GeForce GTX 850A vs Radeon R9 M280X

When comparing GeForce GTX 850A and Radeon R9 M280X, we look primarily at benchmarks and game tests. But it is not only about the numbers. Often you can find third-party models with higher clock speeds, better cooling, or a customizable RGB lighting. Not all of them will have all the features you need. Another thing to consider is the port selection. Most graphics cards have at least one DisplayPort and HDMI interface, but some monitors require DVI. Before you buy, check the TDP of the graphics card - this characteristic will help you estimate the consumption of the graphics card. You may even have to upgrade your PSU to meet its requirements. An important factor when choosing between GeForce GTX 850A and Radeon R9 M280X is the price. Does the additional cost justify the performance hit? Our comparison should help you make the right decision.

Radeon R9 M280X is a Laptop Graphics Card

Note: Radeon R9 M280X is only used in laptop graphics. It has lower GPU clock speed compared to the desktop variant, which results in lower power consumption, but also 10-30% lower gaming performance. Check available laptop models with Radeon R9 M280X here:

Main Specs

  GeForce GTX 850A Radeon R9 M280X
Power consumption (TDP) 45 Watt
Interface PCIe 3.0 x16 PCIe 3.0 x16
Memory type DDR3 Not Listed
Maximum RAM amount 2 GB
Display Connectors No outputs No outputs
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  • Both video cards are using PCIe 3.0 x16 interface connection to a motherboard.
  • GeForce GTX 850A is used in Desktops, and Radeon R9 M280X - in Laptops.
  • GeForce GTX 850A is build with Maxwell architecture, and Radeon R9 M280X - with GCN.
  • Core clock speed of GeForce GTX 850A is 2 MHz higher, than Radeon R9 M280X.
  • GeForce GTX 850A and Radeon R9 M280X are manufactured by 28 nm process technology.

Game benchmarks

high / 1080p 1−2 2−3
ultra / 1080p 0−1 1−2
QHD / 1440p 0−1 0−1
low / 720p 12−14 14−16
medium / 1080p 3−4 4−5
The average gaming FPS of Radeon R9 M280X in Assassin's Creed Odyssey is 16% more, than GeForce GTX 850A.

Full Specs

  GeForce GTX 850A Radeon R9 M280X
Architecture Maxwell GCN
Code name GM107 Saturn XT
Type Desktop Laptop
Release date 17 March 2014 1 February 2015
Pipelines 640 896
Core clock speed 902 MHz 900 MHz
Boost Clock 936 MHz
Transistor count 1,870 million 2,080 million
Manufacturing process technology 28 nm 28 nm
Texture fill rate 37.44 61.60
Floating-point performance 1,198 gflops 1,792 gflops
Memory bus width 128 Bit
Memory clock speed 1800 MHz
Memory bandwidth 28.8 GB/s 96 GB/s
Shared memory -
DirectX 12 (11_0)
Shader Model 5.1 6.3
OpenGL 4.6 4.4
OpenCL 1.2 Not Listed
Vulkan 1.1.126
CUDA 5.0
FreeSync +
Bus support Not Listed
Laptop size large
HD3D +
PowerTune +
DualGraphics +
ZeroCore +
Switchable graphics +
Mantle +
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