A comparison of the performance of nonevaporable getter (NEG) films deposited using two different types of targets has been made to find the one that has the best pumping properties. For the first time, the NEG coating was deposited using a preformed Ti-Zr-V alloy target. The NEG film characterization and pumping properties have been studied in comparison with a film deposited using the commonly used three-wire twisted target. It was demonstrated that the alloy target produces a NEG coating with uniform composition both laterally and in depth. The composition of the film was found to be the same as the target. Film topography and microstructure with 5 nm grain sizes were found to be the same for both targets. The main result is that the activation temperature of the NEG coating deposited using the Ti-Zr-V alloy target is 160 degrees C, which is 20 degrees C lower than for NEG coatings deposited using three twisted wires. (C) 2010 American Vacuum Society. [DOI: 10.1116/1.3504600]