GeForce RTX 3050 8GB vs FireStream 9170
GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
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FireStream 9170
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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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
Performance Per Dollar FireStream 9170
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
⚠️ Generational Difference
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is significantly newer (2022 vs 2010). The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB likely supports modern features like Ray Tracing, Tensor Cores, and DLSS/FSR upscaling, which act as force multipliers for performance. The FireStream 9170 lacks this hardware feature set, limiting its longevity in modern titles despite any raw power similarities.
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 1837.4% higher G3D Mark score and 1500% more VRAM (8 GB vs 512 MB). This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the FireStream 9170.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | FireStream 9170 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+1837.4%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-1837.4%) |
| Longevity | 🏆Elite Architecture (Ampere (2020−2025) / 8nm) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2010 / TeraScale 2 (2009−2015)) |
| Ecosystem | ✨ DLSS 3/4 + Frame Gen Support | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | 🎮 High Capacity (8 GB) | ❌ Less VRAM capacity |
| Efficiency | 💡 Excellent Perf/Watt | ⚡ Higher Power Consumption |
| Case Fit | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. Although it costs $209 (vs $20), its significant performance lead justifies the premium, offering 85.4% better value per dollar than the FireStream 9170.
| Insight | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | FireStream 9170 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+85.4%) | ❌Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($209) | ✅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 GeForce RTX 3050 8GB and FireStream 9170
GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in January 4 2022. It features the Ampere architecture. The core clock ranges from 1552 MHz to 1777 MHz. It has 2560 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 130W. Manufactured using 8 nm process technology. It features 20 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 12,535 points. Launch price was $249.
FireStream 9170
The FireStream 9170 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in June 23 2010. It features the TeraScale 2 architecture. The core clock speed is 825 MHz. It has 1600 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 225W. Manufactured using 40 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 647 points.
Graphics Performance
In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB scores 12,535 versus the FireStream 9170's 647 — the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB leads by 1837.4%. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is built on Ampere while the FireStream 9170 uses TeraScale 2, both on 8 nm vs 40 nm. Shader units: 2,560 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 1,600 (FireStream 9170). Raw compute: 9.098 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 2.64 TFLOPS (FireStream 9170).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | FireStream 9170 |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 12,535+1837% | 647 |
| Architecture | Ampere | TeraScale 2 |
| Process Node | 8 nm | 40 nm |
| Shading Units | 2560+60% | 1600 |
| Compute (TFLOPS) | 9.098 TFLOPS+245% | 2.64 TFLOPS |
| ROPs | 32 | 32 |
| TMUs | 80 | 80 |
| L1 Cache | 2.5 MB+1462% | 0.16 MB |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+300% | 0.5 MB |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB gives access to NVIDIA DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), widely regarding as the superior upscaling method for image quality. The FireStream 9170 relies on FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution), which is capable but generally slightly noisier than DLSS in motion.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | FireStream 9170 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | DLSS 2.0 | FSR 1.0 (Software) |
| Frame Generation | FSR 3 / AFMF (Compatible) | Not Supported |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | NVIDIA Reflex | Standard |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB comes with 8 GB of VRAM, while the FireStream 9170 has 512 MB. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers 1500% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 128-bit vs 64-bit. L2 Cache: 2 MB (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 0.5 MB (FireStream 9170) — the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | FireStream 9170 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 8 GB+1500% | 0.5 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR6 | GDDR5 |
| Bus Width | 128-bit+100% | 64-bit |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+300% | 0.5 MB |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 12 Ultimate (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 10.1 (FireStream 9170). OpenGL: 4.6 vs 3.3. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 2.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | FireStream 9170 |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 12 Ultimate+19% | 10.1 |
| OpenGL | 4.6+39% | 3.3 |
| Max Displays | 4+100% | 2 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: NVENC 7th gen (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs None (FireStream 9170). Decoder: NVDEC 5th gen vs UVD+. Supported codecs: H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 (FireStream 9170).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | FireStream 9170 |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | NVENC 7th gen | None |
| Decoder | NVDEC 5th gen | UVD+ |
| Codecs | H.264,H.265/HEVC,AV1,VP9 | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB draws 130W versus the FireStream 9170's 225W — a 53.5% difference. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 450W (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 350W (FireStream 9170). Power connectors: 8-pin vs PCIe-powered. Card length: 242mm vs 241mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 66°C vs 85°C.
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | FireStream 9170 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 130W-42% | 225W |
| Recommended PSU | 450W | 350W-22% |
| Power Connector | 8-pin | PCIe-powered |
| Length | 242mm | 241mm |
| Height | 112mm | 111mm |
| Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Temp (Load) | 66°C-22% | 85°C |
| Perf/Watt | 96.4+3224% | 2.9 |
Value Analysis
The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB launched at $249 MSRP and currently averages $209, while the FireStream 9170 launched at $1999 and now averages $20. The FireStream 9170 costs 90.4% less ($189 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 60.0 (GeForce RTX 3050 8GB) vs 32.4 (FireStream 9170) — the GeForce RTX 3050 8GB offers 85.2% better value. The GeForce RTX 3050 8GB is the newer GPU (2022 vs 2010).
| Feature | GeForce RTX 3050 8GB | FireStream 9170 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $249-88% | $1999 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $209 | $20-90% |
| Performance per Dollar | 60.0+85% | 32.4 |
| Codename | GA106 | Cypress |
| Release | January 4 2022 | June 23 2010 |
| Ranking | #211 | #631 |
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