Geforce GTX 750 Ti and Radeon R7 265

When it comes to graphics cards, not all users want to aim for the skies. Models in the higher performance classes often make real holes in their wallets, which can be problematic with a limited budget or a computer system primarily intended for other than gaming.

The rescue is a bit cheaper variants in the wide middle class, which also happens to be a highly topical battlefield between AMD and Nvidia. The latest on the market is the Radeon R7 265 and the Geforce GTX 750 Ti with the fresh architecture Maxwell, both of which land in SweClocker’s test lab for a quick review.

Geforce GTX 750 Ti – First with Maxwell

Most interesting is clearly Nvidia’s new addition to the class. The Geforce GTX 750 Ti is based on the Maxwell architecture, the successor to the Kepler found in the other GTX 600 and 700 series.

Under the hood there are several changes, which among other things give the model higher performance per instruction set against the predecessor. The biggest point, however, is about increased energy efficiency, where Nvidia talks about gains of up to 50 percent compared to the Kepler generation.

The copy that landed in the test lab is Nvidia’s reference model. This means a base frequency of 1,020 MHz for the graphics processor with 1,085 MHz as the nominal turbo level. The graphics memory operates at 5,400 MHz on a 128-bit bus.

Physically, the graphics card is not very exciting. For the reference design, Nvidia chooses a compact circuit board with active cooling only over the graphics processor and completely without extra power supply. The company is obviously very confident in the circuit’s low heat generation and power consumption.

► Read SweClocker’s launch news for Geforce GTX 750 and 750 Ti

AMD Radeon R7 265 – HD 7850 on steroids

AMD chooses to counter Nvidia’s new launch with Radeon R7 265, a graphics card that is placed just below R9 270 in the company’s range. However, this is basically not about any news – under the shell broods the same hardware as for the almost two-year-old Radeon HD 7850.

This means the Pitcairn Pro circuit, which in the latest iteration changed its name to Curacao. The model has 1,024 computing units and is typically equipped with 2 GB of GDDR5 memory on a 256-bit bus.

The model that landed at SweClockers is made by Sapphire, but follows the reference frequencies from AMD. That means 925 MHz for the graphics processor and 5,600 MHz for the GDDR5 memory, which can be compared to the 860 MHz GPU and 4,800 MHz GDDR5 for the Radeon HD 7850.

The current model has Sapphire’s cooler Dual-X with double fans, which according to the manufacturer opens up for quiet operation even under load. Extra power supply is provided by a 6-pin PCI Express.

With the Radeon R7 265, AMD adds even more to the new name scheme. The model is located between R7 260X and R9 270, where the former is based on an updated variant of the GCN architecture through the Bonaire circuit. The Radeon R9 270 is basically an HD 7870 with modified clock frequencies.

► Read SweClocker’s launch news for the Radeon R7 265

Prestandatester

To see how the new graphics cards stand, the editors charge the test rig for some quick measurements. The basic system is basically the same as for other reviews, ie an overclocked Intel Core i7-4960X together with 16 GB of RAM.

Note that the game tests run with a lower level of detail compared to SweClocker’s graphics card tests of more performance-oriented models, which means that the results are not comparable. However, Unigine Valley and 3DMark Fire Strike are tested under the same premises.

In the latest revision of 3DMark, AMD shows the front feet in a familiar style. The Radeon R7 265 is by a safe margin ahead of both the Geforce GTX 660 and the Maxwell-based GTX 750 Ti.

With Unigine Valley, the rankings are thrown around a lot. However, the AMD Radeon R7 265 is still stronger than the Geforce GTX 750 Ti with a margin of almost 300 points.

The game tests show several interesting numbers. The Geforce GTX 750 Ti performs on an equal footing with last year’s GTX 650 Ti Boost, while the Radeon R7 265 roughly keeps pace with Nvidia’s Geforce GTX 660.

It is noteworthy how all the cards except the Radeon R7 260X manage to keep average frequencies well above 60 FPS in Battlefield 4, despite heavy multiplayer mode with plenty of action. The graphics settings in the middle mode are simply fairly easy to operate.

Last but certainly not least – power measurement. Here, the system with Geforce GTX 750 Ti and Nvidia Maxwell really shows the front feet with values ​​far below the other cards. The meter stays 40-50 watts below the R7 265 and Geforce GTX 650 Ti Boost, where the percentage difference is supposed to be even greater with a better adapted test rig.

Note that the measurement of power takes place with only Metro: Last Light, not through several game tests as in SweClocker’s regular reviews. The values ​​are therefore not comparable outside the current article.

Interesting differences in performance with AMD Mantle for the fast test graphics card can also be interesting. Unsurprisingly, these are very small variations, as the test rig’s processor is at least a couple of classes above the graphics cards. As is well known, Mantle does best in situations where the graphics card is held back by the rest of the system.

Summary and reflections

It is always exciting when an updated architecture reaches the market. This time, however, Nvidia chooses to introduce Maxwell through the lower middle class, something that is guaranteed to stand out in the eyes of many full-blooded enthusiasts.

With that said, it is nevertheless possible to draw certain conclusions. The Geforce GTX 750 Ti is extremely energy efficient, which bodes well for future models in the higher performance classes. Reduced power consumption provides lower heat generation and at the same time potential for quieter operation, something that is important for many.

In terms of performance, the model matches last year’s Geforce GTX 650 Ti Boost in several modes. That means no monster levels, but enough for everyday play in the standard 1080p resolution. When it also happens to significantly lower power consumption, it is clearly shown that it is a generational change.

When AMD counters Nvidia’s Maxwell in the middle class, it’s about price rather than performance. Like the Geforce GTX 650 Ti, the Radeon R7 265 costs just over SEK 1,000, but that’s where the similarities end. AMD’s model is basically much faster on all fronts, but also draws more power.

The newcomer is also something of an odd bird in the range. Despite the R7 marking, the performance is closer to the Radeon R9 270, which creates a gap down to the Bonaire-based 260X. The latter, however, is based on a recent revision of GCN, where, among other things, True Audio is on the plus side.

In summary, there are many indications that it is blowing up to storm in the middle class with more Nvidia Maxwell and additional AMD cards based on the latest revision Graphics Core Next. Speculators with a limited budget can sit back and wait for an incipient price war.

Nvidia Geforce GTX 750 Ti is in stock at several Swedish retailers from approximately SEK 1,250 including VAT. According to AMD, the Radeon R7 265 will reach stores at the end of February with a recommended price tag of approximately SEK 1,200 including VAT.