GeForce GTX 550 vs GeForce GTS 450

Speed and memory

In our performance index the GeForce GTX 550 scores 1.1 and the GeForce GTS 450 scores 1, which makes the GeForce GTX 550 about 10% faster. That is a small gap, below what most people notice without a frame counter.

Both cards have 1 GB of video memory, so memory will not separate them.

In our estimates for popular games at 1080p on High, the biggest gap is in Minecraft: Java Edition (24 against 22 fps), and the smallest is in Grand Theft Auto V Legacy (15 against 14 fps). Games that are light enough to run above 200 fps on both cards show little difference at all.

Power and value

The GeForce GTX 550 is rated at 116 W and the GeForce GTS 450 at 106 W. With a mid-range processor that means a power supply of about 450 W for the first and 450 W for the second. The power draw is close enough that cooling and noise will be similar.

At launch the GeForce GTX 550 cost $149 and the GeForce GTS 450 $129. Per dollar, the GeForce GTS 450 gave more performance (0.8 points per $100 against 0.7). Current prices differ, so run the same sum on what you can actually buy today.

Which one to buy

Choose the GeForce GTX 550 if you want the faster card, and it also has at least as much memory. It makes the most sense at 1440p and above, or on a monitor with a high refresh rate.

Choose the GeForce GTS 450 if the price gap matters more than the 10% speed difference, or if you want lower power draw and a quieter PC. Whichever you pick, check reviews for the games you play, because two cards with similar scores can differ in individual titles.