Maxwell GPU Surface Book vs GeForce GTX 590
Maxwell GPU Surface Book
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GeForce GTX 590
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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 is positioned at rank #230 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
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce GTX 590 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 0.9% higher G3D Mark score and 50% more VRAM (3 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.
| Insight | Maxwell GPU Surface Book | GeForce GTX 590 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-0.9%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+0.9%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2015 / Maxwell (2014−2017)) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2011 / Fermi 2.0 (2010−2014)) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | ✅ More VRAM (+50%) |
| Efficiency | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption |
| Case Fit | — | — |
💎 Value Proposition
The Maxwell GPU Surface Book offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. While both GPUs are considered legacy components by modern standards, the Maxwell GPU Surface Book holds the technical lead. Priced at $75 (vs $100), it costs 25% less, resulting in a 32.1% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | Maxwell GPU Surface Book | GeForce GTX 590 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+32.1%) | ❌Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅More affordable ($75) | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($100) |
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 and GeForce GTX 590
Maxwell GPU Surface Book
The Maxwell GPU Surface Book 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: 3,311 points.
GeForce GTX 590
The GeForce GTX 590 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in March 24 2011. It features the Fermi 2.0 architecture. The core clock speed is 607 MHz. It has 1024 ×2 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 365W. Manufactured using 40 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 3,341 points. Launch price was $699.
Graphics Performance
The Maxwell GPU Surface Book scores 3,311 and the GeForce GTX 590 reaches 3,341 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 0.9% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance. The Maxwell GPU Surface Book is built on Maxwell while the GeForce GTX 590 uses Fermi 2.0, both on 28 nm vs 40 nm. Shader units: 384 (Maxwell GPU Surface Book) vs 1,024 (GeForce GTX 590).
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book | GeForce GTX 590 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 3,311 | 3,341 |
| Architecture | Maxwell | Fermi 2.0 |
| Process Node | 28 nm | 40 nm |
| Shading Units | 384 | 1024 ×2+167% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book | GeForce GTX 590 |
|---|---|---|
| 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)
The Maxwell GPU Surface Book comes with 2 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce GTX 590 has 3 GB. The GeForce GTX 590 offers 50% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 128-bit vs 256-bit.
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book | GeForce GTX 590 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 2 GB | 3 GB+50% |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | Unknown | Unknown |
| Bus Width | 128-bit | 256-bit+100% |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 (11_0) (Maxwell GPU Surface Book) vs 12 (11_0) (GeForce GTX 590). OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 3 vs 4.
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book | GeForce GTX 590 |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 (11_0) | 12 (11_0) |
| OpenGL | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Max Displays | 3 | 4+33% |
Media & Encoding
Decoder: PureVideo VP6 vs PureVideo HD (VP5). Supported codecs: H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 (Maxwell GPU Surface Book) vs H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 (GeForce GTX 590).
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book | GeForce GTX 590 |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | None | — |
| Decoder | PureVideo VP6 | PureVideo HD (VP5) |
| Codecs | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 |
Power & Dimensions
The Maxwell GPU Surface Book draws 30W versus the GeForce GTX 590's 365W — a 169.6% difference. The Maxwell GPU Surface Book is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 350W (Maxwell GPU Surface Book) vs 700W (GeForce GTX 590). Power connectors: PCIe-powered vs 2x 8-pin. Typical load temperature: 85 vs 90°C.
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book | GeForce GTX 590 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 30W-92% | 365W |
| Recommended PSU | 350W-50% | 700W |
| Power Connector | PCIe-powered | 2x 8-pin |
| Length | 0mm | — |
| Height | 0mm | — |
| Slots | 0-100% | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 85-6% | 90°C |
| Perf/Watt | 110.4+1100% | 9.2 |
Value Analysis
The Maxwell GPU Surface Book launched at $150 MSRP and currently averages $75, while the GeForce GTX 590 launched at $699 and now averages $100. The Maxwell GPU Surface Book costs 25% less ($25 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 44.1 (Maxwell GPU Surface Book) vs 33.4 (GeForce GTX 590) — the Maxwell GPU Surface Book offers 32% better value. The Maxwell GPU Surface Book is the newer GPU (2015 vs 2011).
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book | GeForce GTX 590 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $150-79% | $699 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $75-25% | $100 |
| Performance per Dollar | 44.1+32% | 33.4 |
| Codename | Surface Book | GF110 |
| Release | October 1 2015 | March 24 2011 |
| Ranking | #779 | #555 |
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