H2H

ATI Radeon HD 4550 vs ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2

Full comparison of specs, performance and benchmarks

Aggregate performance score

We've compared ATI Radeon HD 4550 and ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 across specs and all relevant benchmarks.

ATI Radeon HD 4550 outperforms ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 by 26% based on our aggregate benchmark results.+26%

Scores are normalized on the Head to Head scale. Higher is better.
QUICK COMPARISON ANALYSIS

ATI Radeon HD 4550 vs ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2: key takeaway

The comparison of ATI Radeon HD 4550 and ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 shows a 26% advantage for ATI Radeon HD 4550 in gaming performance, while ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 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.

H2H
Performance
Efficiency
Price / performance
Memory capacity
Performance
3931
Efficiency
10053
Price / performance
100100
Memory capacity
1343
Missing values are never replaced with zero or an average.Model: H2H 2026.07 fixed scale.
COMPARISON RESULT

ATI Radeon HD 4550 is the best overall choice

ATI Radeon HD 4550 leads in combined game performance. ATI Radeon HD 4550 offers the better price per frame, while the final choice depends on the required features, memory, and games.

PERFORMANCE DIFFERENCE27%

ATI Radeon HD 4550 leads in the combined performance index

PRICE DIFFERENCE$10

ATI Radeon HD 4550 costs less

CATALOG POSITION

Graphics card ranking

Full ranking →

The ranking is recalculated automatically from catalog data.

Positions 94–99of 317
ATI Radeon HD 4550#96position in the GPU ranking
ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2not in TOP100position in the GPU ranking
COMPARISON VERDICT

Which should you choose?

Two practical conclusions based on community votes and gaming value.

COMMUNITY CHOICE

ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2

179 likes

Head to Head visitors currently choose this model more often.

$/FPSBEST PRICE / FPS

ATI Radeon HD 4550

100/100 · Price $79

The 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 ATI Radeon HD 4550 and ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

CategoryATI Radeon HD 4550ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2
GamesDirectX, OpenCL, and Vulkan performance
39Better
31
Professional applications3D modeling, video editing, and rendering
34Better
29
AI and machine learningMachine-learning and AI capabilities
32Better
26
Power efficiencyPower consumption across workloads
100Better
53
Head to Head scoreOverall catalog score
62Better
49
FULL COMPARISON

Specifications

The better numeric value is highlighted in green, taking the metric direction into account.

The Specifications section compares ATI Radeon HD 4550 and ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

SpecificationATI Radeon HD 4550ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2
DisplayPortDisplayPort 1.0
HDMIHDMI 1.3a
Device classDesktopDesktop
Max monitors33
Max resolution4096 × 21602560 × 1600
USB Type-CNoNo
DirectX10.110.1
Vulkan
OpenGL3.33.3
TFLOPS0.0960.528Better
Power consumption25 WBetter196 W
ThicknessSingle-slotDual-slot
Memory typeDDR2GDDR3
Power connectorNone6+8 pin
Release date20082008
ArchitectureTeraScaleTeraScale
Upscaling
Compute APIOpenCL 1.1
Launch price$79Better$159
Memory cacheL1 16 KB, L2 0.06 MBL2 0.25 MBBetter
Clock speed600 MHz825 MHzBetter
Base clock600 MHz825 MHzBetter
Boost clock600 MHz825 MHzBetter
VRAM512 MB DDR2Better1 GB GDDR3
Memory frequency1,6 GHz1,8 GHzBetter
Memory bus64 bit256x2 bitBetter
Memory bandwidth13 GB/s58 GB/sBetter
InterfacePCIe 2x16PCIe 2x16
Power consumption25 WBetter196 W
Process node55 nm55 nm
Recommended PSU200 WBetter450 W
Length168 mmBetter267 mm
Transistor count242 million666 millionBetter
Shader units / cores80320Better
Die size73 mm²Better192 mm²
GAME TEST BENCH

Gaming FPS

Available results are shown separately; missing data is not treated as zero.

The Gaming FPS section compares ATI Radeon HD 4550 and ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 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.

ATI Radeon HD 4550ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2
Verified H2HCommunity VerifiedEstimatedPredicted
Black Myth: Wukong

Black Myth: Wukong

1080p High
24 FPSEstimated 64%
18 FPSEstimated 64%
1080p Ultra
20 FPSEstimated 64%
15 FPSEstimated 64%
1440p Ultra
10 FPSEstimated 58%
8 FPSEstimated 58%
4K Ultra
5 FPSEstimated 55%
5 FPSEstimated 55%
Game1080p High1080p Ultra1440p Ultra4K Ultra
Black Myth: WukongATI Radeon HD 455024 FPSEstimated 64%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X218 FPSEstimated 64%ATI Radeon HD 455020 FPSEstimated 64%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X215 FPSEstimated 64%ATI Radeon HD 455010 FPSEstimated 58%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X28 FPSEstimated 58%ATI Radeon HD 45505 FPSEstimated 55%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X25 FPSEstimated 55%
Call of Duty: WarzoneATI Radeon HD 455024 FPSEstimated 64%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X218 FPSEstimated 64%ATI Radeon HD 455020 FPSEstimated 64%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X215 FPSEstimated 64%ATI Radeon HD 455010 FPSEstimated 58%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X28 FPSEstimated 58%ATI Radeon HD 45505 FPSEstimated 55%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X25 FPSEstimated 55%
Counter-Strike 2ATI Radeon HD 4550198 FPSEstimated 72%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2153 FPSEstimated 72%ATI Radeon HD 4550139 FPSEstimated 72%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2107 FPSEstimated 72%ATI Radeon HD 455074 FPSEstimated 66%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X260 FPSEstimated 66%ATI Radeon HD 455027 FPSEstimated 62%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X223 FPSEstimated 63%
Cyberpunk 2077ATI Radeon HD 4550128 FPSEstimated 72%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X298 FPSEstimated 72%ATI Radeon HD 4550110 FPSEstimated 72%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X285 FPSEstimated 72%ATI Radeon HD 455054 FPSEstimated 66%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X244 FPSEstimated 66%ATI Radeon HD 455018 FPSEstimated 62%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X215 FPSEstimated 63%
Forza Horizon 5ATI Radeon HD 4550161 FPSEstimated 78%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2124 FPSEstimated 78%ATI Radeon HD 4550104 FPSEstimated 72%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X280 FPSEstimated 72%ATI Radeon HD 455067 FPSEstimated 66%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X254 FPSEstimated 66%ATI Radeon HD 455039 FPSEstimated 62%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X233 FPSEstimated 63%
God of War RagnarökATI Radeon HD 455024 FPSEstimated 64%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X218 FPSEstimated 64%ATI Radeon HD 455020 FPSEstimated 64%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X215 FPSEstimated 64%ATI Radeon HD 455010 FPSEstimated 58%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X28 FPSEstimated 58%ATI Radeon HD 45505 FPSEstimated 55%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X25 FPSEstimated 55%
Hogwarts LegacyATI Radeon HD 4550104 FPSEstimated 72%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X280 FPSEstimated 72%ATI Radeon HD 455087 FPSEstimated 72%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X267 FPSEstimated 72%ATI Radeon HD 455048 FPSEstimated 66%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X239 FPSEstimated 66%ATI Radeon HD 455018 FPSEstimated 62%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X215 FPSEstimated 63%
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024ATI Radeon HD 455024 FPSEstimated 64%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X218 FPSEstimated 64%ATI Radeon HD 455020 FPSEstimated 64%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X215 FPSEstimated 64%ATI Radeon HD 455010 FPSEstimated 58%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X28 FPSEstimated 58%ATI Radeon HD 45505 FPSEstimated 55%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X25 FPSEstimated 55%
Monster Hunter WildsATI Radeon HD 455024 FPSEstimated 64%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X218 FPSEstimated 64%ATI Radeon HD 455020 FPSEstimated 64%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X215 FPSEstimated 64%ATI Radeon HD 455010 FPSEstimated 58%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X28 FPSEstimated 58%ATI Radeon HD 45505 FPSEstimated 55%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X25 FPSEstimated 55%
StarfieldATI Radeon HD 455024 FPSEstimated 64%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X218 FPSEstimated 64%ATI Radeon HD 455020 FPSEstimated 64%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X215 FPSEstimated 64%ATI Radeon HD 455010 FPSEstimated 58%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X28 FPSEstimated 58%ATI Radeon HD 45505 FPSEstimated 55%ATI Radeon HD 3870 X25 FPSEstimated 55%
Average FPSATI Radeon HD 455074 FPSATI Radeon HD 3870 X256 FPSATI Radeon HD 455056 FPSATI Radeon HD 3870 X243 FPSATI Radeon HD 455030 FPSATI Radeon HD 3870 X225 FPSATI Radeon HD 455013 FPSATI Radeon HD 3870 X212 FPS
HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX

H2H workload indices

Comparable internal indices on a fixed 0–100 scale.

The Benchmarks section compares ATI Radeon HD 4550 and ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

IndexATI Radeon HD 4550ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2Difference
H2H Raster IndexH2H Index / 100393123%
H2H Compute IndexH2H Index / 10032320%
H2H Rendering IndexH2H Index / 10032346%
H2H Memory Workload IndexH2H Index / 1001343107%
H2H Efficiency IndexH2H Index / 1001005361%

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 ATI Radeon HD 4550 and ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

IndexATI Radeon HD 4550ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2Difference
H2H Image Generation IndexH2H Index / 100273629%
H2H ML Training IndexH2H Index / 100283625%
H2H Inference IndexH2H Index / 10032346%
H2H Local LLM IndexH2H Index / 100243845%
H2H Computer Vision IndexH2H Index / 100313512%

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 ATI Radeon HD 4550 and ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

SpecificationsATI Radeon HD 4550ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2
DirectX10.110.1
Vulkan
OpenGL3.33.3
Upscaling
Compute APIOpenCL 1.1

Architecture and release

The Architecture and release section compares ATI Radeon HD 4550 and ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

SpecificationsATI Radeon HD 4550ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2
ArchitectureTeraScaleTeraScale
Process node55 nm55 nm
Release date20082008
Device classDesktopDesktop

GPU cores, die and clocks

The Core layout and clocks section compares ATI Radeon HD 4550 and ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

SpecificationsATI Radeon HD 4550ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2
Transistor count242 million666 millionBetter
Die size73 mm²Better192 mm²
Shader units / cores80320Better
Base clock600 MHz825 MHzBetter
Boost clock600 MHz825 MHzBetter

Board size, power and compatibility

The Form factor and compatibility section compares ATI Radeon HD 4550 and ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

SpecificationsATI Radeon HD 4550ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2
InterfacePCIe 2x16PCIe 2x16
Length168 mmBetter267 mm
ThicknessSingle-slotDual-slot
Recommended PSU200 WBetter450 W
Power connectorNone6+8 pin

Display outputs and limits

The Display outputs section compares ATI Radeon HD 4550 and ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

SpecificationsATI Radeon HD 4550ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2
HDMIHDMI 1.3a
DisplayPortDisplayPort 1.0
USB Type-CNoNo
Max monitors33
Max resolution4096 × 21602560 × 1600

Memory and compute throughput

The VRAM capacity and bandwidth section compares ATI Radeon HD 4550 and ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2 with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

SpecificationsATI Radeon HD 4550ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2
VRAM512 MB DDR2Better1 GB GDDR3
Memory typeDDR2GDDR3
Memory bus64 bit256x2 bitBetter
TFLOPS0.0960.528Better
HEAD TO HEAD · DISCOVER

Other comparisons

6

Reviews and questions

AI EXPLAIN · HEAD TO HEAD

Explain this comparison

Beyond percentages: causes, relevant specifications, and practical impact behind every chart.

Device AATI Radeon HD 455062
Device BATI Radeon HD 3870 X249
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 reviewedHelpful to the community🏅Expert badges
FAQ · CHOOSE BY USE CASE

Frequently asked comparison questions

Short recommendations based on performance, memory, power consumption, and intended use.

01Which is better for gaming: ATI Radeon HD 4550 or ATI Radeon HD 3870 X2?

ATI Radeon HD 4550 has the higher overall gaming score, while ATI Radeon HD 4550 offers the better price-to-performance ratio. The final choice depends on resolution and settings.

02Which is better for streaming?

ATI Radeon HD 4550 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?

ATI Radeon HD 4550 is generally the better option for Blender and GPU rendering. Rendering-engine support and available VRAM also matter.

04Which is better for video editing?

ATI Radeon HD 4550 offers more overall performance, while ATI Radeon HD 4550 offers more memory headroom. Codecs, hardware encoders, and editor optimization can change the result.

05Which is better for neural networks and AI?

ATI Radeon HD 4550 is the more practical option for local AI workloads. VRAM capacity, compute libraries, and framework compatibility are especially important.

06Which is better for 1080p?

ATI Radeon HD 4550 is the most rational 1080p choice, where high frame rates and cost per frame matter most.

07Which is better for 1440p?

ATI Radeon HD 4550 leads in combined 1440p performance. ATI Radeon HD 4550 can be preferable for heavy textures and games with high VRAM usage.

08Which is better for 4K?

ATI Radeon HD 4550 is preferable for 4K, where total performance, memory bandwidth, and VRAM capacity have the greatest impact.

09Which is better for a quiet PC?

ATI Radeon HD 4550 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?

ATI Radeon HD 4550 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 ATI Radeon HD 4550 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.