Radeon R5 M230 vs Radeon HD 3850 AGP
Radeon R5 M230
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Radeon HD 3850 AGP
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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 R5 M230 is positioned at rank 468 and the Radeon HD 3850 AGP is on rank 283, so the Radeon HD 3850 AGP offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Radeon R5 M230
Performance Per Dollar Radeon HD 3850 AGP
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The Radeon HD 3850 AGP is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 1.6% higher G3D Mark score. However, the Radeon R5 M230 offers more VRAM, which may be beneficial for texture-heavy scenarios at higher resolutions.
| Insight | Radeon R5 M230 | Radeon HD 3850 AGP |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-1.6%) | ✅Leading raw performance (+1.6%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2015 / GCN (2012−2015)) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2012 / GCN 1.0 (2012−2020)) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ✅ More VRAM (+300%) | ❌ Less VRAM capacity |
| Efficiency | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption |
| Case Fit | — | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
The Radeon R5 M230 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. While both GPUs are considered legacy components by modern standards, the Radeon R5 M230 holds the technical lead. Priced at $25 (vs $130), it costs 81% less, resulting in a 411.6% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | Radeon R5 M230 | Radeon HD 3850 AGP |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+411.6%) | ❌Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅More affordable ($25) | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($130) |
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 R5 M230 and Radeon HD 3850 AGP
Radeon R5 M230
The Radeon R5 M230 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in June 9 2015. It features the GCN architecture. It has 1024 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 75W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 425 points.
Radeon HD 3850 AGP
The Radeon HD 3850 AGP is manufactured by AMD. It was released in March 5 2012. It features the GCN 1.0 architecture. The boost clock speed is 1000 MHz. It has 1024 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 130W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 432 points. Launch price was $249.
Graphics Performance
The Radeon R5 M230 scores 425 and the Radeon HD 3850 AGP reaches 432 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 1.6% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance. The Radeon R5 M230 is built on GCN while the Radeon HD 3850 AGP uses GCN 1.0, both on a 28 nm process. Shader units: 1,024 (Radeon R5 M230) vs 1,024 (Radeon HD 3850 AGP).
| Feature | Radeon R5 M230 | Radeon HD 3850 AGP |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 425 | 432+2% |
| Architecture | GCN | GCN 1.0 |
| Process Node | 28 nm | 28 nm |
| Shading Units | 1024 | 1024 |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | Radeon R5 M230 | Radeon HD 3850 AGP |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | AMD Anti-Lag |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The Radeon R5 M230 comes with 4 GB of VRAM, while the Radeon HD 3850 AGP has 1 GB. The Radeon R5 M230 offers 300% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 128-bit vs 128-bit.
| Feature | Radeon R5 M230 | Radeon HD 3850 AGP |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 4 GB+300% | 1 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | Unknown | Unknown |
| Bus Width | 128-bit | 128-bit |
Power & Dimensions
The Radeon R5 M230 draws 75W versus the Radeon HD 3850 AGP's 130W — a 53.7% difference. The Radeon R5 M230 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 350W (Radeon R5 M230) vs 450W (Radeon HD 3850 AGP). Power connectors: Mobile vs 8-pin.
| Feature | Radeon R5 M230 | Radeon HD 3850 AGP |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 75W-42% | 130W |
| Recommended PSU | 350W-22% | 450W |
| Power Connector | Mobile | 8-pin |
| Length | — | 230mm |
| Height | — | 111mm |
| Slots | — | 1 |
| Temp (Load) | — | 80 |
| Perf/Watt | 5.7+73% | 3.3 |
Value Analysis
The Radeon R5 M230 launched at $80 MSRP and currently averages $25, while the Radeon HD 3850 AGP launched at $130 and now averages $130. The Radeon R5 M230 costs 80.8% less ($105 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 17.0 (Radeon R5 M230) vs 3.3 (Radeon HD 3850 AGP) — the Radeon R5 M230 offers 415.2% better value. The Radeon R5 M230 is the newer GPU (2015 vs 2012).
| Feature | Radeon R5 M230 | Radeon HD 3850 AGP |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $80-38% | $130 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $25-81% | $130 |
| Performance per Dollar | 17.0+415% | 3.3 |
| Codename | Pitcairn | Pitcairn |
| Release | June 9 2015 | March 5 2012 |
| Ranking | #522 | #503 |
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