Maxwell GPU Surface Book vs GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
Maxwell GPU Surface Book
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GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
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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 GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
⚠️ Generational Difference
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is significantly newer (2022 vs 2015). The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB 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 lacks this hardware feature set, limiting its longevity in modern titles despite any raw power similarities.
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 278.6% 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.
| Insight | Maxwell GPU Surface Book | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-278.6%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+278.6%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2015 / Maxwell (2014−2017)) | 🏆Elite Architecture (Ampere (2020−2025) / 8nm) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | ✨ DLSS 3/4 + Frame Gen Support |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | 🎮 High Capacity (8 GB) |
| Efficiency | Normal Efficiency | Normal Efficiency |
| Case Fit | — | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Although it costs $209 (vs $75), its significant performance lead justifies the premium, offering 35.9% better value per dollar than the Maxwell GPU Surface Book.
| Insight | Maxwell GPU Surface Book | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+35.9%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅More affordable ($75) | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($209) |
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 RTX 3050 8GB
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 RTX 3050 8GB
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in January 4 2022. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1552 MHz to 1777 MHz. It has 2560 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 130W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 20 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 12,535 points. Launch price was $249.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the Maxwell GPU Surface Book scores 3,311 versus the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB's 12,535 — the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB leads by 278.6%. The Maxwell GPU Surface Book is built on Maxwell while the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB uses Ampere, both on 28 nm vs 8 nm. Shader units: 384 (Maxwell GPU Surface Book) vs 2,560 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Boost clocks: 993 MHz vs 1777 MHz.
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 3,311 | 12,535+279% |
| Architecture | Maxwell | Ampere |
| Process Node | 28 nm | 8 nm |
| Shading Units | 384 | 2560+567% |
| Boost Clock | 993 MHz | 1777 MHz+79% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| 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 comes with 2 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB has 8 GB. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers 300% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 128-bit vs 128-bit.
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 2 GB | 8 GB+300% |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bandwidth | Unknown | 224 GB/s |
| Bus Width | 128-bit | 128-bit |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 (11_0) (Maxwell GPU Surface Book) vs 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Vulkan: 1.1 vs 1.4. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 3 vs 4.
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 (11_0) | 12 Ultimate |
| Vulkan | 1.1 | 1.4+27% |
| OpenGL | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Max Displays | 3 | 4+33% |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: None (Maxwell GPU Surface Book) vs NVENC 7th gen (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Decoder: PureVideo VP6 vs NVDEC 5th gen. Supported codecs: H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 (Maxwell GPU Surface Book) vs H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB).
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | None | NVENC 7th gen |
| Decoder | PureVideo VP6 | NVDEC 5th gen |
| Codecs | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 | H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 |
Power & Dimensions
The Maxwell GPU Surface Book draws 30W versus the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB's 130W — a 125% difference. The Maxwell GPU Surface Book is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 350W (Maxwell GPU Surface Book) vs 450W (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB). Power connectors: PCIe-powered vs 8-pin. Card length: 0mm vs 242mm, occupying 0 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 85 vs 66°C.
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 30W-77% | 130W |
| Recommended PSU | 350W-22% | 450W |
| Power Connector | PCIe-powered | 8-pin |
| Length | 0mm | 242mm |
| Height | 0mm | 112mm |
| Slots | 0-100% | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 85 | 66°C-22% |
| Perf/Watt | 110.4+15% | 96.4 |
Value Analysis
The Maxwell GPU Surface Book launched at $150 MSRP and currently averages $75, while the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB launched at $249 and now averages $209. The Maxwell GPU Surface Book costs 64.1% less ($134 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 44.1 (Maxwell GPU Surface Book) vs 60.0 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) — the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers 36.1% better value. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the newer GPU (2022 vs 2015).
| Feature | Maxwell GPU Surface Book | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $150-40% | $249 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $75-64% | $209 |
| Performance per Dollar | 44.1 | 60.0+36% |
| Codename | Surface Book | GA106 |
| Release | October 1 2015 | January 4 2022 |
| Ranking | #779 | #211 |
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