CPU
GPU
GeForce GTX 260M SLI
Popular choices:
Radeon HD 3870 X2
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. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The GeForce GTX 260M SLI is positioned at rank 343 and the Radeon HD 3870 X2 is on rank 327, so the Radeon HD 3870 X2 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar GeForce GTX 260M SLI
Performance Per Dollar Radeon HD 3870 X2
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce GTX 260M SLI is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 0.2% higher G3D Mark score. This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the Radeon HD 3870 X2.
| Insight | GeForce GTX 260M SLI | Radeon HD 3870 X2 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+0.2%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-0.2%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2009 / G9x (2007−2010)) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2008 / TeraScale (2005−2013)) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | ✅ More VRAM (+0%) |
| Efficiency | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption |
| Case Fit | — | Standard Size (267mm) |
💎 Value Proposition
While current pricing data is unavailable, the GeForce GTX 260M SLI remains the clear technical winner. Check real-time availability to determine if the performance gap justifies the market price.
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.
Path of Exile 2
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of GeForce GTX 260M SLI and Radeon HD 3870 X2
GeForce GTX 260M SLI
The GeForce GTX 260M SLI is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in March 2 2009. It features the G9x architecture. The core clock speed is 550 MHz. It has 224 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 150W. Manufactured using 55 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 588 points.
Radeon HD 3870 X2
The Radeon HD 3870 X2 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in August 12 2008. It features the TeraScale architecture. The core clock speed is 700 MHz. It has 800 ×2 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 286W. Manufactured using 55 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 587 points. Launch price was $550.
Graphics Performance
The GeForce GTX 260M SLI scores 588 and the Radeon HD 3870 X2 reaches 587 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 0.2% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance. The GeForce GTX 260M SLI is built on G9x while the Radeon HD 3870 X2 uses TeraScale, both on a 55 nm process. Shader units: 224 (GeForce GTX 260M SLI) vs 800 (Radeon HD 3870 X2).
| Feature | GeForce GTX 260M SLI | Radeon HD 3870 X2 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 588 | 587 |
| Architecture | G9x | TeraScale |
| Process Node | 55 nm | 55 nm |
| Shading Units | 224 | 800 ×2+257% |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | GeForce GTX 260M SLI | Radeon HD 3870 X2 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | FSR 2.1 (Compatible) | FSR 1.0 (Software) |
| Frame Generation | FSR 3 (Compatible) | 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 GTX 260M SLI | Radeon HD 3870 X2 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 0.5 GB | 0.5 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | Unknown | Unknown |
| Bus Width | 64-bit | 64-bit |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 11.1 (10_0) (GeForce GTX 260M SLI) vs 10.1 (Radeon HD 3870 X2). Maximum simultaneous displays: 2 vs 2.
| Feature | GeForce GTX 260M SLI | Radeon HD 3870 X2 |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 11.1 (10_0)+10% | 10.1 |
| Max Displays | 2 | 2 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: PureVideo HD VP2 (GeForce GTX 260M SLI) vs UVD+ (Radeon HD 3870 X2). Decoder: PureVideo HD VP2 vs UVD+.
| Feature | GeForce GTX 260M SLI | Radeon HD 3870 X2 |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | PureVideo HD VP2 | UVD+ |
| Decoder | PureVideo HD VP2 | UVD+ |
| Codecs | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 | — |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce GTX 260M SLI draws 150W versus the Radeon HD 3870 X2's 286W — a 62.4% difference. The GeForce GTX 260M SLI is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 350W (GeForce GTX 260M SLI) vs 550W (Radeon HD 3870 X2). Power connectors: PCIe-powered vs 1x 6-pin + 1x 8-pin.
| Feature | GeForce GTX 260M SLI | Radeon HD 3870 X2 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 150W-48% | 286W |
| Recommended PSU | 350W-36% | 550W |
| Power Connector | PCIe-powered | 1x 6-pin + 1x 8-pin |
| Length | — | 267mm |
| Slots | 0-100% | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 90°C | — |
| Perf/Watt | 3.9+86% | 2.1 |
Value Analysis
The GeForce GTX 260M SLI is the newer GPU (2009 vs 2008).
| Feature | GeForce GTX 260M SLI | Radeon HD 3870 X2 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | — | $449 |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $40 |
| Codename | NB9E-GTX | R700 |
| Release | March 2 2009 | August 12 2008 |
| Ranking | #806 | #796 |
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