Amd Radeon R7 M260 Vs Nvidia Geforce Gt 740m: Which One Should You Buy?
What To Know
- On the other hand, the NVIDIA GeForce GT 740M is built upon the Kepler architecture, a highly acclaimed design known for its exceptional performance and power efficiency.
- To assess the real-world performance of the AMD Radeon R7 M260 and NVIDIA GeForce GT 740M, we conducted a series of benchmarks and gaming tests.
- Both the AMD Radeon R7 M260 and NVIDIA GeForce GT 740M come with a suite of features and software tools to enhance the gaming and multimedia experience.
In the realm of mobile graphics, two prominent contenders emerge – the AMD Radeon R7 M260 and the NVIDIA GeForce GT 740M. Both GPUs are designed to power mid-range gaming laptops and cater to the needs of casual and enthusiast gamers alike. This comprehensive comparison aims to shed light on the key differences between these two graphics cards, providing valuable insights for those seeking the perfect balance between performance and affordability.
Architectural Prowess: GCN vs. Kepler
At the heart of the AMD Radeon R7 M260 lies the Graphics Core Next (GCN) architecture, a revolutionary design that introduces a new approach to graphics processing. This architecture boasts enhanced power efficiency, improved geometry handling, and support for the latest DirectX 12 and OpenGL 4.4 APIs.
On the other hand, the NVIDIA GeForce GT 740M is built upon the Kepler architecture, a highly acclaimed design known for its exceptional performance and power efficiency. Kepler brings forth advanced features such as adaptive VSync, PhysX, and TXAA anti-aliasing, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Performance Showdown: Benchmarks and Real-World Tests
To assess the real-world performance of the AMD Radeon R7 M260 and NVIDIA GeForce GT 740M, we conducted a series of benchmarks and gaming tests. Our findings revealed that the R7 M260 consistently outperforms the GT 740M in a variety of games, including popular titles such as Dota 2, League of Legends, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
In synthetic benchmarks, the R7 M260 also holds a slight edge over the GT 740M, demonstrating its superior graphics processing capabilities. However, it’s important to note that the performance gap between these two GPUs is relatively small, and both cards can deliver a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience at medium to high settings.
VRAM: Memory Configuration and Bandwidth
When it comes to VRAM, the AMD Radeon R7 M260 comes equipped with 2GB of GDDR5 memory, while the NVIDIA GeForce GT 740M offers either 1GB or 2GB of GDDR3 or GDDR5 memory. GDDR5 memory is a faster and more power-efficient type of memory compared to GDDR3, providing a significant boost in performance.
In terms of memory bandwidth, the R7 M260’s 128-bit memory bus offers a wider data pathway compared to the GT 740M’s 64-bit or 128-bit memory bus. This results in improved memory throughput and faster texture loading, especially in demanding games with high-resolution textures.
Power Consumption and Thermal Efficiency
Power consumption and thermal efficiency are crucial factors to consider, particularly for mobile devices. The AMD Radeon R7 M260 typically consumes less power than the NVIDIA GeForce GT 740M, making it a more energy-efficient choice for laptops with limited battery life.
Additionally, the R7 M260 generally runs cooler than the GT 740M, resulting in reduced fan noise and a more comfortable user experience. This is especially important during extended gaming sessions or intensive workloads.
Features and Software Support
Both the AMD Radeon R7 M260 and NVIDIA GeForce GT 740M come with a suite of features and software tools to enhance the gaming and multimedia experience. These features include support for DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.4, and the latest gaming technologies such as tessellation, displacement mapping, and ambient occlusion.
In terms of software support, both AMD and NVIDIA provide dedicated graphics drivers that optimize performance and stability for a wide range of games and applications. Additionally, both companies offer user-friendly control panels that allow users to tweak graphics settings, monitor system performance, and update drivers with ease.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right GPU for Your Needs
Ultimately, the choice between the AMD Radeon R7 M260 and NVIDIA GeForce GT 740M depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize raw performance and power efficiency, the R7 M260 is the clear winner. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with solid performance and good battery life, the GT 740M is a viable choice.
The R7 M260 is the better option for gamers who demand high frame rates and smooth gameplay in the latest titles. It also excels in creative applications that require GPU acceleration, such as video editing and 3D rendering.
Beyond the Comparison: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which GPU is better for gaming, the AMD Radeon R7 M260 or the NVIDIA GeForce GT 740M?
A: The AMD Radeon R7 M260 generally offers better gaming performance than the NVIDIA GeForce GT 740M, especially in modern games with demanding graphics.
Q: Which GPU is more power-efficient, the AMD Radeon R7 M260 or the NVIDIA GeForce GT 740M?
A: The AMD Radeon R7 M260 typically consumes less power than the NVIDIA GeForce GT 740M, making it a more energy-efficient choice for laptops with limited battery life.
Q: Which GPU has better software support, the AMD Radeon R7 M260 or the NVIDIA GeForce GT 740M?
A: Both AMD and NVIDIA provide dedicated graphics drivers and user-friendly control panels for their respective GPUs, ensuring optimal performance and stability in a wide range of games and applications.
