Apple Macbook/Pro/iMac/Mini/etc Graphics Comparison

I thought it would be useful to put together a benchmark comparison chart of Apple's current (and recent) graphics options.

Because the GeForce 9400M is the slowest option Apple offers, I'll use it as a zero-point. So, all percentages shown below are % faster than a GeForce 9400M.

1. NVIDIA GeForce 9400M: 0% faster than 9400M
2. NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT: 143% faster than 9400M
3. NVIDIA GeForce 320M: 166%
4. NVIDIA GeForce GT 120: 183%
5. NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M: 251%
6. ATI Radeon HD 4670: 327%
7. ATI Radeon HD 4850: 686%
8. ATI Radeon HD 5670: 748%
9. ATI Radeon HD 4870: 754%
10. ATI Radeon HD 5750: 940%
11. ATI Radeon HD 5770: 1046%

And here are some useful direct comparisons for common upgrade paths (faster option is always on the left).

• 9600M GT vs 9400M: 143% faster
• 320M vs 9400M: 166% faster
• GT 330M vs 320M: 32% faster
• GT 330M vs 9600M GT: 75% faster
• HD 4670 vs GT 120: 51% faster
• HD 4670 vs 330M: 22% faster
• HD 4850 vs 330M: 124% faster
• HD 4850 vs HD 4670: 84% faster
• HD 5670 vs HD 4670: 99% faster
• HD 4870 vs HD 4670: 100% faster
• HD 4870 vs HD 5670: 1% faster
• HD 5750 vs HD 4850: 32% faster
• HD 5750 vs HD 5670: 23% faster
• HD 5770 vs HD 5670: 35% faster
• HD 5770 vs HD 5750: 10% faster

Also remember that while these numbers are good for comparing raw horsepower, they don't take features into account (like support for DirectX 11, power consumption, heat output, etc). So, even though the ATI HD 5670 performs almost identically to a HD 4870, the HD 5670 also supports DX11 and uses less power. Shop wisely!

Let me know if you want me to add any more comparisons, I'll be happy to do so.

Edited 1 year ago

so Im currently debating getting either: 1) 27" iMac 2.93 ghz i7 with ATI Radeon HD 5750, or 2) 15" Macbook Pro 2.8 ghz i7 with Nvidia Geforce GT 330m

my intention is to learn final cut studio with it and play around with web development..this will strictly be a hobby but one that i plan on taking serious one day

QUESTION: does the advantage of portability of the macbook pro make it a wise buy in achieveing my objectives. OR will there be a striking advantage in the imac's performance. ie: will the macbook pro get the job done?

Love this list but isnt it time to update it with the new cards fron the macbook pro line? :) Intel HD Graphics 3000 AMD Radeon HD 6490M AMD Radeon HD 6750M

You definitely won't notice the difference in CPU speeds between an i7 Macbook Pro / iMac. If Final Cut use the GPU for rendering (and therefore take advantage of the GPU speed increase, which is drastic), I would go for the iMac.

I've been hunting for a comparison between ATI Radeon HD 5670 with 512MB versus NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics. Thanks for sharing!