GeForce 9800M GTX SLI vs Radeon HD 4870 X2

When comparing GeForce 9800M GTX SLI and Radeon HD 4870 X2, we look primarily at benchmarks and game tests. But it is not only about the numbers. Often you can find third-party models with higher clock speeds, better cooling, or a customizable RGB lighting. Not all of them will have all the features you need. Another thing to consider is the port selection. Most graphics cards have at least one DisplayPort and HDMI interface, but some monitors require DVI. Before you buy, check the TDP of the graphics card - this characteristic will help you estimate the consumption of the graphics card. You may even have to upgrade your PSU to meet its requirements. An important factor when choosing between GeForce 9800M GTX SLI and Radeon HD 4870 X2 is the price. Does the additional cost justify the performance hit? Our comparison should help you make the right decision.

GeForce 9800M GTX SLI is a Laptop Graphics Card

Note: GeForce 9800M GTX SLI is only used in laptop graphics. It has lower GPU clock speed compared to the desktop variant, which results in lower power consumption, but also 10-30% lower gaming performance. Check available laptop models with GeForce 9800M GTX SLI here:

Main Specs

  GeForce 9800M GTX SLI Radeon HD 4870 X2
Power consumption (TDP) 150 Watt 286 Watt
Interface PCIe 2.0 x16
Supplementary power connectors 1x 6-pin + 1x 8-pin
Memory type GDDR3 GDDR5
Maximum RAM amount 1 GB 1 GB
Display Connectors 2x DVI, 1x S-Video
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  • Radeon HD 4870 X2 has 90% more power consumption, than GeForce 9800M GTX SLI.
  • GeForce 9800M GTX SLI and Radeon HD 4870 X2 have maximum RAM of 1 GB.
  • GeForce 9800M GTX SLI is used in Laptops, and Radeon HD 4870 X2 - in Desktops.
  • GeForce 9800M GTX SLI is build with G9x architecture, and Radeon HD 4870 X2 - with TeraScale.
  • Core clock speed of Radeon HD 4870 X2 is 200 MHz higher, than GeForce 9800M GTX SLI.
  • GeForce 9800M GTX SLI is manufactured by 65 nm process technology, and Radeon HD 4870 X2 - by 55 nm process technology.
  • Memory clock speed of Radeon HD 4870 X2 is 2800 MHz higher, than GeForce 9800M GTX SLI.

Game benchmarks

high / 1080p 10−11 3−4
ultra / 1080p 6−7 1−2
QHD / 1440p 0−1 0−1
low / 720p 21−24 14−16
medium / 1080p 12−14 6−7
The average gaming FPS of GeForce 9800M GTX SLI in Assassin's Creed Odyssey is 116% more, than Radeon HD 4870 X2.

Full Specs

  GeForce 9800M GTX SLI Radeon HD 4870 X2
Architecture G9x TeraScale
Code name NB9E-GTX R700
Type Laptop Desktop
Release date 15 July 2008 12 August 2008
Pipelines 224 800
Core clock speed 500 MHz 700 MHz
Transistor count 3016 Million 956 million
Manufacturing process technology 65 nm 55 nm
Texture fill rate 28.00
Floating-point performance 2x 1,120.0 gflops
Length 267 mm
Memory bus width 256 Bit 256 Bit
Memory clock speed 800 MHz 3600 MHz
Memory bandwidth 115.2 GB/s
Shared memory -
DirectX DirectX 10, Shader 4.0 10.1 (10_1)
Shader Model 4.1
OpenGL 3.3
OpenCL 1.1
Vulkan N/A
CUDA +
SLI options +
Laptop size large
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