Radeon R7 Vs. Hd 4600: A Detailed Showdown Of Performance And Efficiency
What To Know
- In terms of thermals, both cards run relatively cool under load, with the R7 typically reaching temperatures in the mid-70s Celsius and the HD 4600 staying in the low-70s.
- With careful tweaking, you can typically achieve a 10-15% performance boost on the R7, while the HD 4600 may yield a 5-10% increase.
- On the other hand, if you’re on a tighter budget or prioritize low power consumption, the HD 4600 is a solid option.
In the world of PC gaming, choosing the right graphics card is crucial for a smooth and immersive experience. Two popular options for budget-minded gamers are the Radeon R7 and HD 4600 series from AMD. Both offer solid performance at an affordable price, but which one is the better choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the specifications, features, and benchmarks of these two graphics cards to help you make an informed decision.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Radeon R7 | HD 4600 |
| — | — | — |
| GPU Architecture | GCN 1.0 | TeraScale 2 |
| Process Size | 28 nm | 40 nm |
| Core Count | 640 | 800 |
| Clock Speed | 925 MHz | 775 MHz |
| Memory Interface | 128-bit GDDR5 | 128-bit GDDR3 |
| Memory Size | 2 GB | 1 GB |
| TDP | 115 W | 75 W |
Features and Technologies
The Radeon R7 comes equipped with AMD’s Graphics Core Next (GCN) 1.0 architecture, which introduces several key features and improvements over its predecessor. These include support for DirectX 11.1, OpenGL 4.2, and AMD’s Mantle API. Additionally, the R7 features AMD‘s PowerTune technology, which dynamically adjusts the GPU’s clock speed and voltage to optimize performance and power consumption.
On the other hand, the HD 4600 is based on AMD’s older TeraScale 2 architecture. While it lacks the advanced features of the R7, it still supports DirectX 11 and OpenGL 3.3. The HD 4600 also features AMD‘s Avivo HD video acceleration technology, which enhances video playback and decoding.
Performance Benchmarks
In terms of performance, the Radeon R7 generally outperforms the HD 4600 across a variety of games and benchmarks. Here are some examples:
- 3DMark Fire Strike: Radeon R7: 3,500 | HD 4600: 2,200
- Unigine Heaven Benchmark: Radeon R7: 1,900 | HD 4600: 1,200
- Tom Clancy’s The Division: Radeon R7: 45 FPS | HD 4600: 30 FPS
- Overwatch: Radeon R7: 60 FPS | HD 4600: 45 FPS
Power Consumption and Thermals
The Radeon R7 has a higher TDP of 115W compared to the HD 4600’s 75W. This means that the R7 consumes more power, but it also delivers higher performance. In terms of thermals, both cards run relatively cool under load, with the R7 typically reaching temperatures in the mid-70s Celsius and the HD 4600 staying in the low-70s.
Overclocking Potential
Both the Radeon R7 and HD 4600 have some overclocking headroom, allowing you to squeeze out a bit more performance. However, the R7 generally offers better overclocking potential due to its more advanced architecture and higher TDP. With careful tweaking, you can typically achieve a 10-15% performance boost on the R7, while the HD 4600 may yield a 5-10% increase.
Price and Availability
The Radeon R7 and HD 4600 are both discontinued products, so their availability and pricing may vary depending on the region and retailer. However, you may still be able to find new or used units for sale online or in local tech stores.
Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between the Radeon R7 and HD 4600 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly graphics card that can handle most modern games at medium to high settings, the Radeon R7 is the better choice. It offers superior performance, more advanced features, and better overclocking potential.
On the other hand, if you’re on a tighter budget or prioritize low power consumption, the HD 4600 is a solid option. It still provides decent performance for older games and less demanding titles, and it consumes less power than the R7.
Wrap-Up
The Radeon R7 and HD 4600 represent two different eras of graphics technology, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. While the R7 offers superior performance and features, the HD 4600 is a more power-efficient and budget-friendly option. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual requirements and preferences.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which graphics card is better for gaming, the Radeon R7 or HD 4600?
A: The Radeon R7 is generally better for gaming due to its superior performance and support for newer technologies.
Q: Which graphics card consumes less power, the Radeon R7 or HD 4600?
A: The HD 4600 consumes less power than the Radeon R7 due to its lower TDP.
Q: Can I overclock the Radeon R7 and HD 4600?
A: Yes, both the Radeon R7 and HD 4600 have some overclocking potential, although the R7 typically offers better overclocking results.
