Buying Guides -> Hardware -> Graphics Card Value PerformersTeam CHIP | 25 May 2010
Value Performers
The latest-generation GPUs are so powerful that even entry-level graphics cards can handle full HD gaming with ease. Take your pick from 39 graphics cards priced under Rs 10,000.
Budget graphics cards are more capable today than they have ever been. Apart from games, an entry-level graphics card can handle tasks that make the CPU's work easier. For instance, all current generation GPUs can decode high-definition videos, provided you use a player that utilizes them efficiently. The new killer application is GPU-based processing in software such as video encoders and image editing programs. The massive parallelism afforded by the raging battalion of stream processors in a GPU can make a PC with a weak CPU work five times faster than one with a quad-core CPU and integrated graphics. If that's the power of an entry-level GPU, you can guess the immense processing power of the high-end ones.
Although these cards do not churn out exceptional frame rates or offer stellar game play, they fare well in most of the latest games at decent resolutions. Even ultra-budget cards priced under Rs 3,500 can play titles such as Left 4 Dead and even Crysis Warhead at 1440x900 with medium settings on. And by adding just an additional Rs 1,000 for a better card, you can play Crysis Warhead at full HD resolution in Performance mode. Most cards ranging from Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 can play games at resolutions of up to 1680x1050. So gamers with a low budget can rejoice. Cards in this category offer just as many video output options as high-end ones, including dual-link DVI ports for a dual-monitor setup, D-sub ports for backward compatibility, and even the new DisplayPort. Some have HDMI ports, so an HTPC enthusiast can connect his HDTV or monitor and watch movies via his computer. For an HTPC setup, this type of a rig is more powerful than any other standalone HD movie playback device available today. A new feature in the latest-generation of graphics cards is an on-board audio processor that can stream multi-channel audio via HDMI. While gaming or playing movies, these cards emit the least amount of sound, or none at all, thanks to the completely passive cooling solutions that some of them use. These cards do not require fans, and remain cool due to their leaner fabrication process; 40 nm currently being the lowest. This also means that such cards consume less power, so there’s no need for extra power connectors or upgrading your computer’s power supply. Even a 450 Watt PSU will suffice.
This comparison is not limited to simply telling you about only the specifications, prices and performances of entry-level and mainstream graphics cards. By looking at the detailed tables and scores, you’ll also be able to differentiate between the performance of identical GPUs with DDR3 and DDR5 video memory. You can even find out how much better a card with 1 GB of memory is compared to one with 512 MB of memory when paired with the same GPU. Finally, do note that there are plenty of older graphics cards available in the market. We recommend staying away from them, as the performance of the newer cards is much better at the same prices. You also get support for newer standards, drivers, and other technology. So make sure you pick the latest GPU.
Test Process
This round-up of graphics cards was aimed specifically at entry-level and mainstream gaming cards priced up to Rs 10,000. The roundup comprised of graphics cards from various manufacturers based on AMD and Nvidia chipsets.
In order to make sure we are considering all the latest GPU features in our graphics card evaluation this month, we track the progress of various aspects of 3D graphics, both on the hardware and the gaming fronts. Therefore, newer features such as DirectX 11, physics, and particle effects can be evaluated appropriately. Since there is nothing more important than the sheer performance expected from a graphics card, we obviously did not score them on parameters such as build quality. We looked at just three parameters - features, performance and warranty.
Features: It is important to note that Nvidia and AMD have different approaches towards stream processors. Thus, while an ATI GPU that has more stream processors than that of Nvidia, both may be equally powerful. So, we did not consider higher scores for the number of stream processors present. We logged parameters such as GPU speed, type and amount of memory, memory speed, DirectX support, and so on. All of these features enable the visual effects you would expect to see in today’s games. We looked out for the types of output ports on the rear of the card. Extra points were awarded to those that supported new-generation interfaces such as HDMI and DisplayPort. Cards that featured copper heatsinks, and those with active or passive cooling methods scored accordingly in this category.
Performance: This is, after all, what drives a gamer into buying a graphics card. We used an array of real-world games and one synthetic test for the evaluation of the graphics cards in order to get a clearer picture. Nowadays, the most popularly sold monitors are widescreen LCDs that start from a screen size of 19 inches. The native resolutions begin from 1440x900. As this resolution is very lenient and most graphics cards can support it without any real effort, we also included the more challenging 1680x1050 and 1920x1080 resolutions for both entry-level and mainstream graphics cards.
First up, we used the DirectX 10 game Left 4 Dead. Known for its generous use of high-resolution characters, environment and cool effects, this game demo was an ideal test for the card’s processing and memory subsystems and is representative of current-generation gaming performances. In the case of entry-level graphics cards, we tested the game in the following resolutions and settings: 1440x900-Medium-No AA, 1680x1050-Medium-No AA, and 1920x1080-Medium-No AA. Since this would be too easy for mainstream graphics cards, we set all the effects to Very High and bumped the AA to 8x. Next up, was Race Driver: Grid that made good use of demanding gaming effects such as simulations, physics, environment, smoke, and so on. We tested the game at the three resolutions with AA turned off in the case of entry-level cards, and with 8xAA in the case of mainstream graphics cards. We also tested the graphics cards on one of the most demanding games out there - Crysis Warhead. This was the most strenuous test we could throw at the cards, as it brings even a high-end graphics cards to their knees. We made it less taxing for entry-level graphics cards by setting the mode to Performance, which is the lowest, and turning off AA. For mainstream graphics cards, we bumped the visual effects and AA just enough to get playable frame rates. Finally, for the synthetic tests, we used 3DMark Vantage, which simulates real-world gaming performance. Here, we ran the test in Entry mode for entry-level cards and in Performance mode for mainstream graphics cards. Hence, if you wish to compare cards based on the 3DMark score, compare them within their own category and not across categories.
Warranty: Here, we simply noted the warranty period of each card, along with the number of cities with service centers and the number of service centers present in each city. The greater the warranty period, the better it is for the consumer.
personal take
I’m not a hardcore gamer and neither do I have powerful hardware that will do justice to a high-end card. For me, the sweetest spot lies in the price range of Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000, where you can find cards with enough oomph to handle games at full HD resolution, with visual effects set to high and a bit of AA thrown in. My pick from this roundup is the factory-overclocked XFX Radeon HD 5750 XXX Edition, which runs the GPU and memory 5 percent faster than the stock speed. Since it was able to deliver over 50 fps in all the benchmarks, we ran Crysis Warhead in Gamer mode (one level higher than Mainstream mode) and it sailed smoothly, giving over 30 fps. For Rs 8,750, this card is a steal. If your budget is Rs 5,000, I strongly recommend the Zotac 9600 GT Synergy. Anand Tuliani anand.tuliani@chip.in
A discrete graphics card is not only ideal for gaming, but is also essential when you need good system and graphics performances using high-end graphics applications. A discrete graphics card is also preferred in most HTPCs because playing high-definition videos can actually reduce the strain on your CPU, thereby allowing you to run more CPU-dependent processes in the background. When you are on the lookout for the best performing graphics card, you should always consider factors such as core and memory amount and speed, and finally, the number or stream processors. The higher these values, the better your card will perform. Apart from these factors, priority should also be given to the type of cooling system integrated by the manufacturer. This is especially important because you are on a budget and you would definitely want your card to have a better life.
Francis D'Sa francis.dsa@chip.in
The XFX Radeon HD 4650 might not be an absolute performer, but it makes a great buy if your need is to build an HTPC. For starters, the HD 4650 is built on the 55 nm manufacturing process and employs a total of 320 stream processors operating on a 128-bit interface. The memory and core speeds are clocked at 600 MHz and 500 MHz respectively, and it comes with a total of 1 GB DDR3 memory. This graphics card comes fit with an active cooler that keeps the graphics processor temperature at moderate levels at all times. The HD 4650 has been particularly designed to meet the most basic necessities of entry-level users, while keeping the price at a bare minimum. To this end, even the overall bundled package contains just the driver CD. The back panel ports comprise of just two DVI ports and the card features a single-slot design. Since the Radeon HD 4650 is aimed at entry-level users for casual use, the card does not require an external power connector, since the PCIe slot provides all the power required for it to run. Even though the card isn’t essentially made for gaming, the Radeon HD 4650 is still capable of handling games at fairly decent resolutions. If you take a look at the scores, the XFX Radeon HD 4650 scored the highest of all the graphics cards in 3DMark Vantage. Both Left 4 Dead and Race Driver: Grid returned a playable frame rate score of 47 fps and 36 fps at a maximum resolution of 1920x1080, although this was only achieved by disabling anti-aliasing. Moreover, for a demanding game such as Crysis Warhead, the HD 4650 performed rather well and gave a score of 48 fps at 1440x900 with the mode set to Performance. Anything beyond this resolution is not advisable, as frame rates will begin to drop considerably. However, the XFX Radeon HD 4650 is also a great choice for users who are on a tight budget and find the need to turn their PC into an entertainment hub. Verdict: The XFX Radeon HD 4650 fits the bill if the need is to build an HTPC along with a little casual gaming. For: Decent cooler, low noise. Against: Average performance.
Retailed at the sweet spot of a mere Rs 2,450, the Zotac GeForce 210 Synergy graphics card bagged the Best Value award in the entry-level comparison simply because of the features it offers and the performance it delivers at a low price. The card has an excellent low-profile and single-slot design with DVI, D-sub and HDMI interface. It is built using a 16 core 40 nm GeForce 210 chipset clocked at 590 MHz with 512 MB 400 MHz of DDR2 memory. Zotac claims that the card consumes a maximum of 30.5 Watts of power at full load, making it ideal for use in an HTPC or for casual gaming. The GPU features Nvidia PureVideo HD video processing and an HDMI 1.3a interface for 7.1-channel digital audio output, along with 1080p resolutions for a full HD movie experience. You would need a compatible HD video player such as CyberLink PowerDVD to take full advantage of the PureVideo HD technology. The performance tests reveal that, apart from HTPC applications, the Zotac GeForce 210 can also be used for casual gaming, with average frame rates of around 21 fps on Crysis Warhead. It is bundled with two low-height rear-panel brackets for a comfortable fit in mini-ITX cabinets, making this an excellent choice for building an HTPC. The product also bundles the ZOTAC Boost video application which includes vReveal, Super LoiLoScope Venus and Badaboom Media Converter. Each of these is designed to take maximum advantage of the Nvidia CUDA technology and exploit the true potential of the GPU. BitDefender’s Internet Security also joins the ZOTAC Boost bundle for system protection. The manufacturer provides 5-year warranty, making the Zotac GeForce 210 Synergy an excellent choice for those opting for the best performance at a low price. Verdict: The Zotac GeForce 210 Synergy graphics card is ideal for those looking for a low-profile, low-power-consuming, and low-priced graphics card for casual gaming and/or HTPC builds. For: Low profile, above average performance. Against: HD video playback software not bundled.
If you ever thought that you would need to spend a bomb to purchase a good graphics card, we suggest you think again. With the fall in prices, there couldn’t have been a better time to get your hands on one. The XFX Radeon HD 5750 is not only one of the more affordable mainstream cards, but is also the best performing graphics card under Rs. 10,000. The Radeon HD 5750 is based on a 40 nm manufacturing process, with a factory overclocked core and memory speed that run at a sweet 740 MHz and 1200 MHz respectively. Moreover, the HD 5750 comes with a total of 720 stream processors operating on a 128-bit interface. The overall bus width might not be much, but it definitely surpasses expectations with its 1 GB of GDDR5 memory. The XFX Radeon HD 5750 features a dual slot design and comes with an open air cooler and draws power from a single six-pin PCIe power connector. The rear panel sports two DVI ports, an HDMI port, and Display port. One thing that must be noted is that the HD 5750 makes use ATI’s Eyefinity, which basically means that you can connect a maximum of three monitors. With the memory already bumped up and with 1 GB of GDDR5, the card handled Left 4 Dead and Race Driver Grid without even breaking a sweat. The game returned a very playable 52 fps in Mainstream mode with the resolution set to 1920x1080 and AA set at 8x. Verdict: Excellent performance and affordability makes this card a must have for mainstream gamers. For: Affordability, performance, ATI Eyefinity. Against: Absolutely nothing.
Launched in early 2008, the GeForce 9600 GT is today one of the best GPUs to opt for if you’re looking for a good graphics card for under Rs 5,000. The Zotac GeForce 9600 GT Synergy is a lean version of the regular 9600 GT, which required an additional power supply. Zotac has managed to do away with the additional power supply by lowering the core speed and memory speed by 50 MHz and 100 MHz respectively. As a result, Zotac claims that this card consumes 40 percent less power. There isn’t much change in the design of the card; the length is the same, but the cooler is slightly smaller because the heat dissipation is now lower. The heat sink is a 12 cm-wide finned aluminum block fitted with a 55 mm fan. The rear panel has two DVI ports and an S-video port. One positive here is that this card occupies only a single PCI Express slot and doesn’t block any expansion slot below it. Coming to performance, this card is almost as good as a GT 240 with DDR5 memory. The latter is a latest-generation GPU that also doesn’t require additional power. However, it costs around Rs 500 more than this card. Hence, this 9600 GT Synergy ought to provide the best bang for your buck in its segment. With visual effects set to highest and 8x AA, it delivered 38 fps at 1440x900 in Left 4 Dead, but at 1680x1050 and 1920x1080, it struggled to churn out 28 fps, which isn’t too bad. Race Driver: Grid was absolutely smooth. Even at 1920x1080 with 8xAA, the game was playable at 39 fps. We thought this card would take a beating in Crysis Warhead, but it fared very well, with 39 fps at 1920x1080 in mainstream mode with 8xAA. It couldn’t handle gamer mode, which looks much better than mainstream mode. At 1440x900, it could manage only 25 fps, which wasn’t much fun because the game play was jerky. Nevertheless, for its price, this card is certainly a great performer. Verdict: Pick this card if you want a brilliant performer for under Rs 5,000. For: Doesn’t require additional power, single slot design, good performance. Against: Should have had an HDMI port or come with an HDMI adapter. Add your comments
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