The Largest Graphics Card Review Ever: Performance Insights from 2009 to 2025
Summary
- Expansive Review: A groundbreaking review evaluates 180 graphics cards, showcasing generational advancements over 16 years.
- Performance Leap: The latest Nvidia RTX 5090 outperforms the older AMD Radeon HD 5870 by an astonishing 2477%.
- Gaming Trends: The review highlights the critical need for 8GB memory cards for optimal gaming experiences today.
In a remarkable celebration of its 25th anniversary, the renowned German hardware website PC Games Hardware (PCGH) has embarked on a monumental project—a comprehensive review of 180 graphics cards spanning from 2009 to 2025. Covering both cutting-edge graphics cards and classic models, this analysis sheds light on the evolution of GPU technology.
The review features the latest flagship models, including Nvidia’s RTX 5090, alongside older generations, such as AMD’s Radeon HD 5870. This comparison hinges on the HD 5870, recognized as the first graphics card to support DirectX 11, showcasing its historical relevance in the industry.
Methodology and Findings
PCGH employed a finely-tuned i9-14900KS test platform to minimize CPU bottlenecks during testing. However, it was noted that some games still limit the performance of contemporary graphics cards, revealing an unexpected disparity between benchmark results and real-world gaming scenarios. This indicates that while specifications may suggest significant advancements, the actual performance improvements can vary depending on the game’s engine and CPU limitations.
The evaluation also captures noteworthy architectural shifts in graphic card technology over the years. From the introduction of Terascale to GCN, and Kepler to Maxwell, each new architecture brought critical improvements. Maxwell addressed Kepler’s power efficiency challenges, while RDNA revamped AMD’s entire shader design. The RDNA 2 iteration even introduced Infinity Cache to enhance frame rates without the necessity for a wide memory bus.
Future Developments
Looking ahead to 2025, the anticipated RDNA 4 architecture promises to enhance ray tracing capabilities. Although improvements in rasterization performance may not match previous generations, this continues to signify AMD’s commitment to advancing graphics technology. Additionally, Intel’s resurgence in the graphics market with the Arc series—now expanded beyond the entry-level A380—demonstrates a growing competition among major players.
Another critical insight from the review highlights the evolving demands on video memory. Graphics cards with 3-4GB RAM are now hitting performance ceilings in DirectX 11 games. The analysis suggests that a minimum of 8GB RAM is necessary for smooth gameplay, with higher memory options between 12-16GB providing substantial benefits for users seeking enhanced graphics settings without lag.
Conclusion
This expansive review not only marks a significant milestone for PCGH but also serves as a valuable resource for gamers and tech enthusiasts alike. By illustrating the technological evolution of graphics cards and their real-world implications, the findings offer a clearer understanding of the current and future landscape of GPU performance. As the gaming industry continues to advance, the need for powerful and efficient graphics solutions becomes increasingly vital.
In summary, this unique retrospective on graphics cards not only celebrates their history but also lays the foundation for future advancements, ensuring gamers can continue to push the boundaries of realism and performance in their favorite titles.
