GeForce GTX 480 vs Radeon R9 270

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance benchmarks.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance benchmarks.

Performance Comparison

About G3D Mark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

The Radeon R9 270 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 5.7% higher G3D Mark score and 33.3% more VRAM (2 GB vs 2 GB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GeForce GTX 480.

Insight	GeForce GTX 480	Radeon R9 270
Performance	❌Lower raw frame rates (-5.7%)	✅Leading raw performance (+5.7%)
Longevity	🛑Obsolete Architecture (2010 / Fermi (2010−2014))	🛑Obsolete Architecture (2013 / GCN 1.0 (2012−2020))
Ecosystem	Supports FSR Upscaling	Supports FSR Upscaling
VRAM	❌ Less VRAM capacity	✅ More VRAM (+33.3%)
Efficiency	⚡ Higher Power Consumption	💡 Excellent Perf/Watt
Case Fit	Standard Size (267mm)	—

💎 Value Proposition

The Radeon R9 270 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. While both GPUs are considered legacy components by modern standards, the Radeon R9 270 holds the technical lead. Priced at $30 (vs $100), it costs 70% less, resulting in a 252.2% higher cost efficiency score.

Insight	GeForce GTX 480	Radeon R9 270
Cost Efficiency	❌Lower cost efficiency	✅Better overall value (+252.2%)
Upfront Cost	⚠️Higher upfront cost ($100)	✅More affordable ($30)

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.

GeForce GTX 480 Benchmark Check

Radeon R9 270 Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce GTX 480 and Radeon R9 270

GeForce GTX 480

The GeForce GTX 480 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in March 26 2010. It features the Fermi architecture. The core clock speed is 700 MHz. It has 480 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 250W. Manufactured using 40 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 4,075 points. Launch price was $499.

Radeon R9 270

The Radeon R9 270 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in November 13 2013. It features the GCN 1.0 architecture. The boost clock speed is 925 MHz. It has 1280 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 150W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 4,306 points. Launch price was $179.

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Graphics Performance

In G3D Mark, the GeForce GTX 480 scores 4,075 versus the Radeon R9 270's 4,306 — the Radeon R9 270 leads by 5.7%. The GeForce GTX 480 is built on Fermi while the Radeon R9 270 uses GCN 1.0, both on 40 nm vs 28 nm. Shader units: 480 (GeForce GTX 480) vs 1,280 (Radeon R9 270). Raw compute: 1.345 TFLOPS (GeForce GTX 480) vs 2.368 TFLOPS (Radeon R9 270).

Feature	GeForce GTX 480	Radeon R9 270
G3D Mark Score	4,075	4,306+6%
Architecture	Fermi	GCN 1.0
Process Node	40 nm	28 nm
Shading Units	480	1280+167%
Compute (TFLOPS)	1.345 TFLOPS	2.368 TFLOPS+76%
ROPs	48+50%	32
TMUs	60	80+33%
L1 Cache	960 KB+200%	320 KB
L2 Cache	768 KB+50%	512 KB

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Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

Feature	GeForce GTX 480	Radeon R9 270
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

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Video Memory (VRAM)

The GeForce GTX 480 comes with 2 GB of VRAM, while the Radeon R9 270 has 2 GB. The Radeon R9 270 offers 33.3% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 177.4 GB/s (GeForce GTX 480) vs 179.2 GB/s (Radeon R9 270) — a 1% advantage for the Radeon R9 270. Bus width: 384-bit vs 256-bit. L2 Cache: 768 KB (GeForce GTX 480) vs 512 KB (Radeon R9 270) — the GeForce GTX 480 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.

Feature	GeForce GTX 480	Radeon R9 270
VRAM Capacity	1.5 GB	2 GB+33%
Memory Type	GDDR5	GDDR5
Memory Bandwidth	177.4 GB/s	179.2 GB/s+1%
Bus Width	384-bit+50%	256-bit
L2 Cache	768 KB+50%	512 KB

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Power & Dimensions

The GeForce GTX 480 draws 250W versus the Radeon R9 270's 150W — a 50% difference. The Radeon R9 270 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 600W (GeForce GTX 480) vs 500W (Radeon R9 270). Power connectors: 6-pin + 8-pin vs 1x 6-pin.

Feature	GeForce GTX 480	Radeon R9 270
TDP	250W	150W-40%
Recommended PSU	600W	500W-17%
Power Connector	6-pin + 8-pin	1x 6-pin
Length	267mm	—
Height	111mm	—
Slots	2	—
Temp (Load)	90°C	—
Perf/Watt	16.3	28.7+76%

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Value Analysis

The GeForce GTX 480 launched at $499 MSRP and currently averages $100, while the Radeon R9 270 launched at $179 and now averages $30. The Radeon R9 270 costs 70% less ($70 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 40.8 (GeForce GTX 480) vs 143.5 (Radeon R9 270) — the Radeon R9 270 offers 251.7% better value. The Radeon R9 270 is the newer GPU (2013 vs 2010).