Radeon R7 512 Cores (Kaveri Desktop)
AMD
G3D Mark
1,300
MSRP
$173
AVG Price
$35
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 R7 512 Cores (Kaveri Desktop) is manufactured by AMD. It was released in January 14 2014. It features the GCN architecture. The core clock speed is 720 MHz. It has 512 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 30W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 1,300 points.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) per dollar. The Radeon R7 512 Cores (Kaveri Desktop) is positioned at rank #164 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 R7 512 Cores (Kaveri Desktop)
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Radeon R7 512 Cores (Kaveri Desktop) across popular games. Tested paired with Ryzen 7 7800X3D to isolate GPU performance.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Radeon R7 512 Cores (Kaveri Desktop) specifications and capabilities.
Graphics Performance
The Radeon R7 512 Cores (Kaveri Desktop) scores 1,300 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 (2012−2015) architecture (codename: Kaveri Spectre), manufactured on a 28 nm process— smaller process nodes improve power efficiency and transistor density. It packs 512 shader units (the primary compute units for rendering pixels).
| Specification | Radeon R7 512 Cores (Kaveri Desktop) |
|---|---|
| G3D MarkPassMark 3D graphics benchmark score | 1,300 |
| ArchitectureGPU microarchitecture generation | GCN (2012−2015) |
| CodenameInternal GPU die codename | Kaveri Spectre |
| Manufacturing ProcessFabrication node — smaller = more efficient | 28 nm |
| Shader UnitsCore compute units for rendering/compute | 512 |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum GPU frequency | 720 MHz |
| PCIe InterfaceCPU↔GPU data link generation | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking | #830 |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The Radeon R7 512 Cores (Kaveri Desktop) is equipped with 0.5 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 R7 512 Cores (Kaveri Desktop) |
|---|---|
| VRAM SizeVideo memory capacity — more = better for high-res textures | 0.5 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 |
Advanced Features & APIs
The Radeon R7 512 Cores (Kaveri Desktop) 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 12, Vulkan 1.1, OpenGL 4.5— latest API versions enable the most advanced rendering features like ray tracing and mesh shaders.
| Specification | Radeon R7 512 Cores (Kaveri Desktop) |
|---|---|
| FSR Frame Generation | ❌ Not Supported |
| AMD Fluid Motion Frames | ❌ Not Supported |
| FidelityFX Super Resolution | ✅ Supported |
| DirectXMicrosoft graphics API version | 12 |
| VulkanCross-platform graphics API | 1.1 |
| OpenGLLegacy graphics API | 4.5 |
Display & Media
Display outputs: 1x Host Dependent — supports up to 3 simultaneous displays. Hardware encoder: VCE 2.0, decoder: UVD 4.2— dedicated hardware for video encoding/decoding accelerates streaming, recording, and video playback. Supported codecs: H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2.
| Specification | Radeon R7 512 Cores (Kaveri Desktop) |
|---|---|
| Host Dependent PortsNumber of Host Dependent display connectors | 1x |
| Max DisplaysMaximum simultaneously connected monitors | 3 |
| Hardware EncoderVideo encoding engine version | VCE 2.0 |
| Hardware DecoderVideo decoding engine version | UVD 4.2 |
| CodecsSupported video compression formats | H.264,VC-1,MPEG-2 |
Power & Dimensions
The Radeon R7 512 Cores (Kaveri Desktop) draws 30W under load (TDP) — a 350W PSU minimum is recommended. Power connector: None. Typical temperatures: 40°C at idle, 80°C under load.
| Specification | Radeon R7 512 Cores (Kaveri Desktop) |
|---|---|
| TDPPower consumption under load | 30W |
| Recommended PSUMinimum power supply wattage | 350W |
| Power ConnectorRequired PCIe power cable type | None |
| Idle TemperatureTypical temperature at desktop idle | 40°C |
| Load TemperatureTypical temperature under gaming load | 80°C |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $35 (MSRP: $173), the Radeon R7 512 Cores (Kaveri Desktop) delivers 37 G3D Mark points per dollar. It holds Rank #164 in the cost-benefit ranking — a comprehensive score that weighs raw performance against current market pricing. Overall performance ranking position: #830 among all indexed GPUs.
| Specification | Radeon R7 512 Cores (Kaveri Desktop) |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $173 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $35 |
| Cost-Benefit RankOverall value ranking position | #164 |
| Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking | #830 |
| Release Date | January 14 2014 |
| Release Year | 2014 |
Similar Performance
Graphics cards with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
NVIDIA (12)
AMD (12)
Intel (12)
Our Recommendation for Radeon R7 512 Cores (Kaveri Desktop)
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
Compare Radeon R7 512 Cores (Kaveri Desktop) with other popular GPUs
Compare Radeon R7 512 Cores (Kaveri Desktop)
See how this GPU stacks up against similar alternatives
Better Alternatives (8)
Similar or Lower Performance (8)
