What To Know
- In the demanding game “Grand Theft Auto V,” the GTX 750 Ti delivered an average of 35FPS at 1080p resolution, while the R7 250 managed only 28FPS.
- At the time of writing, the Radeon R7 250 is typically priced around $100, while the GTX 750 Ti can be found for around $150.
- However, if you’re on a tight budget and willing to sacrifice some performance, the Radeon R7 250 can still be a solid option for casual gaming.
Graphics cards play a pivotal role in the gaming experience, and choosing the right one for your budget can be a daunting task. Two budget-friendly options that have been popular among gamers are the Radeon R7 250 and the GTX 750 Ti. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the specifications, performance, and value of these graphics cards to help you make an informed decision.
Specifications: Head-to-Head Comparison
The Radeon R7 250 and GTX 750 Ti share some similarities in terms of specifications. Both cards feature 2GB of GDDR5 memory, which is sufficient for most gaming needs. However, there are some key differences between the two.
The Radeon R7 250 boasts 384 stream processors, while the GTX 750 Ti has 640 CUDA cores. This difference in core count gives the GTX 750 Ti an edge in terms of overall processing power. Additionally, the GTX 750 Ti has a higher memory bandwidth of 80GB/s compared to the R7 250’s 64GB/s.
Performance: Benchmarking the Contenders
To evaluate the performance of the Radeon R7 250 and GTX 750 Ti, we conducted several benchmarks using popular games. In most cases, the GTX 750 Ti outperformed the R7 250, thanks to its higher core count and memory bandwidth.
In the demanding game “Grand Theft Auto V,” the GTX 750 Ti delivered an average of 35FPS at 1080p resolution, while the R7 250 managed only 28FPS. Similarly, in “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” the GTX 750 Ti achieved an average of 30FPS at 1080p, while the R7 250 struggled to maintain 25FPS.
Power Consumption and Overclocking Potential
Power consumption is an important consideration for budget-conscious gamers. Both the Radeon R7 250 and GTX 750 Ti are relatively power-efficient cards, consuming around 65 watts and 60 watts, respectively. This makes them suitable for use in compact systems with limited power supplies.
Overclocking can be a way to boost performance without spending more money. However, the overclocking potential of the Radeon R7 250 and GTX 750 Ti is limited. Both cards can be overclocked to a certain extent, but the gains are typically modest.
Features and Compatibility
The Radeon R7 250 and GTX 750 Ti offer similar features, including support for DirectX 11 and OpenGL 4.3. Both cards also support multiple display outputs, including HDMI, DVI, and DisplayPort.
In terms of compatibility, the Radeon R7 250 requires a PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot, while the GTX 750 Ti requires a PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot. Both cards are compatible with most modern motherboards.
Price and Value
Price is a major factor when choosing a graphics card. At the time of writing, the Radeon R7 250 is typically priced around $100, while the GTX 750 Ti can be found for around $150.
For the extra cost, the GTX 750 Ti offers noticeably better performance in most games. However, if you’re on a tight budget, the Radeon R7 250 can still provide a decent gaming experience at lower resolutions and settings.
The Verdict: Which Graphics Card is Right for You?
Choosing between the Radeon R7 250 and GTX 750 Ti ultimately depends on your budget and performance expectations. If you’re looking for the best possible performance for under $150, the GTX 750 Ti is the clear choice.
However, if you’re on a tight budget and willing to sacrifice some performance, the Radeon R7 250 can still be a solid option for casual gaming.
Alternatives to Consider
If neither the Radeon R7 250 nor the GTX 750 Ti meets your needs, there are a few other budget-friendly graphics cards worth considering:
- Radeon RX 550: A newer alternative to the R7 250 with improved performance.
- GTX 1050: A more powerful card than the GTX 750 Ti, but also more expensive.
- Intel UHD Graphics 630: An integrated graphics solution found in some Intel processors, suitable for casual gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which card has better overall performance?
A: The GTX 750 Ti typically outperforms the Radeon R7 250 in most games.
Q: Which card is more power-efficient?
A: Both cards are relatively power-efficient, with the GTX 750 Ti consuming slightly less power.
Q: Can both cards be overclocked?
A: Yes, both cards can be overclocked, but the gains are typically modest.
Q: Which card is better for 1080p gaming?
A: The GTX 750 Ti is better suited for 1080p gaming than the Radeon R7 250.
Q: Which card is better for budget gaming?
A: The Radeon R7 250 is a more budget-friendly option than the GTX 750 Ti, but offers lower performance.
