GeForce 205 vs GeForce GT 420

Full comparison of specs, performance and benchmarks

Aggregate performance score

We've compared 205 and GT 420 across specs and all relevant benchmarks.

205 outperforms GT 420 by ~35% on the catalog index; this is not a measured FPS gain.+35%

Scores are normalized on the Head to Head scale. Higher is better. How is this calculated?

H2HBench Data Quality

Low confidence
Specifications: Field verification not recordedVerified gaming results: 0Estimated / unverified results: 32Price record updated: Sep 6, 2026

Limited verified data

H2HBench Verdict

Higher catalog score: GeForce 205 (~13%)

The score difference is not a measured FPS improvement.

Reasons to consider 205

  • Higher catalog performance index
  • Lower stated power consumption
  • Recorded feature support: CUDA / OpenCL 1.x · Not supported

Reasons to consider GT 420

  • More graphics memory
  • Recorded feature support: OpenCL 1.1, CUDA 2.1 · Not supported
Low confidence

Catalog metrics radar

Axes with missing data are hidden; every value uses a fixed scale.

H2H
Performance
Efficiency
Price / performance
Memory capacity
Performance
4231
Efficiency
100100
Price / performance
100100
Memory capacity
1343
Missing values are never replaced with zero or an average.Model: H2H 2026.07 fixed scale.

Graphics card ranking

Full ranking →

The ranking is recalculated automatically from catalog data.

Positions 190–195of 321
205not in TOP100position in the GPU ranking
GT 420not in TOP100position in the GPU ranking

Which should you choose?

Two practical conclusions based on community votes and gaming value.

COMMUNITY CHOICE

GeForce GT 420

154 likes

Head to Head visitors currently choose this model more often.

Overview

Scores are calculated from specifications, performance, and efficiency.

Category205GT 420
GamesDirectX, OpenCL, and Vulkan performance
42Better
31
Professional applications3D modeling, video editing, and rendering
37Better
29
AI and machine learningMachine-learning and AI capabilities
34Better
26
Power efficiencyPower consumption across workloads
100
100
Head to Head scoreOverall catalog score
59Better
52

Specifications

The better numeric value is highlighted in green, taking the metric direction into account.

Specification205GT 420
Device class
DirectX
OpenGL
TFLOPSBetter
Launch price
Shader units / coresBetter
Power consumptionBetter
Die sizeBetter
Interface
Clock speedBetter
Base clockBetter
Boost clockBetter
Transistor countBetter
Memory type
Power connector
Release date
Architecture
VRAMBetter
Memory frequencyBetter
Memory busBetter
Memory bandwidthBetter
Power consumptionBetter
Process node
Thickness
Max monitors
Memory cache
Max resolution
USB Type-C
Recommended PSU
Length
Vulkan
DisplayPort
HDMI
Compute API
Upscaling

Gaming FPS

Available results are shown separately; missing data is not treated as zero.

The Gaming FPS section compares 205 and GT 420 across curated H2H Lab game presets. The useful signal is not only average FPS, but also how each device behaves at 1440p and 4K, how memory capacity and bus width affect heavy textures, and whether the game engine favors raster performance, ray tracing, or driver maturity.

205GT 420
Verified externalEstimatedSources ↗
Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

1080p High
204 FPS
154 FPS
1080p Ultra
143 FPS
108 FPS
1440p Ultra
88 FPS
58 FPS
4K Ultra
34 FPS
21 FPS
Game1080p High1080p Ultra1440p Ultra4K Ultra
Counter-Strike 2205204 FPSGT 420154 FPS205143 FPSGT 420108 FPS20588 FPSGT 42058 FPS20534 FPSGT 42021 FPS
Cyberpunk 2077205132 FPSGT 420100 FPS205113 FPSGT 42086 FPS20564 FPSGT 42042 FPS20523 FPSGT 42014 FPS
Forza Horizon 5205166 FPSGT 420126 FPS205108 FPSGT 42081 FPS20579 FPSGT 42053 FPS20549 FPSGT 42031 FPS
Hogwarts Legacy205108 FPSGT 42081 FPS20590 FPSGT 42068 FPS20557 FPSGT 42038 FPS20523 FPSGT 42014 FPS
Average FPS205153 FPSGT 420115 FPS205114 FPSGT 42086 FPS20572 FPSGT 42048 FPS20532 FPSGT 42020 FPS

H2H workload indices

Comparable internal indices on a fixed 0–100 scale.

Index205GT 420Difference
H2H Raster IndexH2H Index / 100423130%
H2H Compute IndexH2H Index / 10034326%
H2H Rendering IndexH2H Index / 10034340%
H2H Memory Workload IndexH2H Index / 1001343107%
H2H Efficiency IndexH2H Index / 1001001000%

These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.

H2H AI workload indices

Estimated workload profiles based on available performance and memory data.

Index205GT 420Difference
H2H Image Generation IndexH2H Index / 100293622%
H2H ML Training IndexH2H Index / 100303618%
H2H Inference IndexH2H Index / 10034340%
H2H Local LLM IndexH2H Index / 100263838%
H2H Computer Vision IndexH2H Index / 10033356%

These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.

Graphics APIs, SDKs and upscaling

Specifications205GT 420
DirectX10.011.0
VulkanNot supportedVulkan 1.2 (driver support)
OpenGLOpenGL 3.34.6
UpscalingNot supportedNot supported
Compute APICUDA / OpenCL 1.xOpenCL 1.1, CUDA 2.1

Architecture and release

Specifications205GT 420
ArchitectureTeslaFermi
Process node40 nm40 nm
Release date20092010
Device classDesktopDesktop

GPU cores, die and clocks

Specifications205GT 420
Transistor count314 million585 millionBetter
Die size144 mm²116 mm²Better
Shader units / cores1696Better
Base clock589 MHz700 MHzBetter
Boost clock589 MHz700 MHzBetter

Board size, power and compatibility

Specifications205GT 420
InterfacePCIe 2x16PCIe 2x16
LengthVaries by boardVaries by board
ThicknessIGPIGP
Recommended PSUVaries by boardVaries by board
Power connectorNoneNone

Display outputs and limits

Specifications205GT 420
HDMIBoard dependentBoard dependent
DisplayPortBoard dependentBoard dependent
USB Type-CNoNo
Max monitorsVaries by boardVaries by board
Max resolutionVaries by boardVaries by board

Memory and compute throughput

Specifications205GT 420
VRAM512 MB DDR2Better2 GB DDR3
Memory typeDDR2DDR3
Memory bus64 bit128 bitBetter
TFLOPS0.0450.192Better

Other comparisons

0

Reviews and questions

Explain this comparison

Beyond percentages: causes, relevant specifications, and practical impact behind every chart.

Device A20559
Device BGT 42052
What AI will explain

Overall score, radar, FPS, synthetic tests, specifications, efficiency, and value.

Evidence details

Data coverage

Verified gaming results
0
Verified synthetic results
0
Games with verified results
0
Verified community results
0
Estimated / unverified results
32
Specifications
0 / 70

Specification record updated:

Benchmarks updated:

Price record updated:

Comparison reviewed:

Calculated scores · How is this calculated?

Scores use the catalog model and may include estimated inputs. Open each score to see its origin and the methodology.

clamp(round(performance × 0.7 + (efficiency ?? 50) × 0.2 + (value is missing ? 0 : (value − 50) × 0.2)), 0, 100)
Price evidence · View sources (4)

Verified community results

No verified community benchmarks yet.

Reviewed by

No individual editorial review is recorded for this comparison.

Comparison history

Show recorded changes (4)
  1. · Record updated: products
  2. · Record updated: products
  3. · Record updated: products
  4. · Record updated: products

Why you can trust this comparison

Origin and confidence are evaluated from the evidence attached to each value. Unverified results are identified, and specification, benchmark and price dates remain separate.

Report incorrect data

Owner experiences

Real builds, results, and community feedback.

Moderator reviewedHelpful to the communityExpert badges

Frequently asked comparison questions

Short recommendations based on performance, memory, power consumption, and intended use.

01Which is better for gaming: 205 or GT 420?

205 has the higher overall gaming score, while 205 offers the better price-to-performance ratio. The final choice depends on resolution and settings.

02Which is better for streaming?

205 is the stronger streaming choice thanks to performance, hardware encoding, and application support. Check AV1, H.264, and HEVC support before buying.

03Which is better for Blender?

205 is generally the better option for Blender and GPU rendering. Rendering-engine support and available VRAM also matter.

04Which is better for video editing?

205 offers more overall performance, while 205 offers more memory headroom. Codecs, hardware encoders, and editor optimization can change the result.

05Which is better for neural networks and AI?

205 is the more practical option for local AI workloads. VRAM capacity, compute libraries, and framework compatibility are especially important.

06Which is better for 1080p?

205 is the most rational 1080p choice, where high frame rates and cost per frame matter most.

07Which is better for 1440p?

205 leads in combined 1440p performance. 205 can be preferable for heavy textures and games with high VRAM usage.

08Which is better for 4K?

205 is preferable for 4K, where total performance, memory bandwidth, and VRAM capacity have the greatest impact.

09Which is better for a quiet PC?

205 is easier to use in a quiet build because of its lower estimated power and thermal load. Actual noise depends on the specific cooler.

10Which is better without replacing the power supply?

205 is the safer candidate because its stated power consumption is lower. Verify PSU wattage, age, and power connectors.

11Is it worth upgrading from the previous generation?

Consider upgrading to 205 if your current device no longer delivers the required FPS, memory capacity, or feature support. A gain below 15–20% is usually worth waiting for a price cut.