A/B Testing GPU Performance (Annual) Calculator
Compare two GPUs by benchmark performance, power draw, annual electricity cost, and performance per watt.
Overview
Compare GPU A and GPU B using matched benchmark scores, typical workload power draw, expected annual running time, and your electricity rate. The results show performance change, efficiency change, and the estimated annual GPU-only electricity cost for each option.
How it works
The calculator multiplies daily use by active days to estimate annual operating hours. It converts each GPU's wattage to kilowatts, multiplies it by annual hours to estimate kWh use, and then applies your electricity rate. Performance change is calculated relative to GPU A's benchmark score. Performance-per-watt compares each benchmark score divided by its typical wattage.
How to use this calculator
- 1Enter comparable benchmark scores for GPU A and GPU B.
- 2Add the typical measured power draw for each GPU during the workload.
- 3Enter the average daily usage and number of active days per year.
- 4Enter your electricity price per kWh.
- 5Review GPU B's performance, performance-per-watt, and annual cost differences.
Example Calculation
GPU A benchmark score
20000
GPU B benchmark score
26000
GPU A power draw
250
GPU B power draw
220
Average GPU use per day
8
Active days per year
250
Electricity rate
$0
GPU B performance change
+30.0% % vs GPU A
At 2,000 annual operating hours, GPU B is 30.0% faster, delivers about 47.7% better performance per watt, and saves about $9.60 per year in GPU electricity costs.
Frequently asked questions
What is performance per watt?
Performance per watt measures benchmark performance divided by power draw. Higher performance per watt means more work is completed for each watt consumed.
Why should both GPUs use the same benchmark settings?
A direct comparison needs the same benchmark, resolution, quality preset, workload, and test conditions. Different settings can make score differences misleading.
Does this include the whole PC's electricity use?
No. The annual cost estimate covers the entered GPU power draw only. CPU, memory, storage, fans, displays, and power-supply losses are not included.
Can a lower-power GPU still cost more to run?
Yes. It can cost more if it runs for more hours, if the electricity rate is higher, or if its actual power draw is higher than the value entered.
Why might real-world performance differ from the result?
Performance varies by game or application, drivers, CPU limits, memory capacity, cooling, resolution, and workload type. A single benchmark is a useful comparison, not a complete prediction.
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Assumptions and warnings
Assumptions
- Both benchmark scores represent the same application, settings, resolution, drivers, and test method.
- Each GPU is assumed to draw its entered typical power for every active hour.
- Electricity costs include GPU power only and exclude the CPU, memory, storage, displays, cooling, and power-supply losses.
- Electricity rates and usage patterns are assumed to remain unchanged throughout the year.
- Results are comparative estimates; actual performance and power draw vary by workload and system configuration.
Warnings
- This calculator provides an estimate only and is not financial advice.
- Benchmark scores may not reflect performance in every game, application, AI model, or rendering workload.