The GeForce GTX 275 is from the second generation of cards based on a GT200 chip. This means that it shares the same architecture as the GeForce GTX 200, but that, like the GTX 285, it has a more finely engraved chip (55 nm instead of 65 nm previously) that is supposed to consume less energy and heat up less.

In terms of competition, you’ll find it opposite the old (in computing terms) GeForce GTX 280 and above all the 1 GB ATI Radeon HD 4890. It’s a model designed for users of screens at medium and high res who wish to activate all graphics options in games. Although generally speaking the GeForce GTX 275 is generally ahead of its competitor, the verdict varies from game to game.


In World in Conflict for example, with a res of 1680x1050 pixels (with filters activated), the GTX 275 has an average of 50 fps (frames per second) while the 4890 is at 40 fps. In Race Driver GRID however, the ATI does better: at 1920x1200 (with filters activated) the Radeon gives an average of 88 fps against 77 fps for the GeForce. A close thing then, especially as on some games, both cards give strictly identical performance (Fallout 3 at 1920x1200 for example).

The GeForce GTX 275 896 MB is sufficiently fast for fluid gaming for all titles from 2008 on large screens. Games from 2009 shouldn’t give it too many problems either.

Size, energy consumption and noise

At a length of 27 cm and with its double decker heatsink, the card is one of the largest. Make sure you have the necessary space to house it in the casing of your computer. Power supply is via two 6-pin PCI-Express connectors. Energy consumption in 2D is very contained at 122W, as against 151W for the Radeon HD 4890. In 3D intensive, it’s a little less good with 382W as against 342W for the Radeon. We couldn’t judge the standard heatsink as our test card had an alternative (see inset).