Performance Rating Methodology
Understanding how we calculate and adjust GPU performance scores across different resolutions.
Overview
For each benchmark, every graphics card receives a score from 0 to 100, calculated as a percentage relative to the top performer in that specific benchmark. Our methodology combines pure raster performance data with practical considerations like VRAM capacity and modern GPU features.
Raw Performance Calculations
The raw performance rating represents pure raster performance without upscaling or ray tracing, based on data from eight different 3DMark benchmarks and TechPowerUp performance rankings. Each resolution category uses a different weighting formula:
Overall Performance
(TPU × 2) + Fire Strike Ultra + Wild Life Extreme + Night Raid + Firestrike + Steel Nomad (DX12) + Steel Nomad Light (DX12) + Time Spy + Time Spy Extreme
÷ 10
1080p Performance
TPU + Night Raid + (Fire Strike × 2.5) + (Time Spy ÷ 2)
÷ 5
1440p Performance
TPU + (Steel Nomad Light × 1.5) + (Time Spy × 2) + (Port Royal ÷ 2)
÷ 5
4K Performance
(TPU × 2) + Fire Strike Ultra + Wild Life Extreme + Steel Nomad + Time Spy Extreme
÷ 6
VRAM Adjustments
The raw performance score is first adjusted to account for VRAM limitations, as cards with insufficient VRAM may experience performance degradation in modern games. This adjustment penalizes cards with less than 16GB of VRAM:
Overall
(Score × 5) + ((Score × min(VRAM, 13)) ÷ 13) ÷ 6
1080p
(Score × 6) + ((Score × min(VRAM, 12.5)) ÷ 12.5) ÷ 7
1440p
(Score × 4) + ((Score × min(VRAM, 13)) ÷ 13) ÷ 5
4K
(Score × 4) + ((Score × min(VRAM, 13.5)) ÷ 13.5) ÷ 5
Features & Functionality Multipliers
After VRAM adjustment, scores are further modified based on modern GPU features and capabilities. These multipliers vary by resolution to reflect real-world usage patterns:
Upscaling Technology
Weight: 10
Blackwell DLSS SR (best) to FSR 2 SR (baseline)
Frame Generation
Weight: 4
DLSS 4 MFG (best) to no frame generation (baseline)
I/O Bandwidth
Weight: 3
DP 2.1 UHBR20 (80 Gbps) to DP 1.2 HBR2 (21.6 Gbps)
Hardware Ray Tracing
Weight: 8
Nvidia Blackwell (best) to no hardware RT (baseline)
Driver Support
Weight: 4
Full support (best) to legacy/extended support (reduced)
Resolution-Specific Adjustments
1080p Considerations
Upscaling technologies are not factored in, as native 1080p performance is typically sufficient. I/O bandwidth receives half weight since high refresh rate limitations are less critical at this resolution.
1440p Considerations
Upscaling receives half weight as it becomes more relevant but not critical. Ray tracing is not separately weighted since Port Royal benchmark data already incorporates RT performance.
4K Considerations
All feature multipliers are applied at full weight, reflecting the demanding nature of 4K gaming where every advantage becomes crucial for playable performance.
Methodology Notes
The weighting assigned to each factor will always be somewhat subjective and dependent on individual use cases. Our approach aims to be as methodical and factually grounded as possible, balancing raw performance with practical considerations that affect real-world gaming experience.
Benchmark data is sourced from 3DMark test suites and TechPowerUp's comprehensive GPU database, ensuring consistent and reliable performance measurements across all tested graphics cards.