
Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) vs Tesla C2050 / C2070

Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5)
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Tesla C2050 / C2070
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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 Tesla C2050 / C2070 is on rank 327, 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 Tesla C2050 / C2070
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 2.1% higher G3D Mark score. However, the Tesla C2050 / C2070 offers more VRAM, which may be beneficial for texture-heavy scenarios at higher resolutions.
| Insight | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | Tesla C2050 / C2070 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+2.1%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-2.1%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2015 / Maxwell (2014−2017)) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2011 / Fermi (2010−2014)) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | ✅ More VRAM (+200%) |
| Efficiency | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption |
| Case Fit | — | Standard Size (248mm) |
💎 Value Proposition
The Tesla C2050 / C2070 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. While both GPUs are considered legacy components by modern standards, the Tesla C2050 / C2070 holds the technical lead. Priced at $30 (vs $75), it costs 60% less, resulting in a 144.9% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | Tesla C2050 / C2070 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+144.9%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($75) | ✅More affordable ($30) |
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 Tesla C2050 / C2070
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.

Tesla C2050 / C2070
The Tesla C2050 / C2070 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 238W. Manufactured using 40 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 3,428 points.
Graphics Performance
The Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) scores 3,500 and the Tesla C2050 / C2070 reaches 3,428 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 2.1% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance. The Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) is built on Maxwell while the Tesla C2050 / C2070 uses Fermi, both on 28 nm vs 40 nm. Shader units: 384 (Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5)) vs 448 (Tesla C2050 / C2070).
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | Tesla C2050 / C2070 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 3,500+2% | 3,428 |
| Architecture | Maxwell | Fermi |
| Process Node | 28 nm | 40 nm |
| Shading Units | 384 | 448+17% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | Tesla C2050 / C2070 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | FSR 1.0 (Software) | FSR 1.0 (Software) |
| Frame Generation | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | Standard | Standard |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) comes with 2 GB of VRAM, while the Tesla C2050 / C2070 has 6 GB. The Tesla C2050 / C2070 offers 200% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 128-bit vs 64-bit.
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | Tesla C2050 / C2070 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 2 GB | 6 GB+200% |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Bus Width | 128-bit+100% | 64-bit |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 (11_0) (Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5)) vs 11_0 (Tesla C2050 / C2070). Maximum simultaneous displays: 2 vs 1.
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | Tesla C2050 / C2070 |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 (11_0)+9% | 11_0 |
| Max Displays | 2+100% | 1 |
Power & Dimensions
The Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) draws 30W versus the Tesla C2050 / C2070's 238W — a 155.2% difference. The Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 350W (Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5)) vs 350W (Tesla C2050 / C2070). Power connectors: PCIe-powered vs PCIe-powered.
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | Tesla C2050 / C2070 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 30W-87% | 238W |
| Recommended PSU | 350W | 350W |
| Power Connector | PCIe-powered | PCIe-powered |
| Length | — | 248mm |
| Slots | 0-100% | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 75 | — |
| Perf/Watt | 116.7+710% | 14.4 |
Value Analysis
The Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) launched at $150 MSRP and currently averages $75, while the Tesla C2050 / C2070 launched at $2499 and now averages $30. The Tesla C2050 / C2070 costs 60% less ($45 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 46.7 (Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5)) vs 114.3 (Tesla C2050 / C2070) — the Tesla C2050 / C2070 offers 144.8% better value. The Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) is the newer GPU (2015 vs 2011).
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book (940M, GDDR5) | Tesla C2050 / C2070 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $150-94% | $2499 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $75 | $30-60% |
| Performance per Dollar | 46.7 | 114.3+145% |
| Codename | Surface Book | GF100 |
| Release | October 1 2015 | July 25 2011 |
| Ranking | #782 | #569 |
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