R9 270X => GTX950

Key Characteristics:

• GPU Architecture: GCN 1.0 (Curacao XT).

• Memory: Typically 2 GB GDDR5 on a 256-bit bus with higher bandwidth (~179.2 GB/s).

• Performance: Strong shader count and good raw throughput make it competitive in older/optimized titles.

• Power: Relatively high power consumption (~180 W TDP) compared with newer cards.

• Use-Case: Best suited for older or less demanding games at medium to high settings at 1080p.

Pros:

✔ Larger memory bandwidth and shader engines.

✔ Can deliver respectable performance for older games.

Cons:

✘ High power draw and older driver support (AMD has moved R9 series to legacy support).

✘ Less efficient in newer API/game engines.

🔶 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950

The GeForce GTX 950 is a Maxwell-based NVIDIA card launched in 2015, positioned between entry-level and mid-range for 1080p gaming. It’s generally more energy-efficient and newer than the R9 270X.

Key Characteristics:

• GPU Architecture: Maxwell (GM206).

• Memory: 2 GB GDDR5 on a 128-bit bus with ~105.8 GB/s bandwidth.

• Performance: In many real-world benchmarks, the GTX 950 performs on par with or slightly above the R9 270X despite lower raw specs.

• Power: Much lower power draw (~90 W TDP) for cooler operation and smaller PSUs.

• Use-Case: Good for 1080p gaming at medium settings in many modern titles, especially where driver support and efficiency matter.

Pros:

✔ Newer architecture with better energy efficiency.

✔ Often slightly better aggregate performance and value.

✔ Lower heat and power requirements.

Cons:

✘ Smaller memory bus and bandwidth can limit performance in high-demand scenarios.

✘ Limited VRAM may constrain future gaming performance.

🧠 Side-by-Side Summary

Release & Architecture:

• R9 270X: Oct 2013, AMD GCN 1.0.

• GTX 950: Aug 2015, NVIDIA Maxwell.

Memory & Bandwidth:

• R9 270X: ~179.2 GB/s bandwidth, 256-bit bus.

• GTX 950: ~105.8 GB/s bandwidth, 128-bit bus.

Power Consumption:

• R9 270X: ~180 W.

• GTX 950: ~90 W.

Performance:

• Benchmarks show GTX 950 can edge ahead in combined scores and efficiency, while R9 270X still offers strong raw compute and memory throughput.

Best For:

• R9 270X: Older game titles or systems with higher PSU capacity.

• GTX 950: Balanced performance, lower power, and better driver support for slightly newer games.

📌 Verdict (General)

Both cards perform similarly overall with trade-offs. The Radeon R9 270X has stronger raw data throughput but higher power use, while the GTX 950 offers better efficiency and competitive real-world performance — especially useful if you want quieter operation and driver support continuity.