GPU Value Comparisons

Archer

Archer

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I've done a little work on getting the real value a GPU gives you, ie Rands per FPS delivered, as well as average FPS.

In a nutshell I've taken the FPS from each game they review with and averaged it. I've tried to stick with 1920x1080/1200 resolution results since thats what most people will be running. I can add more data from other sites if people want them. For the price of each GPU I have tried to find the cheapest option in SA.

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Links for those that cant view embedded images
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...ZEZ2ZHRlU3BwLVEwc0lIaHc&oid=3&zx=dycynip1w2nc
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...ZEZ2ZHRlU3BwLVEwc0lIaHc&oid=4&zx=60os3f4wxvnp
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...ZEZ2ZHRlU3BwLVEwc0lIaHc&oid=5&zx=fgb47vereout
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...EZ2ZHRlU3BwLVEwc0lIaHc&oid=10&zx=271hzfy1533r

So basically, if you want the best you pick from the average FPS list. If you want the most value, pick from the Cost/FPS list. Most likely you'll end up looking at both and finding the right compromise for your budget.
For high end cards its a bit easier to look at the Rand/FPS chart, for medium to low end cards, the FPS/Rand chart is easier. Thanks to pada for the suggestion

My best value pick as of May:
GTX670 - killer performance at a very good price

Post any suggestions/corrections (especially price corrections) in this thread or PM me. I'll try update the OP regularly as new GPUs come out or as pricing changes.

Well after all that work I seriously hope it helps someone!

Sources: Guru3d, Anandtech, Hexus, Techpowerup
 
Last edited:
You shouldn't do it on a linear scale since their prices aren't really linear. do a log on the cost/fps and tell us the result.
 
Archer said:
Current lowest prices in Rands:
HD5970 - 5941 // GTX480 - 4800 // HD5870 - 3750 // GTX470 - 3285 // HD5850 - 2750 // GTX460 1gb - 2112 // GTX460 768mb - 1977 // HD5770 - 1552
Click to expand...

Wootware has got the 5850 for cheaper, though they are out of stock. ;)

So on to the results in order of best to worst:
Average FPS
HD5970 - 96.0 // GTX480 - 80.7 // HD5870 - 70.8 // GTX470 - 65.3 // HD5850 - 60.3 // GTX460 1gb - 55.4 // GTX460 768mb - 50.9 // HD5770 - 1552
Click to expand...

Missing frames. :D
 
UnUnOctium said:
You shouldn't do it on a linear scale since their prices aren't really linear. do a log on the cost/fps and tell us the result.
Click to expand...

What do you propose I use for the base of the log function? Guess I can try some numbers until I find one that represent the data nicely, but it feels a bit like data manipulation in which case I could easily warp the end result. But I will try it, thanks.
 
SharkBait said:
What about OCed cards? Especially the GTX 460 1Gig cards.
Click to expand...

Was hoping nobody would bring that up :p thing is its quite difficult to find multiple sources giving reviews of the same OC card, whereas just about everyone will review the stock cards.
 
Archer said:
What do you propose I use for the base of the log function? Guess I can try some numbers until I find one that represent the data nicely, but it feels a bit like data manipulation in which case I could easily warp the end result. But I will try it, thanks.
Click to expand...

base doesn't matter, it's the derivative that does (and that's just scaled by the inverse of the natural logarithm of the base). So for simplicity's sake, make it a ln.
 
It's pointless imo to do OC'd cards as there are just to many flavours of them and well comparing OC to reference is also stupid as I'll just OC my reference then and we back to square 1...

Reference design is better as even though manufactures charge different prices, the cards still perform the same.. So ya lowest price comparison is best here..

460 1GB @ R2067.85 http://www.prophecy.co.za/inno3d-nvidia-geforce-gddr5-256bit-pcie-p-82915.html

and I want a graph :p
 
nakedpeanut said:
It's pointless imo to do OC'd cards as there are just to many flavours of them and well comparing OC to reference is also stupid as I'll just OC my reference then and we back to square 1...

Reference design is better as even though manufactures charge different prices, the cards still perform the same.. So ya lowest price comparison is best here..

460 1GB @ R2067.85 http://www.prophecy.co.za/inno3d-nvidia-geforce-gddr5-256bit-pcie-p-82915.html

and I want a graph :p
Click to expand...

A graph of what? And that price edges the 460 1gb back into 1st place for value.
 
I don't know but graphs are good :)

maybe a dot graph of fps on the left and price on the bottom
 
If one is willing to sit down and waste some time, you could develop a fitness function for price, performance, other factors and find out the optimal card ;) [excuse the extra dose of geekiness, engineer].
 
AMD will be releasing the 6000 series sometime this month... Apparently the 6770 will trade blows with the 5850 :eek:... and 6870 will be 30 odd percent fast than the 5870... so simply put... Nvidia maybe in hot water :p
 
lol so I gotto ask, what exactly do you do at work archer? :D cause I'm thinking of applying at your company.. Whats their name? :D
 
nakedpeanut said:
lol so I gotto ask, what exactly do you do at work archer? :D cause I'm thinking of applying at your company.. Whats their name? :D
Click to expand...

Its just been a slow day, but I did most of this during lunch. Hence the next big update can only be tomorrow. The nice thing is no matter where you work if you have excel open with lots of number and graphs its assumed you're working :D
 
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