Normal map on lower detail

[Stephen_Jenkins]

I didn’t change much on the higher detail, just added some bevels. The normal mapped one looks terrible
low no normal map 736 tris

low normal mapped 736 tris

high no normal map 1024 tris

here’s a screenshot with the node graph for the normal mapped one. Any ideas why it renders out so badly?

[Michael_Whitaker]

The normal mapped one looks terrible

Perhaps, it is no longer diffuse? Because I can see fire fly’s it seems to me as if it might be bouncing back the light more.
Try turning off clamp indirect:

And have a look at this:

7 Ways to Get Rid of Fireflies Once and For All

Hope it helps