FirePro W5170M vs Maxwell GPU Surface Book

When comparing FirePro W5170M and Maxwell GPU Surface Book, 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 FirePro W5170M and Maxwell GPU Surface Book is the price. Does the additional cost justify the performance hit? Our comparison should help you make the right decision.

FirePro W5170M and Maxwell GPU Surface Book are Laptop Graphics Cards

Note: FirePro W5170M and Maxwell GPU Surface Book are only used in laptop graphics. They have 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 FirePro W5170M or Maxwell GPU Surface Book here:

Main Specs

  FirePro W5170M Maxwell GPU Surface Book
Interface MXM-A (3.0)
Supplementary power connectors None
Memory type GDDR5 GDDR5
Maximum RAM amount 2 GB 1 GB
Display Connectors No outputs
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  • FirePro W5170M has 1 GB more memory, than Maxwell GPU Surface Book.
  • FirePro W5170M is used in Mobile workstations, and Maxwell GPU Surface Book - in Laptops.
  • FirePro W5170M is build with GCN architecture, and Maxwell GPU Surface Book - with Maxwell.
  • FirePro W5170M and Maxwell GPU Surface Book are manufactured by 28 nm process technology.
  • Memory clock speed of Maxwell GPU Surface Book is 512 MHz higher, than FirePro W5170M.

Game benchmarks

high / 1080p 10−12 8−9
ultra / 1080p 6−7 5−6
QHD / 1440p 1−2 0−1
low / 720p 24−27 20−22
medium / 1080p 12−14 10−12
The average gaming FPS of FirePro W5170M in Assassin's Creed Odyssey is 27% more, than Maxwell GPU Surface Book.

Full Specs

  FirePro W5170M Maxwell GPU Surface Book
Architecture GCN Maxwell
Code name Tropo Surface Book
Type Mobile workstation Laptop
Release date 2 October 2015 1 October 2015
Pipelines 640 384
Core clock speed 954 MHz
Boost Clock 925 MHz 993 MHz
Transistor count 1,500 million
Manufacturing process technology 28 nm 28 nm
Texture fill rate 37.00
Floating-point performance 1,184 gflops
Memory bus width 128 Bit 64 Bit
Memory clock speed 4500 MHz 5012 MHz
Memory bandwidth 72 GB/s
Shared memory - -
DirectX 12 (11_1) DirectX 12 (FL 11_0), Shader 5.0
Shader Model 5.1
OpenGL 4.6
OpenCL 1.2
Vulkan 1.2.131
CUDA +
Laptop size large
Optimus +
Eyefinity +
AppAcceleration +
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