GeForce 9800 S vs FireStream 9170
GeForce 9800 S
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FireStream 9170
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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 9800 S is positioned at rank 510 and the FireStream 9170 is on rank 393, so the FireStream 9170 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar GeForce 9800 S
Performance Per Dollar FireStream 9170
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The FireStream 9170 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 1.7% higher G3D Mark score. This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce 9800 S.
| Insight | GeForce 9800 S | FireStream 9170 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-1.7%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+1.7%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2008 / G9x (2007−2010)) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2010 / TeraScale 2 (2009−2015)) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | ✅ More VRAM (+0%) |
| Efficiency | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption |
| Case Fit | — | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
The FireStream 9170 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. While both GPUs are considered legacy components by modern standards, the FireStream 9170 holds the technical lead. Priced at $20 (vs $40), it costs 50% less, resulting in a 103.5% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce 9800 S | FireStream 9170 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+103.5%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($40) | ✅More affordable ($20) |
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 9800 S and FireStream 9170
GeForce 9800 S
The GeForce 9800 S 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: 636 points.
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.
Graphics Performance
The GeForce 9800 S scores 636 and the FireStream 9170 reaches 647 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 1.7% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance. The GeForce 9800 S is built on G9x while the FireStream 9170 uses TeraScale 2, both on 65 nm vs 40 nm. Shader units: 224 (GeForce 9800 S) vs 1,600 (FireStream 9170).
| Feature | GeForce 9800 S | FireStream 9170 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 636 | 647+2% |
| Architecture | G9x | TeraScale 2 |
| Process Node | 65 nm | 40 nm |
| Shading Units | 224 | 1600+614% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | GeForce 9800 S | FireStream 9170 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | FSR 1.0 (Software) | FSR 1.0 (Software) |
| Frame Generation | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | Standard | Standard |
Video Memory (VRAM)
Both cards feature 512 MB of GDDR5. Bus width: 64-bit vs 64-bit.
| Feature | GeForce 9800 S | FireStream 9170 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 0.5 GB | 0.5 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Bus Width | 64-bit | 64-bit |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 11.1 (10_0) (GeForce 9800 S) vs 10.1 (FireStream 9170). OpenGL: 3.3 vs 3.3. Maximum simultaneous displays: 2 vs 2.
| Feature | GeForce 9800 S | FireStream 9170 |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 11.1 (10_0)+10% | 10.1 |
| OpenGL | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| Max Displays | 2 | 2 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: No NVENC (Tesla) (GeForce 9800 S) vs None (FireStream 9170). Decoder: PureVideo HD VP2 vs UVD+. Supported codecs: H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 (GeForce 9800 S) vs H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 (FireStream 9170).
| Feature | GeForce 9800 S | FireStream 9170 |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | No NVENC (Tesla) | None |
| Decoder | PureVideo HD VP2 | UVD+ |
| Codecs | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce 9800 S draws 150W versus the FireStream 9170's 225W — a 40% difference. The GeForce 9800 S is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 350W (GeForce 9800 S) vs 350W (FireStream 9170). Power connectors: Legacy vs PCIe-powered. Typical load temperature: 85°C vs 85°C.
| Feature | GeForce 9800 S | FireStream 9170 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 150W-33% | 225W |
| Recommended PSU | 350W | 350W |
| Power Connector | Legacy | PCIe-powered |
| Length | — | 241mm |
| Height | — | 111mm |
| Slots | 0-100% | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 85°C | 85°C |
| Perf/Watt | 4.2+45% | 2.9 |
Value Analysis
The GeForce 9800 S launched at $150 MSRP and currently averages $40, while the FireStream 9170 launched at $1999 and now averages $20. The FireStream 9170 costs 50% less ($20 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 15.9 (GeForce 9800 S) vs 32.4 (FireStream 9170) — the FireStream 9170 offers 103.8% better value. The FireStream 9170 is the newer GPU (2010 vs 2008).
| Feature | GeForce 9800 S | FireStream 9170 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $150-92% | $1999 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $40 | $20-50% |
| Performance per Dollar | 15.9 | 32.4+104% |
| Codename | NB9E-GTX | Cypress |
| Release | July 15 2008 | June 23 2010 |
| Ranking | #825 | #631 |
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