CPU
GPU
Radeon HD 3870 X2
Popular choices:
GeForce GTX 260M SLI
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 Radeon HD 3870 X2 is positioned at rank 327 and the GeForce GTX 260M SLI is on rank 343, 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 Radeon HD 3870 X2
Performance Per Dollar GeForce GTX 260M SLI
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 | Radeon HD 3870 X2 | GeForce GTX 260M SLI |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-0.2%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+0.2%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2008 / TeraScale (2005−2013)) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2009 / G9x (2007−2010)) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | ✅ More VRAM (+0%) |
| Efficiency | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt |
| 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 Radeon HD 3870 X2 and GeForce GTX 260M SLI
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.
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.
Graphics Performance
The Radeon HD 3870 X2 scores 587 and the GeForce GTX 260M SLI reaches 588 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 0.2% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance. The Radeon HD 3870 X2 is built on TeraScale while the GeForce GTX 260M SLI uses G9x, both on a 55 nm process. Shader units: 800 (Radeon HD 3870 X2) vs 224 (GeForce GTX 260M SLI).
| Feature | Radeon HD 3870 X2 | GeForce GTX 260M SLI |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 587 | 588 |
| Architecture | TeraScale | G9x |
| Process Node | 55 nm | 55 nm |
| Shading Units | 800 ×2+257% | 224 |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | Radeon HD 3870 X2 | GeForce GTX 260M SLI |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | FSR 1.0 (Software) | FSR 2.1 (Compatible) |
| Frame Generation | Not Supported | FSR 3 (Compatible) |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | AMD Anti-Lag | Standard |
Video Memory (VRAM)
Both cards feature 512 MB of GDDR5. Bus width: 64-bit vs 64-bit.
| Feature | Radeon HD 3870 X2 | GeForce GTX 260M SLI |
|---|---|---|
| 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: 10.1 (Radeon HD 3870 X2) vs 11.1 (10_0) (GeForce GTX 260M SLI). Maximum simultaneous displays: 2 vs 2.
| Feature | Radeon HD 3870 X2 | GeForce GTX 260M SLI |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 10.1 | 11.1 (10_0)+10% |
| Max Displays | 2 | 2 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: UVD+ (Radeon HD 3870 X2) vs PureVideo HD VP2 (GeForce GTX 260M SLI). Decoder: UVD+ vs PureVideo HD VP2.
| Feature | Radeon HD 3870 X2 | GeForce GTX 260M SLI |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | UVD+ | PureVideo HD VP2 |
| Decoder | UVD+ | PureVideo HD VP2 |
| Codecs | — | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 |
Power & Dimensions
The Radeon HD 3870 X2 draws 286W versus the GeForce GTX 260M SLI's 150W — a 62.4% difference. The GeForce GTX 260M SLI is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 550W (Radeon HD 3870 X2) vs 350W (GeForce GTX 260M SLI). Power connectors: 1x 6-pin + 1x 8-pin vs PCIe-powered.
| Feature | Radeon HD 3870 X2 | GeForce GTX 260M SLI |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 286W | 150W-48% |
| Recommended PSU | 550W | 350W-36% |
| Power Connector | 1x 6-pin + 1x 8-pin | PCIe-powered |
| Length | 267mm | — |
| Slots | 2 | 0-100% |
| Temp (Load) | — | 90°C |
| Perf/Watt | 2.1 | 3.9+86% |
Value Analysis
The GeForce GTX 260M SLI is the newer GPU (2009 vs 2008).
| Feature | Radeon HD 3870 X2 | GeForce GTX 260M SLI |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $449 | — |
| Avg Price (30d) | $40 | — |
| Codename | R700 | NB9E-GTX |
| Release | August 12 2008 | March 2 2009 |
| Ranking | #796 | #806 |
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