NVIDIA
GeForce 8600 GTS vs Radeon RX 550 4GB
Full comparison of specs, performance and benchmarks
AMD
RX 550 4GB
Aggregate performance score
We've compared 8600 GTS and RX 550 4GB across specs and all relevant benchmarks.
↗8600 GTS outperforms RX 550 4GB by 22% based on our aggregate benchmark results.+22%
Scores are normalized on the Head to Head scale. Higher is better.GeForce 8600 GTS vs Radeon RX 550 4GB: key takeaway
The comparison of 8600 GTS and RX 550 4GB shows a 22% advantage for 8600 GTS in gaming performance, while RX 550 4GB may still be stronger in efficiency and feature set. Use the sections below to check whether that lead comes from real FPS, specifications, efficiency, price or platform features.
SUMMARY PROFILE
Verified-metrics radar
Axes with missing data are hidden; every value uses a fixed scale.
NVIDIA
AMDPerformance
Efficiency
Price / performance
Memory capacity
3932
100100
100100
1356
COMPARISON RESULT
8600 GTS is the best overall choice
8600 GTS leads in combined game performance. 8600 GTS offers the better price per frame, while the final choice depends on the required features, memory, and games.
8600 GTS leads in the combined performance index
8600 GTS costs less
CATALOG POSITION
Full ranking →Graphics card ranking
Positions 81–86of 317
COMPARISON VERDICT
Which should you choose?
Two practical conclusions based on community votes and gaming value.
Radeon RX 550 4GB
69 likesHead to Head visitors currently choose this model more often.
GeForce 8600 GTS
100/100 · Price $79The choice is based on the price-to-performance index and launch price.
OVERALL SCORE
Overview
Scores are calculated from specifications, performance, and efficiency.
The Summary score section compares 8600 GTS and RX 550 4GB with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
GamesDirectX, OpenCL, and Vulkan performance
39Better
32
Professional applications3D modeling, video editing, and rendering
34Better
29
AI and machine learningMachine-learning and AI capabilities
32Better
27
Power efficiencyPower consumption across workloads
100
100
Head to Head scoreOverall catalog score
62Better
58
FULL COMPARISON
Specifications
The better numeric value is highlighted in green, taking the metric direction into account.
The Specifications section compares 8600 GTS and RX 550 4GB with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
Device classDesktopDesktop
HDMI—HDMI 2.0b
DisplayPort—DisplayPort 1.4
DirectX10.012.0
Vulkan—1.2
OpenGL3.34.6
TFLOPS0.0931.211Better
Power consumption60 W50 WBetter
Memory typeGDDR3GDDR5
Power connector6 pin—
Release date20072017
ArchitectureTeslaPolaris
ThicknessSingle-slotVaries by board
Upscaling——
Clock speed675 MHz1100 - 1183 MHzBetter
Base clock675 MHz1100 MHzBetter
Boost clock675 MHz1183 MHzBetter
VRAM512 MB GDDR3Better4 GB GDDR5
Memory frequency2 GHz7 GHzBetter
Memory bus128 bit128 bit
Memory bandwidth32 GB/s112 GB/sBetter
InterfacePCIe 1x16PCIe 3x8
Power consumption60 W50 WBetter
Process node80 nm14 nmBetter
Recommended PSU250 WVaries by board
Length198 mmVaries by board
Compute APIOpenCL 1.1, CUDA 1.1—
Launch price$79—
Shader units / cores32640Better
Die size169 mm²103 mm²Better
Memory cacheL2 0.03 MBBetterL1 16 KB, L2 0.5 MB
Transistor count289 million2200 millionBetter
Max monitors3Varies by board
Max resolution2560 × 16007680 × 4320
USB Type-CNoNo
GAME TEST BENCH
Gaming FPS
Available results are shown separately; missing data is not treated as zero.
The Gaming FPS section compares 8600 GTS and RX 550 4GB across curated H2H Lab game presets. The useful signal is not only average FPS, but also how each device behaves at 1440p and 4K, how memory capacity and bus width affect heavy textures, and whether the game engine favors raster performance, ray tracing, or driver maturity.
8600 GTSRX 550 4GB
Verified H2HCommunity VerifiedEstimatedPredicted
Black Myth: Wukong
1080p High
23 FPSEstimated 64%
19 FPSEstimated 64%
1080p Ultra
20 FPSEstimated 64%
16 FPSEstimated 64%
1440p Ultra
10 FPSEstimated 58%
9 FPSEstimated 58%
4K Ultra
5 FPSEstimated 55%
5 FPSEstimated 55%
Black Myth: Wukong8600 GTS23 FPSEstimated 64%RX 550 4GB19 FPSEstimated 64%8600 GTS20 FPSEstimated 64%RX 550 4GB16 FPSEstimated 64%8600 GTS10 FPSEstimated 58%RX 550 4GB9 FPSEstimated 58%8600 GTS5 FPSEstimated 55%RX 550 4GB5 FPSEstimated 55%
Call of Duty: Warzone8600 GTS23 FPSEstimated 64%RX 550 4GB19 FPSEstimated 64%8600 GTS20 FPSEstimated 64%RX 550 4GB16 FPSEstimated 64%8600 GTS10 FPSEstimated 58%RX 550 4GB9 FPSEstimated 58%8600 GTS5 FPSEstimated 55%RX 550 4GB5 FPSEstimated 55%
Counter-Strike 28600 GTS197 FPSEstimated 72%RX 550 4GB162 FPSEstimated 72%8600 GTS138 FPSEstimated 72%RX 550 4GB112 FPSEstimated 72%8600 GTS74 FPSEstimated 66%RX 550 4GB62 FPSEstimated 66%8600 GTS27 FPSEstimated 62%RX 550 4GB22 FPSEstimated 62%
Cyberpunk 20778600 GTS127 FPSEstimated 72%RX 550 4GB105 FPSEstimated 72%8600 GTS109 FPSEstimated 72%RX 550 4GB89 FPSEstimated 72%8600 GTS54 FPSEstimated 66%RX 550 4GB45 FPSEstimated 66%8600 GTS18 FPSEstimated 62%RX 550 4GB15 FPSEstimated 62%
Forza Horizon 58600 GTS160 FPSEstimated 78%RX 550 4GB132 FPSEstimated 78%8600 GTS104 FPSEstimated 72%RX 550 4GB84 FPSEstimated 72%8600 GTS67 FPSEstimated 66%RX 550 4GB56 FPSEstimated 66%8600 GTS39 FPSEstimated 62%RX 550 4GB32 FPSEstimated 62%
God of War Ragnarök8600 GTS23 FPSEstimated 64%RX 550 4GB19 FPSEstimated 64%8600 GTS20 FPSEstimated 64%RX 550 4GB16 FPSEstimated 64%8600 GTS10 FPSEstimated 58%RX 550 4GB9 FPSEstimated 58%8600 GTS5 FPSEstimated 55%RX 550 4GB5 FPSEstimated 55%
Hogwarts Legacy8600 GTS104 FPSEstimated 72%RX 550 4GB85 FPSEstimated 72%8600 GTS87 FPSEstimated 72%RX 550 4GB70 FPSEstimated 72%8600 GTS48 FPSEstimated 66%RX 550 4GB40 FPSEstimated 66%8600 GTS18 FPSEstimated 62%RX 550 4GB15 FPSEstimated 62%
Microsoft Flight Simulator 20248600 GTS23 FPSEstimated 64%RX 550 4GB19 FPSEstimated 64%8600 GTS20 FPSEstimated 64%RX 550 4GB16 FPSEstimated 64%8600 GTS10 FPSEstimated 58%RX 550 4GB9 FPSEstimated 58%8600 GTS5 FPSEstimated 55%RX 550 4GB5 FPSEstimated 55%
Monster Hunter Wilds8600 GTS23 FPSEstimated 64%RX 550 4GB19 FPSEstimated 64%8600 GTS20 FPSEstimated 64%RX 550 4GB16 FPSEstimated 64%8600 GTS10 FPSEstimated 58%RX 550 4GB9 FPSEstimated 58%8600 GTS5 FPSEstimated 55%RX 550 4GB5 FPSEstimated 55%
Starfield8600 GTS23 FPSEstimated 64%RX 550 4GB19 FPSEstimated 64%8600 GTS20 FPSEstimated 64%RX 550 4GB16 FPSEstimated 64%8600 GTS10 FPSEstimated 58%RX 550 4GB9 FPSEstimated 58%8600 GTS5 FPSEstimated 55%RX 550 4GB5 FPSEstimated 55%
HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX
H2H workload indices
Comparable internal indices on a fixed 0–100 scale.
The Benchmarks section compares 8600 GTS and RX 550 4GB with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
H2H Raster IndexH2H Index / 100393220%
H2H Compute IndexH2H Index / 100333711%
H2H Rendering IndexH2H Index / 100323920%
H2H Memory Workload IndexH2H Index / 1001356125%
H2H Efficiency IndexH2H Index / 1001001000%
These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.
HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX
H2H AI workload indices
Estimated workload profiles based on available performance and memory data.
The Detailed comparison section compares 8600 GTS and RX 550 4GB with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
H2H Image Generation IndexH2H Index / 100274346%
H2H ML Training IndexH2H Index / 100284138%
H2H Inference IndexH2H Index / 100323920%
H2H Local LLM IndexH2H Index / 100244561%
H2H Computer Vision IndexH2H Index / 100313923%
These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.
Graphics APIs, SDKs and upscaling
The Graphics APIs, SDKs and upscaling section compares 8600 GTS and RX 550 4GB with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
DirectX10.012.0
Vulkan—1.2
OpenGL3.34.6
Upscaling——
Compute APIOpenCL 1.1, CUDA 1.1—
Architecture and release
The Architecture and release section compares 8600 GTS and RX 550 4GB with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
ArchitectureTeslaPolaris
Process node80 nm14 nmBetter
Release date20072017
Device classDesktopDesktop
GPU cores, die and clocks
The Core layout and clocks section compares 8600 GTS and RX 550 4GB with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
Transistor count289 million2200 millionBetter
Die size169 mm²103 mm²Better
Shader units / cores32640Better
Base clock675 MHz1100 MHzBetter
Boost clock675 MHz1183 MHzBetter
Board size, power and compatibility
The Form factor and compatibility section compares 8600 GTS and RX 550 4GB with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
InterfacePCIe 1x16PCIe 3x8
Length198 mmVaries by board
ThicknessSingle-slotVaries by board
Recommended PSU250 WVaries by board
Power connector6 pin—
Display outputs and limits
The Display outputs section compares 8600 GTS and RX 550 4GB with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
HDMI—HDMI 2.0b
DisplayPort—DisplayPort 1.4
USB Type-CNoNo
Max monitors3Varies by board
Max resolution2560 × 16007680 × 4320
Memory and compute throughput
The VRAM capacity and bandwidth section compares 8600 GTS and RX 550 4GB with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.
VRAM512 MB GDDR3Better4 GB GDDR5
Memory typeGDDR3GDDR5
Memory bus128 bit128 bit
TFLOPS0.0931.211Better
HEAD TO HEAD · DISCOVER
6Other comparisons
Arc A310IntelReviews and questions
AI EXPLAIN · HEAD TO HEAD
Explain this comparison
Beyond percentages: causes, relevant specifications, and practical impact behind every chart.
What AI will explain
Overall score, radar, FPS, synthetic tests, specifications, efficiency, and value.
REAL CONFIGURATIONS
Owner experiences
Real builds, results, and community feedback.
♢Moderator reviewed☆Helpful to the community🏅Expert badges
Frequently asked comparison questions
Short recommendations based on performance, memory, power consumption, and intended use.
01Which is better for gaming: 8600 GTS or RX 550 4GB?+
8600 GTS has the higher overall gaming score, while 8600 GTS offers the better price-to-performance ratio. The final choice depends on resolution and settings.
02Which is better for streaming?+
8600 GTS is the stronger streaming choice thanks to performance, hardware encoding, and application support. Check AV1, H.264, and HEVC support before buying.
03Which is better for Blender?+
8600 GTS is generally the better option for Blender and GPU rendering. Rendering-engine support and available VRAM also matter.
04Which is better for video editing?+
8600 GTS offers more overall performance, while 8600 GTS offers more memory headroom. Codecs, hardware encoders, and editor optimization can change the result.
05Which is better for neural networks and AI?+
8600 GTS is the more practical option for local AI workloads. VRAM capacity, compute libraries, and framework compatibility are especially important.
06Which is better for 1080p?+
8600 GTS is the most rational 1080p choice, where high frame rates and cost per frame matter most.
07Which is better for 1440p?+
8600 GTS leads in combined 1440p performance. 8600 GTS can be preferable for heavy textures and games with high VRAM usage.
08Which is better for 4K?+
8600 GTS is preferable for 4K, where total performance, memory bandwidth, and VRAM capacity have the greatest impact.
09Which is better for a quiet PC?+
RX 550 4GB is easier to use in a quiet build because of its lower estimated power and thermal load. Actual noise depends on the specific cooler.
10Which is better without replacing the power supply?+
RX 550 4GB is the safer candidate because its stated power consumption is lower. Verify PSU wattage, age, and power connectors.
11Is it worth upgrading from the previous generation?+
Consider upgrading to 8600 GTS if your current device no longer delivers the required FPS, memory capacity, or feature support. A gain below 15–20% is usually worth waiting for a price cut.