Which is a Better Mobile GPU for Gaming: AMD 540 or NVIDIA MX150?
When it comes to choosing the right mobile GPU for gaming, decision makers often face a dilemma between AMD's 540 and NVIDIA's MX150. While both GPUs have their unique attributes, the competition between them highlights several key differences that can significantly impact your gaming experience. In this article, we delve into the performance and features of both GPUs to help you make an informed decision.
NVIDIA MX150: A New Generation with Pascal Architecture
The NVIDIA MX150 is a standout choice for mobile gaming due to its newer Pascal architecture. Introduced in 2016, this generation of GPUs offers improved performance and power efficiency compared to its predecessors. According to various reviews, the MX150 performs on par with NVIDIA's mid-range models such as the GTX 950M and 960M.
One of the key factors that make the MX150 appealing is its lower power consumption and its ability to deliver better performance in the same power range. This makes it particularly suitable for laptops where power efficiency is crucial for extended battery life. Benchmarks consistently show the MX150 handling demanding tasks, including Grand Theft Auto V at native 720p resolution with high settings at around 60 fps. Additionally, it runs Forza Horizon and Project Cars smoothly at medium settings and Assassin's Creed: Unity at low settings in 1080p at 60 fps.
AMD 540: A Fair Bit Better in Terms of Specifications
Despite its impressive performance, the MX150 wasn't the only mobile GPU in the market. The AMD 540, while not as widely discussed, is still a formidable contender. One of the key advantages of the AMD 540 is its higher memory and more shaders and compute units, making it capable of rendering visuals faster than the MX150 when comparing specs side by side.
According to Notebook reviews, the MX150 is positioned between NVIDIA's previous generation GTX 950M and 960M. However, a similar placement is also observed for the RX 540, which is usually placed below the GTX 945M, indicating a similar level of performance. The discrepancy in benchmark numbers versus the textual descriptions can be attributed to the complexity of benchmarking and the nuances in testing environments.
Conclusion: MX150 Takes the Lead Based on Practical Experience
Based on our experience and practical testing, the MX150 proves to be a more powerful GPU than its benchmarks suggest. While the benchmarks may indicate it's slightly weaker than the AMD 540, our hands-on experience showcases its true potential. The combination of its newer architecture, lower power consumption, and superior performance in practical gaming scenarios makes the MX150 an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their mobile gaming experience without compromising on portability and battery life.
Ultimately, if you're in the market for a mobile GPU for gaming, the NVIDIA MX150 stands out as the better option. Its newer architecture, lower power consumption, and consistent performance across various gaming scenarios make it a reliable choice. So, buy the MX150 without hesitation and enjoy a better gaming experience.