The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 is a graphics card that often flies under the radar, overshadowed by its more powerful siblings and newer models. However, this budget-friendly GPU packs a punch that belies its humble stature. In this article, we’ll delve into the performance, features, and value of the GTX 750, exploring whether it’s still a viable option for budget-conscious gamers and PC enthusiasts.
The GTX 750: A Brief Overview
Released in 2014, the GTX 750 is a mid-range graphics card based on NVIDIA’s first-generation Maxwell architecture. Built using a 28nm process, this GPU features 512 CUDA cores, 32 ROPs, and 64 texture units. With a base clock speed of 1024 MHz and a boost clock of up to 1085 MHz, the GTX 750 is capable of delivering decent performance at 1080p resolutions. The card also comes with 1GB or 2GB of GDDR5 memory, depending on the model.
Performance: How Does the GTX 750 Stack Up?
When evaluating the performance of the GTX 750, it’s essential to consider its peers and the demands of modern gaming. In its heyday, the GTX 750 was a solid mid-range option, offering smooth performance in popular titles like League of Legends, Dota 2, and World of Warcraft at high graphics settings. However, as games have become more demanding, the GTX 750’s performance has naturally taken a hit.
1080p Performance
At 1080p (1920×1080), the GTX 750 still holds its own in less demanding titles. In games like Overwatch, Rocket League, and CS:GO, the GTX 750 can deliver frame rates above 60 FPS with graphics settings maxed out. However, in more demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, The Witcher 3, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the GTX 750 struggles to maintain 30 FPS at high settings.
Benchmarks: GTX 750 Performance in Popular Games
| Game | Resolution | Graphics Settings | FPS |
| — | — | — | — |
| Overwatch | 1080p | Ultra | 72 FPS |
| Rocket League | 1080p | High | 83 FPS |
| CS:GO | 1080p | Very High | 120 FPS |
| Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | 1080p | High | 27 FPS |
| The Witcher 3 | 1080p | Ultra | 25 FPS |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 1080p | High | 30 FPS |
1440p and 4K Performance
As you might expect, the GTX 750’s performance takes a significant hit at higher resolutions. At 1440p (2560×1440), the GTX 750 struggles to maintain 30 FPS in most games, even at lower graphics settings. At 4K (3840×2160), the GTX 750 is largely unusable, with frame rates often dipping below 20 FPS.
Power Consumption and Efficiency
One of the standout features of the GTX 750 is its impressive power efficiency. With a TDP of just 55W, the GTX 750 is an excellent option for small form factor builds, HTPCs, and systems with limited power delivery. This low power consumption also means that the GTX 750 produces minimal heat and noise, making it an attractive choice for silent operation.
Features and Technologies
The GTX 750 may be an older GPU, but it still packs a range of features that enhance gaming performance and overall system functionality. Some of the key technologies and features include:
DirectX 11 and OpenGL 4.4 Support
The GTX 750 supports DirectX 11 and OpenGL 4.4, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of modern games and applications.
NVIDIA PhysX and TXAA
The GTX 750 is capable of handling NVIDIA’s proprietary PhysX physics engine and TXAA (Temporal Anti-Aliasing) technology, which enhance gaming realism and visual fidelity.
GPU Boost 2.0 and Adaptive VSync
GPU Boost 2.0 allows the GTX 750 to dynamically adjust its clock speed to optimize performance and power consumption. Adaptive VSync, meanwhile, helps to reduce screen tearing and stuttering in games that support this technology.
Digital Signal Processor (DSP) and H.264 Encoding
The GTX 750’s DSP enables efficient video encoding and decoding, making it an excellent choice for video editing, transcoding, and streaming applications.
Value and Upgrade Path
The GTX 750 is an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers and PC enthusiasts, offering a competitive performance-to-price ratio. With prices ranging from $50 to $100, depending on the model and brand, the GTX 750 is an accessible entry point into the world of PC gaming.
Upgrade Path: Is the GTX 750 Still Worth Upgrading?
While the GTX 750 is an older GPU, it can still be a viable upgrade option for systems with integrated graphics or lower-end dedicated GPUs. However, if you’re already running a more modern GPU, upgrading to a newer model like the GTX 1650 Super or RTX 3060 might be a better investment.
Conclusion: Is the GTX 750 Still Worth Considering?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 may not be the most powerful GPU on the market, but it’s still a solid option for budget-friendly builds and entry-level gaming systems. With its impressive power efficiency, competitive performance, and range of features, the GTX 750 is an unassuming powerhouse that’s worth considering for those looking to dip their toes into PC gaming.
Ultimately, the GTX 750 is a great choice for:
- Budget-conscious gamers who want to play less demanding titles at 1080p resolutions
- Small form factor builds and HTPCs where power consumption is a concern
- Entry-level gaming systems looking for a low-cost, low-power GPU
- Those who want a reliable, efficient GPU for general computing and multimedia tasks
While the GTX 750 may not be the best option for 4K gaming or demanding applications, it’s still a capable GPU that offers excellent value and performance for its price.
What is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 is a mid-range graphics card that was released in 2014 as part of the NVIDIA GeForce 700 series. It is based on the GM107 Maxwell architecture and is designed to provide a balance between performance and power efficiency. The GTX 750 is a popular choice among budget-conscious gamers and PC enthusiasts who want to play modern games at high resolutions without breaking the bank.
The GTX 750 is available in various configurations, including 1GB and 2GB GDDR5 memory options, with clock speeds ranging from 1024 MHz to 1085 MHz. It has 512 CUDA cores and a 128-bit memory bus, making it suitable for playing games at 1080p and 1440p resolutions. Despite being an older model, the GTX 750 remains a popular choice among gamers and PC enthusiasts due to its affordability and decent performance.
What are the key features of the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 boasts several key features that make it a compelling choice for budget-conscious gamers. One of its most notable features is its low power consumption, with a TDP of just 55W. This makes it an ideal choice for smaller form factor PCs and those who want to build a energy-efficient gaming rig. Additionally, the GTX 750 supports DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.4, and NVIDIA’s proprietary technologies such as PhysX and CUDA.
The GTX 750 also features NVIDIA’s Maxwell architecture, which provides improved performance and efficiency compared to its predecessors. The card also supports multiple display outputs, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI, making it suitable for multi-monitor setups. Furthermore, the GTX 750 is compatible with NVIDIA’s GeForce Experience software, which provides driver updates, game optimization, and exclusive features such as ShadowPlay and GameStream.
How does the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 perform in modern games?
Despite being an older model, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 still performs reasonably well in modern games, especially at lower resolutions. In games such as Fortnite, League of Legends, and Overwatch, the GTX 750 can deliver frame rates of around 60 FPS at 1080p resolutions with high graphics settings. However, it may struggle to maintain high frame rates at higher resolutions such as 1440p and 4K.
In more demanding games such as The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the GTX 750 may require reduced graphics settings to achieve playable frame rates. However, it’s still possible to play these games at lower resolutions with decent performance. Overall, the GTX 750 is suitable for casual gaming and esports titles, but may not be the best choice for demanding AAA games.
Can the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 handle 4K gaming?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 is not well-suited for 4K gaming due to its limited processing power and memory bandwidth. While it may be possible to play some less demanding games at 4K resolutions, the frame rates will likely be low and unplayable. In general, the GTX 750 is better suited for gaming at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, where it can deliver more acceptable frame rates.
If you want to play games at 4K resolutions, you’ll need a more powerful graphics card such as the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or higher. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for 1080p gaming, the GTX 750 is still a viable choice.
Is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 still a good option for PC building?
Despite being an older model, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 is still a good option for PC building, especially for those on a tight budget. Its low power consumption and compact design make it an ideal choice for small form factor PCs and mini-ITX builds. Additionally, the GTX 750 is relatively affordable and widely available, making it an attractive option for those who want to build a budget gaming PC.
However, it’s worth considering newer and more powerful graphics cards such as the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Super or the AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT, which offer better performance and modern features such as ray tracing and AI acceleration. If you’re building a PC for general use and don’t need top-of-the-line gaming performance, the GTX 750 is still a solid choice.
How does the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 compare to the AMD Radeon R7 270?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 and the AMD Radeon R7 270 are both mid-range graphics cards that target budget-conscious gamers. In terms of performance, the GTX 750 has a slight edge over the R7 270, with faster clock speeds and higher memory bandwidth. However, the R7 270 has more memory (2GB GDDR5 vs 1GB GDDR5) and a wider memory bus (256-bit vs 128-bit).
In terms of power consumption, the GTX 750 has a lower TDP of 55W compared to the R7 270’s 150W. This makes the GTX 750 a more suitable choice for small form factor PCs and energy-efficient builds. Overall, the GTX 750 is a better option for those who want a more efficient and compact graphics card, while the R7 270 is a better choice for those who need more memory and higher memory bandwidth.
Is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 worth upgrading to?
If you’re currently using an older graphics card such as the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 or the AMD Radeon HD 7770, upgrading to the GTX 750 can provide a significant performance boost. The GTX 750 offers improved performance, lower power consumption, and modern features such as DirectX 12 and NVIDIA’s proprietary technologies.
However, if you’re already using a more modern graphics card such as the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 or the AMD Radeon RX 460, upgrading to the GTX 750 may not be worth it. The GTX 750 is an older model, and you may not see a significant performance improvement. Instead, you may want to consider upgrading to a newer and more powerful graphics card that offers better performance and modern features.