GeForce 8600 GTS vs Radeon HD 3450
GeForce 8600 GTS
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Radeon HD 3450
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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. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The GeForce 8600 GTS is positioned at rank 698 and the Radeon HD 3450 is on rank 273, so the Radeon HD 3450 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar GeForce 8600 GTS
Performance Per Dollar Radeon HD 3450
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce 8600 GTS is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 3.4% higher G3D Mark score. This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the Radeon HD 3450.
| Insight | GeForce 8600 GTS | Radeon HD 3450 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+3.4%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-3.4%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2008 / G9x (2007−2010)) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2008 / TeraScale (2005−2013)) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | ✅ More VRAM (+0%) |
| Efficiency | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt |
| Case Fit | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly | — |
💎 Value Proposition
The Radeon HD 3450 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. While both GPUs are considered legacy components by modern standards, the Radeon HD 3450 holds the technical lead. Priced at $15 (vs $35), it costs 57% less, resulting in a 125.8% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce 8600 GTS | Radeon HD 3450 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+125.8%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($35) | ✅More affordable ($15) |
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 GeForce 8600 GTS and Radeon HD 3450
GeForce 8600 GTS
The GeForce 8600 GTS is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in July 15 2008. It features the G9x architecture. The core clock speed is 500 MHz. It has 224 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 150W. Manufactured using 65 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 185 points.
Radeon HD 3450
The Radeon HD 3450 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in June 25 2008. It features the TeraScale architecture. The core clock speed is 625 MHz. It has 800 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 110W. Manufactured using 55 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 179 points. Launch price was $199.
Graphics Performance
The GeForce 8600 GTS scores 185 and the Radeon HD 3450 reaches 179 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 3.4% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance. The GeForce 8600 GTS is built on G9x while the Radeon HD 3450 uses TeraScale, both on 65 nm vs 55 nm. Shader units: 224 (GeForce 8600 GTS) vs 800 (Radeon HD 3450).
| Feature | GeForce 8600 GTS | Radeon HD 3450 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 185+3% | 179 |
| Architecture | G9x | TeraScale |
| Process Node | 65 nm | 55 nm |
| Shading Units | 224 | 800+257% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | GeForce 8600 GTS | Radeon HD 3450 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | FSR 1.0 (Software) | FSR 1.0 (Software) |
| Frame Generation | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | Standard | AMD Anti-Lag |
Video Memory (VRAM)
Both cards feature 512 MB of GDDR5. Bus width: 64-bit vs 64-bit.
| Feature | GeForce 8600 GTS | Radeon HD 3450 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 0.5 GB | 0.5 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | Unknown | Unknown |
| Bus Width | 64-bit | 64-bit |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce 8600 GTS draws 150W versus the Radeon HD 3450's 110W — a 30.8% difference. The Radeon HD 3450 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 350W (GeForce 8600 GTS) vs 350W (Radeon HD 3450). Power connectors: Legacy vs 1x 6-pin.
| Feature | GeForce 8600 GTS | Radeon HD 3450 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 150W | 110W-27% |
| Recommended PSU | 350W | 350W |
| Power Connector | Legacy | 1x 6-pin |
| Length | 198mm | — |
| Height | 111mm | — |
| Slots | 1 | — |
| Temp (Load) | 85°C | — |
| Perf/Watt | 1.2 | 1.6+33% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce 8600 GTS launched at $199 MSRP and currently averages $35, while the Radeon HD 3450 launched at $50 and now averages $15. The Radeon HD 3450 costs 57.1% less ($20 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 5.3 (GeForce 8600 GTS) vs 11.9 (Radeon HD 3450) — the Radeon HD 3450 offers 124.5% better value.
| Feature | GeForce 8600 GTS | Radeon HD 3450 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $199 | $50-75% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $35 | $15-57% |
| Performance per Dollar | 5.3 | 11.9+125% |
| Codename | NB9E-GTX | RV770 |
| Release | July 15 2008 | June 25 2008 |
| Ranking | #825 | #876 |
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