CPU
GPU
FireStream 9170
Popular choices:
GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
Popular choices:
Performance Spectrum - GPU
About G3D Mark
G3D Mark is a standard benchmark that measures graphics performance in real-world gaming scenarios. It simplifies comparing cards from different brands, where higher scores directly correlate with better fps and smoother gaming experiences.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) per dollar. The FireStream 9170 is positioned at rank #393 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar FireStream 9170
Performance Per Dollar GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
⚠️ Generational Difference
The GeForce RTX 3060 Ti is significantly newer (2020 vs 2010). The GeForce RTX 3060 Ti likely supports modern features like Ray Tracing, Tensor Cores, and DLSS/FSR upscaling, which act as force multipliers for performance. The FireStream 9170 lacks this hardware feature set, limiting its longevity in modern titles despite any raw power similarities.
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce RTX 3060 Ti is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 3039.4% higher G3D Mark score and 1500% more VRAM (8 GB vs 512 MB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the FireStream 9170.
| Insight | FireStream 9170 | GeForce RTX 3060 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-3039.4%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+3039.4%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2010 / TeraScale 2 (2009−2015)) | 🔮Strong Longevity (Ampere (2020−2025) / 8nm) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | ✨ DLSS 2 Upscaling |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | 🎮 High Capacity (8 GB) |
| Efficiency | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt |
| Case Fit | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce RTX 3060 Ti offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Although it costs $280 (vs $20), its significant performance lead justifies the premium, offering 124.2% better value per dollar than the FireStream 9170.
| Insight | FireStream 9170 | GeForce RTX 3060 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+124.2%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅More affordable ($20) | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($280) |
Performance Check
Real-world benchmarks and performance projections based on comprehensive hardware analysis and comparative metrics. Values represent expected performance on High/Ultra settings at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. Modeled using a Ryzen 7 7800X3D reference profile to minimize specific CPU bottlenecks.
Note: Performance behavior can vary per game. Specific architectures may perform better or worse depending on game engine optimizations and API implementation.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of FireStream 9170 and GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
FireStream 9170
The FireStream 9170 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in June 23 2010. It features the TeraScale 2 architecture. The core clock speed is 825 MHz. It has 1600 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 225W. Manufactured using 40 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 647 points.
GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
The GeForce RTX 3060 Ti is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in December 1 2020. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1410 MHz to 1665 MHz. It has 4864 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 200W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 38 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 20,312 points. Launch price was $399.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the FireStream 9170 scores 647 versus the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti's 20,312 — the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti leads by 3039.4%. The FireStream 9170 is built on TeraScale 2 while the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti uses Ampere, both on 40 nm vs 8 nm. Shader units: 1,600 (FireStream 9170) vs 4,864 (GeForce RTX 3060 Ti). Raw compute: 2.64 TFLOPS (FireStream 9170) vs 16.2 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3060 Ti).
| Feature | FireStream 9170 | GeForce RTX 3060 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 647 | 20,312+3039% |
| Architecture | TeraScale 2 | Ampere |
| Process Node | 40 nm | 8 nm |
| Shading Units | 1600 | 4864+204% |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 2.64 TFLOPS | 16.2 TFLOPS+514% |
| ROPs | 32 | 80+150% |
| TMUs | 80 | 152+90% |
| L1 Cache | 0.16 MB | 4.8 MB+2900% |
| L2 Cache | 0.5 MB | 4 MB+700% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | FireStream 9170 | GeForce RTX 3060 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | FSR 1.0 (Software) | DLSS 2.0 |
| Frame Generation | Not Supported | FSR 3 / AFMF (Compatible) |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | Standard | NVIDIA Reflex |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The FireStream 9170 comes with 512 MB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti has 8 GB. The GeForce RTX 3060 Ti offers 1500% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 64-bit vs 256-bit. L2 Cache: 0.5 MB (FireStream 9170) vs 4 MB (GeForce RTX 3060 Ti) — the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.
| Feature | FireStream 9170 | GeForce RTX 3060 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 0.5 GB | 8 GB+1500% |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR6 |
| Bus Width | 64-bit | 256-bit+300% |
| L2 Cache | 0.5 MB | 4 MB+700% |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 10.1 (FireStream 9170) vs 12 Ultimate (12_2) (GeForce RTX 3060 Ti). OpenGL: 3.3 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 2 vs 4.
| Feature | FireStream 9170 | GeForce RTX 3060 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 10.1 | 12 Ultimate (12_2)+19% |
| OpenGL | 3.3 | 4.6+39% |
| Max Displays | 2 | 4+100% |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: None (FireStream 9170) vs NVENC (Ampere) (GeForce RTX 3060 Ti). Decoder: UVD+ vs NVDEC (Ampere). Supported codecs: H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 (FireStream 9170) vs H.264,H.265,VP9,AV1 (GeForce RTX 3060 Ti).
| Feature | FireStream 9170 | GeForce RTX 3060 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | None | NVENC (Ampere) |
| Decoder | UVD+ | NVDEC (Ampere) |
| Codecs | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 | H.264,H.265,VP9,AV1 |
Power & Dimensions
The FireStream 9170 draws 225W versus the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti's 200W — a 11.8% difference. The GeForce RTX 3060 Ti is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 350W (FireStream 9170) vs 600W (GeForce RTX 3060 Ti). Power connectors: PCIe-powered vs 8-pin. Card length: 241mm vs 242mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 85°C vs 75.
| Feature | FireStream 9170 | GeForce RTX 3060 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 225W | 200W-11% |
| Recommended PSU | 350W-42% | 600W |
| Power Connector | PCIe-powered | 8-pin |
| Length | 241mm | 242mm |
| Height | 111mm | 112mm |
| Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 85°C | 75-12% |
| Perf/Watt | 2.9 | 101.6+3403% |
Value Analysis
The FireStream 9170 launched at $1999 MSRP and currently averages $20, while the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti launched at $399 and now averages $280. The FireStream 9170 costs 92.9% less ($260 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 32.4 (FireStream 9170) vs 72.5 (GeForce RTX 3060 Ti) — the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti offers 123.8% better value. The GeForce RTX 3060 Ti is the newer GPU (2020 vs 2010).
| Feature | FireStream 9170 | GeForce RTX 3060 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1999 | $399-80% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $20-93% | $280 |
| Performance per Dollar | 32.4 | 72.5+124% |
| Codename | Cypress | GA104 |
| Release | June 23 2010 | December 1 2020 |
| Ranking | #631 | #73 |
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