Radeon HD 3850 X2
GPU·Budget

Radeon HD 3850 X2

AMD

G3D Mark

822

MSRP

$349

AVG Price

$349

September 19 2011
254 Watt
TeraScale 2 (2009−2015)

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 X2 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in September 19 2011. It features the TeraScale 2 architecture. The core clock speed is 800 MHz. It has 960 ×2 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 254W. Manufactured using 40 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 822 points.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) per dollar. The Radeon HD 3850 X2 is positioned at rank #303 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Radeon HD 3850 X2

#1
GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
MSRP: $399|Avg: $280
3074%
#2
GeForce RTX 5060
MSRP: $299|Avg: $299
2953%
#3
Radeon RX 5600 XT
MSRP: $279|Avg: $180
2919%
#4
Radeon RX 9060
MSRP: $249|Avg: $249
2914%
#5
GeForce RTX 5050
MSRP: $249|Avg: $249
2908%
#6
GeForce RTX 3050 OEM
MSRP: $249|Avg: $150
2891%
#7
Arc A580
MSRP: $179|Avg: $179
2855%
#8
Radeon RX 9060 XT
MSRP: $299|Avg: $299
2844%
#9
Radeon RX 9060 XT 8GB
MSRP: $299|Avg: $299
2818%
#10
Radeon RX 7600
MSRP: $269|Avg: $250
2810%
#11
Radeon RX 6600
MSRP: $329|Avg: $180
2776%
#12
GeForce RTX 4060
MSRP: $299|Avg: $299
2770%
#13
Arc B570
MSRP: $219|Avg: $219
2720%
#14
Arc B580
MSRP: $249|Avg: $249
2719%
#288
Radeon R5 430 OEM
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $13
3390%
#303
Radeon HD 3850 X2
MSRP: $349|Avg: $349
100%
#304
Radeon HD 4290
MSRP: $60|Avg: $10
100%
#306
Radeon HD 5450
MSRP: $60|Avg: $40
96%
#308
Radeon HD 3850
MSRP: $179|Avg: $179
95%
#309
Radeon HD 4200
MSRP: $50|Avg: $10
95%
#311
Radeon HD 4270
MSRP: $50|Avg: $10
93%
#312
Radeon E6460
MSRP: $150|Avg: $40
92%
#313
Radeon HD 6290
MSRP: $50|Avg: $50
89%
#314
GeForce GTX 280
MSRP: $649|Avg: $649
84%
#315
Radeon HD 3470
MSRP: $60|Avg: $15
83%
#316
Radeon HD 3000
MSRP: $50|Avg: $10
81%
#317
Radeon HD 6250
MSRP: $50|Avg: $50
80%
#318
GeForce GT 120
MSRP: $100|Avg: $40
80%
Based on actual market prices and performance benchmarks.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Radeon HD 3850 X2 specifications and capabilities.

Graphics Performance

The Radeon HD 3850 X2 scores 822 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 TeraScale 2 (2009−2015) architecture (codename: Barts), manufactured on a 40 nm process— smaller process nodes improve power efficiency and transistor density. It packs 960 ×2 shader units (the primary compute units for rendering pixels), 48 ×2 TMUs (texture mapping units), and 32 ×2 ROPs (render output units that handle final pixel output). Raw FP32 compute power: 1.536 TFLOPS ×2 — this measures the theoretical peak floating-point performance.

SpecificationRadeon HD 3850 X2
G3D MarkPassMark 3D graphics benchmark score822
ArchitectureGPU microarchitecture generationTeraScale 2 (2009−2015)
CodenameInternal GPU die codenameBarts
Manufacturing ProcessFabrication node — smaller = more efficient40 nm
Shader UnitsCore compute units for rendering/compute960 ×2
TMUsTexture Mapping Units — handle texture sampling48 ×2
ROPsRender Output Units — final pixel/color blending32 ×2
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum GPU frequency800 MHz
Compute (FP32)Peak single-precision floating-point performance1.536 TFLOPS ×2
Texture Fill RateTextures processed per second38.40 ×2 GTexel/s
PCIe InterfaceCPU↔GPU data link generationPCIe 2.1 x16
Transistor Count1,700 million
Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking#630
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Video Memory (VRAM)

The Radeon HD 3850 X2 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.

SpecificationRadeon HD 3850 X2
VRAM SizeVideo memory capacity — more = better for high-res textures1 GB
VRAM TypeMemory technology generationGDDR5
Memory BusWidth of data path — wider = more bandwidth128-bit
Memory SpeedEffective memory data rate8 Gbps
BandwidthMaximum data throughput between GPU and VRAMUnknown
L1 Cache192 kB
L2 Cache512 kB

Advanced Features & APIs

The Radeon HD 3850 X2 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.

SpecificationRadeon HD 3850 X2
FSR Frame Generation❌ Not Supported
AMD Fluid Motion Frames❌ Not Supported
FidelityFX Super Resolution✅ Supported
DirectXMicrosoft graphics API version10.1
OpenGLLegacy graphics API3.3
🖥️

Display & Media

Display outputs: 2x DVI, 1x S-Video — supports up to 2 simultaneous displays. Supported codecs: H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2.

SpecificationRadeon HD 3850 X2
DVI PortsNumber of DVI display connectors2x
S-Video PortsNumber of S-Video display connectors1x
Max DisplaysMaximum simultaneously connected monitors2
Hardware DecoderVideo decoding engine versionUVD+
CodecsSupported video compression formatsH.264,VC-1,MPEG-2
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Power & Dimensions

The Radeon HD 3850 X2 draws 254 Watt under load (TDP) — a 450W PSU minimum is recommended. Power connector: 2x 6-pin. Physical size: 267mm long, occupying 2 expansion slots— verify your case has clearance before purchasing. Typical temperatures: 60°C at idle, 90°C under load.

SpecificationRadeon HD 3850 X2
TDPPower consumption under load254 Watt
Recommended PSUMinimum power supply wattage450W
Power ConnectorRequired PCIe power cable type2x 6-pin
Card LengthGPU card length — check case clearance267mm
Slot WidthExpansion slots occupied2-slot
Idle TemperatureTypical temperature at desktop idle60°C
Load TemperatureTypical temperature under gaming load90°C
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Value Analysis

At an average price of $349, the Radeon HD 3850 X2 delivers 2 G3D Mark points per dollar. It holds Rank #303 in the cost-benefit ranking — a comprehensive score that weighs raw performance against current market pricing. Overall performance ranking position: #630 among all indexed GPUs.

SpecificationRadeon HD 3850 X2
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price$349
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days$349
Cost-Benefit RankOverall value ranking position#303
Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking#630
Release DateSeptember 19 2011
Release Year2011

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