Radeon HD 8790M
GPU·Budget

Radeon HD 8790M

AMD

G3D Mark

1,306

April 1 2013
unknown
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 8790M is manufactured by AMD. It was released in April 1 2013. It features the GCN 1.0 architecture. The core clock ranges from 850 MHz to 900 MHz. It has 384 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 50W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 1,306 points.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) per dollar. The Radeon HD 8790M is positioned at rank #207 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 8790M

#197
Radeon RX 550X (móvel)
MSRP: $35|Avg: $35
416%
#199
377%
#200
376%
#204
GeForce GTX 1050 (Mobile)
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $50
342%
#205
Radeon RX 6300
MSRP: $60|Avg: $40
339%
#207
Radeon HD 8790M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#208
Radeon RX Vega M GL
MSRP: $150|Avg: $150
100%
#212
GeForce GTX 780M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $60
98%
#216
Radeon 8040S
MSRP: $400|Avg: $400
93%
#217
Radeon R7 +8G
MSRP: $49|Avg: $20
93%
#221
Radeon HD 6550A
MSRP: $30|Avg: $30
90%
#222
89%
Based on actual market prices and performance benchmarks.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Radeon HD 8790M specifications and capabilities.

Graphics Performance

The Radeon HD 8790M scores 1,306 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: Mars), manufactured on a 28 nm process— smaller process nodes improve power efficiency and transistor density. It packs 384 shader units (the primary compute units for rendering pixels), 24 TMUs (texture mapping units), and 8 ROPs (render output units that handle final pixel output). Raw FP32 compute power: 0.6912 TFLOPS — this measures the theoretical peak floating-point performance. Boost clock reaches 900 MHz from a base of 850 MHz.

SpecificationRadeon HD 8790M
G3D MarkPassMark 3D graphics benchmark score1,306
ArchitectureGPU microarchitecture generationGCN 1.0 (2012−2020)
CodenameInternal GPU die codenameMars
Manufacturing ProcessFabrication node — smaller = more efficient28 nm
Shader UnitsCore compute units for rendering/compute384
TMUsTexture Mapping Units — handle texture sampling24
ROPsRender Output Units — final pixel/color blending8
Boost ClockMaximum GPU frequency under load900 MHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum GPU frequency850 MHz
Compute (FP32)Peak single-precision floating-point performance0.6912 TFLOPS
Texture Fill RateTextures processed per second21.60 GTexel/s
PCIe InterfaceCPU↔GPU data link generationIGP
Transistor Count950 million
Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking#797
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Video Memory (VRAM)

The Radeon HD 8790M is equipped with 2 GB of Shared video memory connected via a System memory bus, delivering System of bandwidth.

SpecificationRadeon HD 8790M
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 Cache96 kB
L2 Cache256 kB

Advanced Features & APIs

The Radeon HD 8790M 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 11.1 (11_1), Vulkan 1.2, OpenGL 4.6— latest API versions enable the most advanced rendering features like ray tracing and mesh shaders.

SpecificationRadeon HD 8790M
FSR Frame Generation❌ Not Supported
AMD Fluid Motion Frames❌ Not Supported
FidelityFX Super Resolution✅ Supported
DirectXMicrosoft graphics API version11.1 (11_1)
VulkanCross-platform graphics API1.2
OpenGLLegacy graphics API4.6
Compute APIGPGPU framework (CUDA/ROCm/OpenCL)OpenCL 2.1
Multi-GPUSLI/CrossFire/NVLink supportEnduro
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Display & Media

Display outputs: N/A (Mobile)x 0 — supports up to 0 simultaneous displays. Hardware encoder: VCE 1.0, decoder: UVD 3.0— dedicated hardware for video encoding/decoding accelerates streaming, recording, and video playback. Supported codecs: H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2,MPEG-4.

SpecificationRadeon HD 8790M
0 PortsNumber of 0 display connectorsN/A (Mobile)x
Max DisplaysMaximum simultaneously connected monitors0
Hardware EncoderVideo encoding engine versionVCE 1.0
Hardware DecoderVideo decoding engine versionUVD 3.0
CodecsSupported video compression formatsH.264,VC-1,MPEG-2,MPEG-4
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Power & Dimensions

The Radeon HD 8790M draws unknownW under load (TDP) — a 350W PSU minimum is recommended. Power connector: 1x 6-pin. Physical size: 0mm long, 0mm tall, occupying 0 expansion slots, weighing 0g— verify your case has clearance before purchasing. Typical temperatures: 45 at idle, 75 under load.

SpecificationRadeon HD 8790M
TDPPower consumption under loadunknownW
Recommended PSUMinimum power supply wattage350W
Power ConnectorRequired PCIe power cable type1x 6-pin
Card LengthGPU card length — check case clearance0mm
Card Height0mm
Slot WidthExpansion slots occupied0-slot
Weight0g
Idle TemperatureTypical temperature at desktop idle45
Load TemperatureTypical temperature under gaming load75
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Value Analysis

It holds Rank #207 in the cost-benefit ranking — a comprehensive score that weighs raw performance against current market pricing. Overall performance ranking position: #797 among all indexed GPUs.

SpecificationRadeon HD 8790M
Cost-Benefit RankOverall value ranking position#207
Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking#797
Release DateApril 1 2013
Release Year2013

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