
GeForce RTX 3070 vs Quadro M520

GeForce RTX 3070
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Quadro M520
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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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar GeForce RTX 3070
Performance Per Dollar Quadro M520
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 Quadro M520 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 1059% 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 Quadro M520.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3070 | Quadro M520 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+1059%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-1059%) |
| Longevity | 🔮Strong Longevity (Ampere (2020−2025) / 8nm) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2017 / Maxwell (2014−2017)) |
| Ecosystem | ✨ DLSS 2 Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | 🎮 High Capacity (8 GB) | ❌ Less VRAM capacity |
| Efficiency | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption |
| Case Fit | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly | — |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce RTX 3070 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Although it costs $200 (vs $50), its significant performance lead justifies the premium, offering 189.8% better value per dollar than the Quadro M520.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3070 | Quadro M520 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+189.8%) | ❌Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($200) | ✅More affordable ($50) |
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 GeForce RTX 3070 and Quadro M520

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.

Quadro M520
The Quadro M520 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in January 11 2017. It features the Maxwell architecture. The core clock ranges from 1041 MHz to 1019 MHz. It has 384 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 25W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 1,913 points.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3070 scores 22,172 versus the Quadro M520's 1,913 — the GeForce RTX 3070 leads by 1059%. The GeForce RTX 3070 is built on Ampere while the Quadro M520 uses Maxwell, both on 8 nm vs 28 nm. Shader units: 5,888 (GeForce RTX 3070) vs 384 (Quadro M520). Raw compute: 20.31 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3070) vs 0.7995 TFLOPS (Quadro M520). Boost clocks: 1725 MHz vs 1019 MHz.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3070 | Quadro M520 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 22,172+1059% | 1,913 |
| Architecture | Ampere | Maxwell |
| Process Node | 8 nm | 28 nm |
| Shading Units | 5888+1433% | 384 |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 20.31 TFLOPS+2440% | 0.7995 TFLOPS |
| Boost Clock | 1725 MHz+69% | 1019 MHz |
| ROPs | 96+1100% | 8 |
| TMUs | 184+1050% | 16 |
| L1 Cache | 5.8 MB+4362% | 0.13 MB |
| L2 Cache | 4 MB+300% | 1 MB |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
The GeForce RTX 3070 gives access to NVIDIA DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), widely regarding as the superior upscaling method for image quality. The Quadro M520 relies on FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), which is capable but generally slightly noisier than DLSS in motion.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3070 | Quadro M520 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | DLSS 2.0 | FSR 1.0 (Software) |
| Frame Generation | FSR 3 / AFMF (Compatible) | Not Supported |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | NVIDIA Reflex | Standard |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce RTX 3070 comes with 8 GB of VRAM, while the Quadro M520 has 2 GB. The GeForce RTX 3070 offers 300% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 256-bit vs 64-bit. L2 Cache: 4 MB (GeForce RTX 3070) vs 1 MB (Quadro M520) — the GeForce RTX 3070 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3070 | Quadro M520 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 8 GB+300% | 2 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR5 |
| Bus Width | 256-bit+300% | 64-bit |
| L2 Cache | 4 MB+300% | 1 MB |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce RTX 3070 draws 220W versus the Quadro M520's 25W — a 159.2% difference. The Quadro M520 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 650W (GeForce RTX 3070) vs 350W (Quadro M520). Power connectors: 8-pin vs PCIe-powered.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3070 | Quadro M520 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 220W | 25W-89% |
| Recommended PSU | 650W | 350W-46% |
| Power Connector | 8-pin | PCIe-powered |
| Length | 242mm | — |
| Height | 112mm | — |
| Slots | 2 | — |
| Temp (Load) | 75°C | — |
| Perf/Watt | 100.8+32% | 76.5 |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 3070 launched at $499 MSRP and currently averages $200, while the Quadro M520 launched at $200 and now averages $50. The Quadro M520 costs 75% less ($150 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 110.9 (GeForce RTX 3070) vs 38.3 (Quadro M520) — the GeForce RTX 3070 offers 189.6% better value. The GeForce RTX 3070 is the newer GPU (2020 vs 2017).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3070 | Quadro M520 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $499 | $200-60% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $200 | $50-75% |
| Performance per Dollar | 110.9+190% | 38.3 |
| Codename | GA104 | GM108 |
| Release | September 1 2020 | January 11 2017 |
| Ranking | #63 | #695 |
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