GeForce GTX 280M SLI vs Radeon HD 4870 X2

When comparing GeForce GTX 280M 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 GTX 280M 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 GTX 280M SLI is a Laptop Graphics Card

Note: GeForce GTX 280M 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 GTX 280M SLI here:

Main Specs

  GeForce GTX 280M 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 2 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 GTX 280M SLI.
  • GeForce GTX 280M SLI has 1 GB more memory, than Radeon HD 4870 X2.
  • GeForce GTX 280M SLI is used in Laptops, and Radeon HD 4870 X2 - in Desktops.
  • GeForce GTX 280M SLI is build with G9x architecture, and Radeon HD 4870 X2 - with TeraScale.
  • Core clock speed of Radeon HD 4870 X2 is 115 MHz higher, than GeForce GTX 280M SLI.
  • GeForce GTX 280M SLI and Radeon HD 4870 X2 are manufactured by 55 nm process technology.
  • Memory clock speed of Radeon HD 4870 X2 is 2650 MHz higher, than GeForce GTX 280M SLI.

Game benchmarks

high / 1080p 12−14 3−4
ultra / 1080p 7−8 1−2
QHD / 1440p 2−3 0−1
low / 720p 24−27 14−16
medium / 1080p 14−16 6−7
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 280M SLI in Assassin's Creed Odyssey is 150% more, than Radeon HD 4870 X2.

Full Specs

  GeForce GTX 280M SLI Radeon HD 4870 X2
Architecture G9x TeraScale
Code name N10E-GTX R700
Type Laptop Desktop
Release date 2 March 2009 12 August 2008
Pipelines 256 800
Core clock speed 585 MHz 700 MHz
Transistor count 1508 Million 956 million
Manufacturing process technology 55 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 950 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 +
Laptop size large
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