What To Know
- On the other hand, the AMD GPU Radeon 8790M features 640 stream processors, 40 texture units, and 16 ROPs, resulting in a theoretical peak performance of 1.
- The AMD GPU Radeon HD 7870 is designed for desktop PCs, while the 8790M is a mobile GPU intended for laptops.
- The HD 7870 requires a separate power supply and occupies a PCI-Express slot on the motherboard.
In the world of PC gaming, graphics processing units (GPUs) play a pivotal role in delivering immersive and fluid visual experiences. Two prominent contenders in the AMD lineup are the Radeon HD 7870 and 8790M. This comprehensive comparison aims to shed light on the key differences between these GPUs, empowering gamers with informed decision-making.
Performance: Raw Power Unveiled
The AMD GPU Radeon HD 7870 boasts 1280 stream processors, 80 texture units, and 32 ROPs. This formidable hardware configuration translates into a theoretical peak performance of 1.79 TFLOPS. On the other hand, the AMD GPU Radeon 8790M features 640 stream processors, 40 texture units, and 16 ROPs, resulting in a theoretical peak performance of 1.024 TFLOPS.
In real-world benchmarks, the HD 7870 consistently outperforms the 8790M in both DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 games. This advantage is particularly evident in demanding titles that leverage advanced graphical effects and high resolutions.
Memory: Capacity and Bandwidth
The AMD GPU Radeon HD 7870 is equipped with 2GB of GDDR5 memory, while the 8790M has 1GB of GDDR5 memory. The HD 7870’s higher memory capacity provides a significant advantage in handling high-resolution textures and complex graphical scenes.
Additionally, the HD 7870 features a wider memory bus width of 256-bit, compared to the 8790M’s 128-bit bus. This broader interface enables faster memory access, resulting in improved performance in memory-intensive applications.
Power Consumption: Efficiency Matters
The AMD GPU Radeon HD 7870 has a typical power consumption of 175W, while the 8790M consumes around 75W. The 8790M’s lower power consumption makes it a more suitable choice for laptops and other portable devices that prioritize battery life.
Form Factor: Desktop vs Mobile
The AMD GPU Radeon HD 7870 is designed for desktop PCs, while the 8790M is a mobile GPU intended for laptops. The HD 7870 requires a separate power supply and occupies a PCI-Express slot on the motherboard. In contrast, the 8790M is integrated into the laptop’s motherboard and relies on the system’s power supply.
Features: Innovation and Versatility
Both the HD 7870 and 8790M support AMD‘s Eyefinity multi-monitor technology, allowing gamers to create immersive gaming setups with multiple displays. Additionally, they offer support for DirectX 11, DirectX 12, and OpenGL 4.2, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of games and applications.
Price: Value for Money
The AMD GPU Radeon HD 7870 was released in 2012 and is no longer in production. However, it can still be found on the used market for around $50-$100. The 8790M was released in 2013 and is also no longer in production. It can be found on the used market for around $100-$150.
Final Note: Choosing the Right GPU for Your Needs
The AMD GPU Radeon HD 7870 and 8790M are both capable graphics processors with distinct strengths and weaknesses. The HD 7870 offers superior performance, higher memory capacity, and a wider memory bus, making it the ideal choice for demanding desktop gaming setups. The 8790M, on the other hand, is more power-efficient and compact, making it a better fit for laptops and portable devices. Ultimately, the best GPU for your needs depends on your individual requirements and preferences.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
1. Which GPU is better for gaming, the HD 7870 or the 8790M?
The HD 7870 is significantly more powerful than the 8790M and will provide a better gaming experience in most cases.
2. Can the HD 7870 be used in a laptop?
No, the HD 7870 is a desktop GPU and requires a separate power supply and PCI-Express slot.
3. Is the 8790M still a good choice for gaming in 2023?
While the 8790M is no longer a top-of-the-line GPU, it can still provide a decent gaming experience in older and less demanding titles.
4. How much power does the HD 7870 consume?
The HD 7870 has a typical power consumption of 175W.
5. How much memory does the 8790M have?
The 8790M has 1GB of GDDR5 memory.
