Radeon HD 7870M
GPU·Budget

Radeon HD 7870M

AMD

G3D Mark

1,507

April 24 2012
45 Watt
GCN 1.0 (2012−2020)

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 7870M is manufactured by AMD. It was released in April 24 2012. It features the GCN 1.0 architecture. The core clock speed is 800 MHz. It has 640 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 45W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 1,507 points.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) per dollar. The Radeon HD 7870M is positioned at rank #122 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 7870M

#112
Radeon RX 550X (móvel)
MSRP: $35|Avg: $35
288%
#114
261%
#115
261%
#119
GeForce GTX 1050 (Mobile)
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $50
237%
#120
Radeon RX 6300
MSRP: $60|Avg: $40
235%
#122
Radeon HD 7870M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#123
Radeon HD 6970M Crossfire
MSRP: $150|Avg: $150
100%
#126
GeForce GT 550M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $30
99%
#131
GeForce GT 335M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $25
98%
Based on actual market prices and performance benchmarks.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Radeon HD 7870M specifications and capabilities.

Graphics Performance

The Radeon HD 7870M scores 1,507 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: Heathrow), manufactured on a 28 nm process— smaller process nodes improve power efficiency and transistor density. It packs 640 shader units (the primary compute units for rendering pixels), 40 TMUs (texture mapping units), and 16 ROPs (render output units that handle final pixel output). Raw FP32 compute power: 1.024 TFLOPS — this measures the theoretical peak floating-point performance.

SpecificationRadeon HD 7870M
G3D MarkPassMark 3D graphics benchmark score1,507
ArchitectureGPU microarchitecture generationGCN 1.0 (2012−2020)
CodenameInternal GPU die codenameHeathrow
Manufacturing ProcessFabrication node — smaller = more efficient28 nm
Shader UnitsCore compute units for rendering/compute640
TMUsTexture Mapping Units — handle texture sampling40
ROPsRender Output Units — final pixel/color blending16
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum GPU frequency800 MHz
Compute (FP32)Peak single-precision floating-point performance1.024 TFLOPS
Texture Fill RateTextures processed per second32.00 GTexel/s
PCIe InterfaceCPU↔GPU data link generationIGP
Transistor Count1,500 million
Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking#765
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Video Memory (VRAM)

The Radeon HD 7870M is equipped with 2 GB of Shared video memory connected via a System memory bus, delivering System of bandwidth.

SpecificationRadeon HD 7870M
VRAM SizeVideo memory capacity — more = better for high-res textures2 GB
VRAM TypeMemory technology generationShared
Memory BusWidth of data path — wider = more bandwidthSystem
BandwidthMaximum data throughput between GPU and VRAMSystem
L1 Cache160 kB
L2 Cache256 kB

Advanced Features & APIs

The Radeon HD 7870M 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.

SpecificationRadeon HD 7870M
FSR Frame Generation❌ Not Supported
AMD Fluid Motion Frames❌ Not Supported
FidelityFX Super Resolution✅ Supported
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Display & Media

Display outputs: .

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Power & Dimensions

The Radeon HD 7870M draws 45 Watt under load (TDP) — a 350W PSU minimum is recommended. Power connector: 1x 6-pin.

SpecificationRadeon HD 7870M
TDPPower consumption under load45 Watt
Recommended PSUMinimum power supply wattage350W
Power ConnectorRequired PCIe power cable type1x 6-pin
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Value Analysis

It holds Rank #122 in the cost-benefit ranking — a comprehensive score that weighs raw performance against current market pricing. Overall performance ranking position: #765 among all indexed GPUs.

SpecificationRadeon HD 7870M
Cost-Benefit RankOverall value ranking position#122
Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking#765
Release DateApril 24 2012
Release Year2012

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