
Radeon HD 4870 X2 vs FireStream 9270

Radeon HD 4870 X2
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FireStream 9270
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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 Radeon HD 4870 X2 is positioned at rank 302 and the FireStream 9270 is on rank 359, so the Radeon HD 4870 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 4870 X2
Performance Per Dollar FireStream 9270
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The FireStream 9270 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 2.4% higher G3D Mark score and 100% more VRAM (2 GB vs 1 GB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the Radeon HD 4870 X2.
| Insight | Radeon HD 4870 X2 | FireStream 9270 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-2.4%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+2.4%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2008 / TeraScale (2005−2013)) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2008 / TeraScale (2005−2013)) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | ✅ More VRAM (+100%) |
| Efficiency | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt |
| Case Fit | Standard Size (267mm) | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
The FireStream 9270 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. While both GPUs are considered legacy components by modern standards, the FireStream 9270 holds the technical lead. Priced at $20 (vs $550), it costs 96% less, resulting in a 2717.2% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | Radeon HD 4870 X2 | FireStream 9270 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+2717.2%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($550) | ✅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 Radeon HD 4870 X2 and FireStream 9270

Radeon HD 4870 X2
The Radeon HD 4870 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: 1,309 points. Launch price was $550.

FireStream 9270
The FireStream 9270 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in November 13 2008. It features the TeraScale architecture. The core clock speed is 750 MHz. It has 800 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 160W. Manufactured using 55 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 1,341 points.
Graphics Performance
The Radeon HD 4870 X2 scores 1,309 and the FireStream 9270 reaches 1,341 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 2.4% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance. The Radeon HD 4870 X2 is built on TeraScale while the FireStream 9270 uses TeraScale, both on a 55 nm process. Shader units: 800 (Radeon HD 4870 X2) vs 800 (FireStream 9270). Raw compute: 1.12 TFLOPS ×2 (Radeon HD 4870 X2) vs 1.2 TFLOPS (FireStream 9270).
| Feature | Radeon HD 4870 X2 | FireStream 9270 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 1,309 | 1,341+2% |
| Architecture | TeraScale | TeraScale |
| Process Node | 55 nm | 55 nm |
| Shading Units | 800 ×2 | 800 |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 1.12 TFLOPS ×2 | 1.2 TFLOPS+7% |
| ROPs | 16 ×2 | 16 |
| TMUs | 40 ×2 | 40 |
| L1 Cache | 160 KB | 160 KB |
| L2 Cache | 256 KB | 256 KB |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | Radeon HD 4870 X2 | FireStream 9270 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | FSR 1.0 (Software) | FSR 1.0 (Software) |
| Frame Generation | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | AMD Anti-Lag | Standard |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The Radeon HD 4870 X2 comes with 1 GB of VRAM, while the FireStream 9270 has 2 GB. The FireStream 9270 offers 100% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 64-bit vs 64-bit.
| Feature | Radeon HD 4870 X2 | FireStream 9270 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 1 GB | 2 GB+100% |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Bus Width | 64-bit | 64-bit |
| L2 Cache | 256 KB | 256 KB |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 10.1 (Radeon HD 4870 X2) vs 10.1 (FireStream 9270). OpenGL: 3.3 vs 3.3. Maximum simultaneous displays: 2 vs 1.
| Feature | Radeon HD 4870 X2 | FireStream 9270 |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 10.1 | 10.1 |
| OpenGL | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| Max Displays | 2+100% | 1 |
Media & Encoding
Decoder: UVD 2 vs UVD 2.2. Supported codecs: H.264,VC-1,MPEG-4,DivX (Radeon HD 4870 X2) vs H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 (FireStream 9270).
| Feature | Radeon HD 4870 X2 | FireStream 9270 |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | — | None |
| Decoder | UVD 2 | UVD 2.2 |
| Codecs | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-4,DivX | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 |
Power & Dimensions
The Radeon HD 4870 X2 draws 286W versus the FireStream 9270's 160W — a 56.5% difference. The FireStream 9270 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 650W (Radeon HD 4870 X2) vs 350W (FireStream 9270). Power connectors: 1x 6-pin + 1x 8-pin vs PCIe-powered. Card length: 267mm vs 241mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 90°C vs 85°C.
| Feature | Radeon HD 4870 X2 | FireStream 9270 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 286W | 160W-44% |
| Recommended PSU | 650W | 350W-46% |
| Power Connector | 1x 6-pin + 1x 8-pin | PCIe-powered |
| Length | 267mm | 241mm |
| Height | — | 111mm |
| Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 90°C | 85°C-6% |
| Perf/Watt | 4.6 | 8.4+83% |
Value Analysis
The Radeon HD 4870 X2 launched at $550 MSRP and currently averages $550, while the FireStream 9270 launched at $1499 and now averages $20. The FireStream 9270 costs 96.4% less ($530 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 2.4 (Radeon HD 4870 X2) vs 67.0 (FireStream 9270) — the FireStream 9270 offers 2691.7% better value.
| Feature | Radeon HD 4870 X2 | FireStream 9270 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $550-63% | $1499 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $550 | $20-96% |
| Performance per Dollar | 2.4 | 67.0+2692% |
| Codename | R700 | RV770 |
| Release | August 12 2008 | November 13 2008 |
| Ranking | #796 | #790 |
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