Radeon HD 3850
AMD
G3D Mark
401
MSRP
$179
AVG Price
$179
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.
Overview
The Radeon HD 3850 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: 401 points. Launch price was $249.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) per dollar. The Radeon HD 3850 is positioned at rank #308 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 Radeon HD 3850
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Radeon HD 3850 specifications and capabilities.
Graphics Performance
The Radeon HD 3850 scores 401 in the G3D Mark benchmark (the standard measure of rasterization GPU performance), placing it in the Entry Level tier as a Legacy generation graphics card. It is built on the GCN 1.0 (2012−2020) architecture (codename: Pitcairn), manufactured on a 28 nm process— smaller process nodes improve power efficiency and transistor density. It packs 1024 shader units (the primary compute units for rendering pixels), 64 TMUs (texture mapping units), and 32 ROPs (render output units that handle final pixel output). Raw FP32 compute power: 1.761 TFLOPS — this measures the theoretical peak floating-point performance. Boost clock reaches 1000 MHz.
| Specification | Radeon HD 3850 |
|---|---|
| G3D MarkPassMark 3D graphics benchmark score | 401 |
| ArchitectureGPU microarchitecture generation | GCN 1.0 (2012−2020) |
| CodenameInternal GPU die codename | Pitcairn |
| Manufacturing ProcessFabrication node — smaller = more efficient | 28 nm |
| Shader UnitsCore compute units for rendering/compute | 1024 |
| TMUsTexture Mapping Units — handle texture sampling | 64 |
| ROPsRender Output Units — final pixel/color blending | 32 |
| Boost ClockMaximum GPU frequency under load | 1000 MHz |
| Compute (FP32)Peak single-precision floating-point performance | 1.761 TFLOPS |
| Texture Fill RateTextures processed per second | 55.04 GTexel/s |
| PCIe InterfaceCPU↔GPU data link generation | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| Transistor Count | 2,800 million |
| Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking | #503 |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The Radeon HD 3850 is equipped with 1 GB of GDDR5 video memory connected via a 128-bit memory bus, delivering Unknown of bandwidth. Memory operates at 8 Gbps effective speed.
| Specification | Radeon HD 3850 |
|---|---|
| VRAM SizeVideo memory capacity — more = better for high-res textures | 1 GB |
| VRAM TypeMemory technology generation | GDDR5 |
| Memory BusWidth of data path — wider = more bandwidth | 128-bit |
| Memory SpeedEffective memory data rate | 8 Gbps |
| BandwidthMaximum data throughput between GPU and VRAM | Unknown |
| L1 Cache | 256 kB |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB |
Advanced Features & APIs
The Radeon HD 3850 supports modern upscaling and frame generation technologies: FidelityFX Super Resolution — these can dramatically boost effective FPS by generating intermediate frames or upscaling from lower internal resolution. Graphics API support: DirectX 10.1, OpenGL 3.3— latest API versions enable the most advanced rendering features like ray tracing and mesh shaders.
| Specification | Radeon HD 3850 |
|---|---|
| FSR Frame Generation | ❌ Not Supported |
| AMD Fluid Motion Frames | ❌ Not Supported |
| FidelityFX Super Resolution | ✅ Supported |
| DirectXMicrosoft graphics API version | 10.1 |
| OpenGLLegacy graphics API | 3.3 |
Display & Media
Display outputs: 2x DVI, 1x S-Video — supports up to 2 simultaneous displays. Supported codecs: H.264,VC-1,DivX,MPEG-1,MPEG-2.
| Specification | Radeon HD 3850 |
|---|---|
| DVI PortsNumber of DVI display connectors | 2x |
| S-Video PortsNumber of S-Video display connectors | 1x |
| Max DisplaysMaximum simultaneously connected monitors | 2 |
| Hardware DecoderVideo decoding engine version | UVD+ |
| CodecsSupported video compression formats | H.264,VC-1,DivX,MPEG-1,MPEG-2 |
Power & Dimensions
The Radeon HD 3850 draws 130 Watt under load (TDP) — a 450W PSU minimum is recommended. Power connector: 1x 6-pin. Physical size: 208mm long, occupying 1 expansion slots— verify your case has clearance before purchasing. Typical temperatures: 45°C at idle, 80°C under load.
| Specification | Radeon HD 3850 |
|---|---|
| TDPPower consumption under load | 130 Watt |
| Recommended PSUMinimum power supply wattage | 450W |
| Power ConnectorRequired PCIe power cable type | 1x 6-pin |
| Card LengthGPU card length — check case clearance | 208mm |
| Slot WidthExpansion slots occupied | 1-slot |
| Idle TemperatureTypical temperature at desktop idle | 45°C |
| Load TemperatureTypical temperature under gaming load | 80°C |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $179, the Radeon HD 3850 delivers 2 G3D Mark points per dollar. It holds Rank #308 in the cost-benefit ranking — a comprehensive score that weighs raw performance against current market pricing. Overall performance ranking position: #503 among all indexed GPUs.
| Specification | Radeon HD 3850 |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $179 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $179 |
| Cost-Benefit RankOverall value ranking position | #308 |
| Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking | #503 |
| Release Date | March 5 2012 |
| Release Year | 2012 |
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