G3D Mark score and 300% more VRAM (8 GB vs 2 GB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5).
| Insight | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | GeForce RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-533.5%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+533.5%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2015 / Maxwell (2014−2017)) | 🔮Strong Longevity (Ampere (2020−2025) / 8nm) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | ✨ DLSS 2 Upscaling |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | 🎮 High Capacity (8 GB) |
| Efficiency | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt | Normal Efficiency |
| Case Fit | — | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce RTX 3070 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Although it costs $200 (vs $75), its significant performance lead justifies the premium, offering 137.6% better value per dollar than the Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5).
| Insight | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | GeForce RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+137.6%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅More affordable ($75) | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($200) |
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 RTX 3070
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 RTX 3070
The GeForce RTX 3070 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in September 1 2020. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1500 MHz to 1725 MHz. It has 5888 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 220W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 46 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 22,172 points. Launch price was $499.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) scores 3,500 versus the GeForce RTX 3070's 22,172 — the GeForce RTX 3070 leads by 533.5%. The Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) is built on Maxwell while the GeForce RTX 3070 uses Ampere, both on 28 nm vs 8 nm. Shader units: 384 (Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5)) vs 5,888 (GeForce RTX 3070). Boost clocks: 993 MHz vs 1725 MHz.
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | GeForce RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 3,500 | 22,172+533% |
| Architecture | Maxwell | Ampere |
| Process Node | 28 nm | 8 nm |
| Shading Units | 384 | 5888+1433% |
| Boost Clock | 993 MHz | 1725 MHz+74% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | GeForce RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | FSR 1.0 (Software) | DLSS 2.0 |
| Frame Generation | Not Supported | FSR 3 / AFMF (Compatible) |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | Standard | NVIDIA Reflex |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) comes with 2 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 3070 has 8 GB. The GeForce RTX 3070 offers 300% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 128-bit vs 256-bit.
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | GeForce RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 2 GB | 8 GB+300% |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bandwidth | Unknown | 448 GB/s |
| Bus Width | 128-bit | 256-bit+100% |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 (11_0) (Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5)) vs 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3070). Vulkan: 1.1 vs 1.4. OpenGL: 4.5 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 2 vs 4.
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | GeForce RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 (11_0) | 12 Ultimate |
| Vulkan | 1.1 | 1.4+27% |
| OpenGL | 4.5 | 4.6+2% |
| Max Displays | 2 | 4+100% |
Media & Encoding
Decoder: NVDEC 1st Gen vs NVDEC 5th gen. Supported codecs: H.264,MPEG-2,VC-1 (Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5)) vs H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3070).
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | GeForce RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | — | NVENC 7th gen |
| Decoder | NVDEC 1st Gen | NVDEC 5th gen |
| Codecs | H.264,MPEG-2,VC-1 | H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 |
Power & Dimensions
The Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) draws 30W versus the GeForce RTX 3070's 220W — a 152% difference. The Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 350W (Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5)) vs 650W (GeForce RTX 3070). Power connectors: PCIe-powered vs 8-pin. Typical load temperature: 75 vs 75°C.
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | GeForce RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 30W-86% | 220W |
| Recommended PSU | 350W-46% | 650W |
| Power Connector | PCIe-powered | 8-pin |
| Length | — | 242mm |
| Height | — | 112mm |
| Slots | 0-100% | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 75 | 75°C |
| Perf/Watt | 116.7+16% | 100.8 |
Value Analysis
The Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) launched at $150 MSRP and currently averages $75, while the GeForce RTX 3070 launched at $499 and now averages $200. The Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) costs 62.5% less ($125 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 46.7 (Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5)) vs 110.9 (GeForce RTX 3070) — the GeForce RTX 3070 offers 137.5% better value. The GeForce RTX 3070 is the newer GPU (2020 vs 2015).
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | GeForce RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $150-70% | $499 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $75-63% | $200 |
| Performance per Dollar | 46.7 | 110.9+137% |
| Codename | Surface Book | GA104 |
| Release | October 1 2015 | September 1 2020 |
| Ranking | #782 | #63 |
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