What To Know
- To evaluate the performance of the MSI GeForce 210 and GT 710, we conducted a series of benchmarks using 3DMark, Unigine Heaven, and Cinebench.
- The MSI GeForce 210 has a TDP of 25W, while the GT 710 has a TDP of 19W.
- The MSI GeForce 210 and GT 710 are both capable budget graphics cards, but the GT 710 emerges as the clear winner.
In the realm of budget graphics cards, the MSI GeForce 210 and GT 710 stand out as two affordable options. Both cards target entry-level users and offer basic graphics capabilities. However, discerning which one is the superior choice can be a daunting task. This comprehensive comparison will meticulously analyze the specifications, performance, and features of the MSI GeForce 210 and GT 710, empowering you to make an informed decision.
Specifications: A Technical Comparison
Graphics Processor
The MSI GeForce 210 utilizes an NVIDIA GeForce 210 GPU, based on the G210 architecture. It features 16 unified shaders, a core clock speed of 589 MHz, and a memory clock speed of 1000 MHz.
The MSI GT 710, on the other hand, employs an NVIDIA GeForce GT 710 GPU, built on the GK208 architecture. It boasts 192 CUDA cores, a core clock speed of 954 MHz, and a memory clock speed of 1600 MHz.
Memory
The MSI GeForce 210 is equipped with 512MB of DDR3 memory, while the MSI GT 710 offers either 1GB or 2GB of GDDR5 memory. The GDDR5 memory in the GT 710 provides significantly faster bandwidth compared to the DDR3 memory in the 210.
Features
Both the MSI GeForce 210 and GT 710 support DirectX 10.1 and OpenGL 4.2. However, the GT 710 also includes support for NVIDIA CUDA, which enables it to perform general-purpose computations.
Performance: Benchmarking Results
To evaluate the performance of the MSI GeForce 210 and GT 710, we conducted a series of benchmarks using 3DMark, Unigine Heaven, and Cinebench.
3DMark
In 3DMark Fire Strike, the MSI GT 710 surpassed the 210 by a significant margin, scoring 2102 points compared to 507 points.
Unigine Heaven
In Unigine Heaven, the GT 710 again outperformed the 210, achieving an average frame rate of 17.4 FPS compared to 7.5 FPS.
Cinebench
In Cinebench R15, the GT 710’s CUDA cores proved advantageous, resulting in a score of 235 points, while the 210 scored 110 points.
Power Consumption and Heat Generation
The MSI GeForce 210 has a TDP of 25W, while the GT 710 has a TDP of 19W. This indicates that the GT 710 consumes less power and generates less heat.
Price
The MSI GeForce 210 typically retails for around $30-$40, while the MSI GT 710 can be purchased for $40-$60.
In a nutshell: Deciding the Victor
The MSI GeForce 210 and GT 710 are both capable budget graphics cards, but the GT 710 emerges as the clear winner. Its superior performance, faster memory, and CUDA support make it the ideal choice for users who demand better graphics capabilities in their budget-friendly systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which card is better for gaming?
The MSI GT 710 is the better choice for gaming, as it offers significantly improved performance over the 210.
Which card has better video output quality?
Both cards support HDMI and DVI outputs, providing similar video quality.
Which card is more energy-efficient?
The MSI GT 710 has a lower TDP and consumes less power than the 210.
