
Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 vs Radeon HD 6850

Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3
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Radeon HD 6850
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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. The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 is positioned at rank #572 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 Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
⚠️ Generational Difference
The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 is significantly newer (2018 vs 2010). The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 likely supports modern features like Ray Tracing, Tensor Cores, and DLSS/FSR upscaling, which act as force multipliers for performance. The Radeon HD 6850 lacks this hardware feature set, limiting its longevity in modern titles despite any raw power similarities.
🚀 Performance Leadership
The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 0.5% higher G3D Mark score. However, the Radeon HD 6850 offers more VRAM, which may be beneficial for texture-heavy scenarios at higher resolutions.
| Insight | Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 | Radeon HD 6850 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+0.5%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-0.5%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2018 / Legacy) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2010 / TeraScale 2 (2009−2015)) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | ✅ More VRAM (+100+%) |
| Efficiency | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption |
| Case Fit | — | — |
💎 Value Proposition
The Radeon HD 6850 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Priced at $25 versus $300 for the Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3, it costs 92% less. While it maintains basic entry-level capabilities, this results in a 1094.5% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 | Radeon HD 6850 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+1094.5%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($300) | ✅More affordable ($25) |
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 Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 and Radeon HD 6850
Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3
The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 is manufactured by Qualcomm. It was released in December 6 2018. The thermal design power (TDP) is 7W. Manufactured using 7 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 1,947 points.

Radeon HD 6850
The Radeon HD 6850 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in October 21 2010. It features the TeraScale 2 architecture. It has 960 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 127W. Manufactured using 40 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 1,938 points. Launch price was $179.
Graphics Performance
The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 scores 1,947 and the Radeon HD 6850 reaches 1,938 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 0.5% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance.
| Feature | Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 | Radeon HD 6850 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 1,947 | 1,938 |
| Process Node | 7 nm | 40 nm |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 | Radeon HD 6850 |
|---|---|---|
| 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)
The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 comes with 0 MB of VRAM, while the Radeon HD 6850 has 1 GB. The Radeon HD 6850 offers 100+% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: System vs 128-bit.
| Feature | Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 | Radeon HD 6850 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | Shared System RAM | 1 GB |
| Memory Type | Shared | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | Unknown | Unknown |
| Bus Width | System | 128-bit |
Power & Dimensions
The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 draws 7W versus the Radeon HD 6850's 127W — a 179.1% difference. The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 1W (Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3) vs 500W (Radeon HD 6850). Power connectors: Integrated vs 2x 6-pin.
| Feature | Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 | Radeon HD 6850 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 7W-94% | 127W |
| Recommended PSU | 1W-100% | 500W |
| Power Connector | Integrated | 2x 6-pin |
| Perf/Watt | 278.1+1718% | 15.3 |
Value Analysis
The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 launched at $599 MSRP and currently averages $300, while the Radeon HD 6850 launched at $179 and now averages $25. The Radeon HD 6850 costs 91.7% less ($275 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 6.5 (Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3) vs 77.5 (Radeon HD 6850) — the Radeon HD 6850 offers 1092.3% better value. The Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 is the newer GPU (2018 vs 2010).
| Feature | Qualcomm Adreno 8cx Gen 3 | Radeon HD 6850 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $599 | $179-70% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $300 | $25-92% |
| Performance per Dollar | 6.5 | 77.5+1092% |
| Codename | — | Barts |
| Release | December 6 2018 | October 21 2010 |
| Ranking | #915 | #692 |
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