Radeon R9 M470X vs Maxwell GPU Surface Book
Radeon R9 M470X
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Maxwell GPU Surface Book
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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 Radeon R9 M470X is positioned at rank 377 and the Maxwell GPU Surface Book is on rank 230, so the Maxwell GPU Surface Book offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Radeon R9 M470X
Performance Per Dollar Maxwell GPU Surface Book
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The Maxwell GPU Surface Book is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 2.1% higher G3D Mark score. However, the Radeon R9 M470X offers more VRAM, which may be beneficial for texture-heavy scenarios at higher resolutions.
| Insight | Radeon R9 M470X | Maxwell GPU Surface Book |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-2.1%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+2.1%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2016 / GCN 2.0 (2013−2017)) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2015 / Maxwell (2014−2017)) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ✅ More VRAM (+100%) | ❌ Less VRAM capacity |
| Efficiency | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt |
| 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 $350), it costs 79% less, resulting in a 376.3% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | Radeon R9 M470X | Maxwell GPU Surface Book |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+376.3%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($350) | ✅More affordable ($75) |
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 Radeon R9 M470X and Maxwell GPU Surface Book
Radeon R9 M470X
The Radeon R9 M470X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in May 15 2016. It features the GCN 2.0 architecture. The core clock ranges from 1000 MHz to 1100 MHz. It has 896 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 75W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 3,244 points.
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.
Graphics Performance
The Radeon R9 M470X scores 3,244 and the Maxwell GPU Surface Book reaches 3,311 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 2.1% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance. The Radeon R9 M470X is built on GCN 2.0 while the Maxwell GPU Surface Book uses Maxwell, both on a 28 nm process. Shader units: 896 (Radeon R9 M470X) vs 384 (Maxwell GPU Surface Book). Boost clocks: 1100 MHz vs 993 MHz.
| Feature | Radeon R9 M470X | Maxwell GPU Surface Book |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 3,244 | 3,311+2% |
| Architecture | GCN 2.0 | Maxwell |
| Process Node | 28 nm | 28 nm |
| Shading Units | 896+133% | 384 |
| Boost Clock | 1100 MHz+11% | 993 MHz |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | Radeon R9 M470X | Maxwell GPU Surface Book |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | FSR 1.0 (Software) | FSR 1.0 (Software) |
| Frame Generation | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | AMD Anti-Lag | Standard |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The Radeon R9 M470X comes with 4 GB of VRAM, while the Maxwell GPU Surface Book has 2 GB. The Radeon R9 M470X offers 100% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 128-bit vs 128-bit.
| Feature | Radeon R9 M470X | Maxwell GPU Surface Book |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 4 GB+100% | 2 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | Unknown | Unknown |
| Bus Width | 128-bit | 128-bit |
Power & Dimensions
The Radeon R9 M470X draws 75W versus the Maxwell GPU Surface Book's 30W — a 85.7% difference. The Maxwell GPU Surface Book is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 350W (Radeon R9 M470X) vs 350W (Maxwell GPU Surface Book). Power connectors: Mobile vs PCIe-powered.
| Feature | Radeon R9 M470X | Maxwell GPU Surface Book |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 75W | 30W-60% |
| Recommended PSU | 350W | 350W |
| Power Connector | Mobile | PCIe-powered |
| Length | — | 0mm |
| Height | — | 0mm |
| Slots | — | 0 |
| Temp (Load) | — | 85 |
| Perf/Watt | 43.3 | 110.4+155% |
Value Analysis
The Radeon R9 M470X launched at $350 MSRP and currently averages $350, while the Maxwell GPU Surface Book launched at $150 and now averages $75. The Maxwell GPU Surface Book costs 78.6% less ($275 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 9.3 (Radeon R9 M470X) vs 44.1 (Maxwell GPU Surface Book) — the Maxwell GPU Surface Book offers 374.2% better value. The Radeon R9 M470X is the newer GPU (2016 vs 2015).
| Feature | Radeon R9 M470X | Maxwell GPU Surface Book |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $350 | $150-57% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $350 | $75-79% |
| Performance per Dollar | 9.3 | 44.1+374% |
| Codename | Emerald | Surface Book |
| Release | May 15 2016 | October 1 2015 |
| Ranking | #563 | #779 |
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