OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Graphics cards Methodology v1.0
Graphics cards Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Graphics cards Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Graphics cards Methodology v1.0

XFX Radeon HD 7870 Review | 118 Data compared

Avg. price:~£35VRAM:2 GBMemory bus width:256 bitThermal Design Power (TDP):175 W

XFX Radeon HD 7870 Review: Compare 118 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Graphics cards category and whether it is worth buying.

XFX Radeon HD 7870
4.3/10

Overall score

Score
4.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the graphics card's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best graphics cards on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components

90%

3.9

Technical score

10%

8.1

User score

â–¼Worse than 94% of graphics cards
6.0

Value for money

Value for money
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the graphics card's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a graphics card that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components

70%

4.3

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 91%
3.9

Technical score

Technical score
3.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Graphics cards category across these key areas: Performance, Memory, Platform & Features, Connectivity & Media, Power & Cooling, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare graphics cards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components

44%

1.8

Performance

24%

3.0

Memory

12%

8.3

Power & Cooling

11%

6.0

Platform & Features

5%

8.6

Design

4%

7.0

Connectivity & Media

â–¼Worse than 95%
8.1

User score

User score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the graphics card.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a graphics card performs in real use and how reliable it is in terms of performance, temperatures, noise, stability, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 63% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

7.0

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 63%
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Best prices
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of graphics card XFX Radeon HD 7870

Technical score
Technical score
3.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Graphics cards category across these key areas: Performance, Memory, Platform & Features, Connectivity & Media, Power & Cooling, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare graphics cards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components:

44%

1.8

Performance

24%

3.0

Memory

12%

8.3

Power & Cooling

11%

6.0

Platform & Features

5%

8.6

Design

4%

7.0

Connectivity & Media

3.9
User score
User score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the graphics card.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a graphics card performs in real use and how reliable it is in terms of performance, temperatures, noise, stability, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 63% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

7.0

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.1
Popularity
Popularity
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the graphics card.
When it matters
When you prefer a graphics card that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 66% of models
Popularity:
XFX Radeon HD 7870 has a popularity score of 7 points, which is higher than that of 65.6% of products in this category.
7.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the graphics card's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a graphics card that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components:

70%

4.3

Overall score

30%

10

Price

6.0
3DMark Time Spy benchmark score
1955 points
Market range: <4k points – >34k points
This graphics card scores 1955 points in 3DMark Time Spy, which is lower than 95.6% of graphics cards.
3DMark Port Royal score
0 points
Market range: <0 points – >25k points
This graphics card scores 0 points in 3DMark Port Royal, which is lower than 83.2% of graphics cards and equal to 16.8% of graphics cards.
PassMark (G3D) result
4,567 points
Market range: <7.7k points – >36k points
This graphics card scores 4,567 points in PassMark G3D, which is lower than 94.5% of graphics cards.
PassMark (DirectCompute) result
2048 points
Market range: <3.1k points – >26.3k points
This graphics card scores 2048 points in PassMark DirectCompute, which is lower than 95.1% of graphics cards.
Floating-point performance
2.56 TFLOPS
Market range: <4.38 TFLOPS – >57.42 TFLOPS
This graphics card delivers 2.56 TFLOPS floating-point performance, which is lower than that of 94% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.1% of graphics cards.
Show more
VRAM
2 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >24 GB
This graphics card has 2 GB of VRAM, which is less than 94.5% of graphics cards and equal to 3.8% of graphics cards.
Memory type
GDDR5
GDDR version
GDDR5
This graphics card uses GDDR5 memory, which is older than on 85.9% of graphics cards and equal to 13.2% of graphics cards.
Memory bus width
256 bit
Market range: <64 bit – >384 bit
This graphics card uses a 256 bit memory bus, which is wider than that of 49.7% of graphics cards and equal to that of 35.9% of graphics cards.
Maximum memory bandwidth
153.6 GB/s
Market range: <168 GB/s – >960 GB/s
This graphics card reaches 153.6 GB/s memory bandwidth, which is lower than that of 91.4% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.1% of graphics cards.
Show more
PCI Express (PCIe) version
3
This graphics card supports PCIe 3, which is older than on 77.7% of graphics cards and equal to 20.3% of graphics cards.
PCIe lanes
x16
This graphics card uses x16 PCIe lanes, which is more than 23.4% of graphics cards and equal to 76.6% of graphics cards.
DirectX version
11.2
This graphics card supports DirectX 11.2, which is older than on 98.8% of graphics cards and equal to 0.7% of graphics cards.
Vulkan version
1.2
This graphics card supports Vulkan 1.2, which is older than on 95.1% of graphics cards and equal to 3.7% of graphics cards.
OpenGL version
4.6
This graphics card supports OpenGL 4.6, which is more advanced than on 1.9% of graphics cards and equal to 98.1% of graphics cards.
Show more
Max displays supported
6
Market range: <4 – >4
This graphics card supports up to 6 displays, which is more than 98.7% of graphics cards and equal to 1.3% of graphics cards.
Max digital resolution
4096x2160
This graphics card supports a maximum digital resolution of 4096x2160, which is lower than that of 92.6% of graphics cards and equal to that of 4.4% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort outputs
2
Market range: <1 – >3
This graphics card offers 2 DisplayPort outputs, which is fewer than 79.1% of graphics cards and equal to 9.5% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort version
1.2
This graphics card supports DisplayPort 1.2, which is older than on 93.9% of graphics cards and equal to 5.1% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort link rates
21.6 Gbps
Market range: <5.4 Gbps – >80 Gbps
This graphics card supports DisplayPort link rates up to 21.6 Gbps, which is faster than on 50.5% of graphics cards and equal to 2% of graphics cards.
Show more
Thermal Design Power (TDP)
175 W
Market range: <60 W – >360 W
This graphics card has a TDP of 175 W, which is lower than that of 62.6% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.7% of graphics cards.
Power consumption while under peak load
190 W
Market range: <100 W – >400 W
This graphics card draws 190 W under peak load, which is lower than 58.3% of graphics cards and equal to 0.8% of graphics cards.
Recommended PSU wattage
500 W
Market range: <450 W – >850 W
This graphics card recommends a 500 W PSU, which is lower than that of 75.6% of graphics cards and equal to that of 8.9% of graphics cards.
Board power limit
175 W
Market range: <100 W – >400 W
This graphics card has a board power limit of 175 W, which is lower than that of 66.4% of graphics cards and equal to that of 1.2% of graphics cards.
PCIe power spec
175 W
Show more
Size
241x 111x 38 mm
Length
241 mm
Market range: <200 mm – >350 mm
This graphics card is 241 mm long, which is shorter than 75% of graphics cards and equal in length to 1.7% of graphics cards.
Height
110 mm
Market range: <109 mm – >146 mm
This graphics card is 110 mm tall, which is shorter than 88.7% of graphics cards and equal in height to 1% of graphics cards.
Slot width
2 slot/s
Market range: <2 slot/s – >3.25 slot/s
This graphics card occupies 2 slot/s, which is slimmer than 53.4% of graphics cards and equal in width to 42.5% of graphics cards.
Weight
1,250 g
Market range: <500 g – >2k g
This graphics card weighs 1,250 g, which is heavier than 62.7% of graphics cards and equal in weight to 0.3% of graphics cards.
Show more

XFX Radeon HD 7870 vs the average graphics card

246810TotalPerformanceMemoryPlatform & FeaturesConnectivity & MediaPower & CoolingDesign
  • 2 more displays supported
    This graphics card supports more displays than the average graphics card (6 vs 4). The average graphics card supports 4 displays.
    6 vs 4
  • 23.1% lower PSU requirement
    This graphics card has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (500 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
    500 W vs 650 W
  • 15 mm lower card height
    This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (110 mm vs 125 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 125 mm.
    110 mm vs 125 mm
  • 44 mm shorter card length
    This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (241 mm vs 285 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 285 mm.
    241 mm vs 285 mm
  • 0.5 slot/s slimmer design
    This graphics card occupies fewer slots than the average graphics card (2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s). The average graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s.
    2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s
  • 2 more DVI outputs
    This graphics card has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (2 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
    2 vs 0
  • 15.14x cheaper
    XFX Radeon HD 7870 is cheaper than the average graphics card (£35 vs £530).
    £35 vs £530
  • 2 more GPUs supported
    This graphics card supports more GPUs in multi-GPU mode than the average graphics card (2 vs 0). The average graphics card supports 0 GPUs in multi-GPU mode.
    2 vs 0
  • 15.14x cheaper
    XFX Radeon HD 7870 is cheaper than the average graphics card (£35 vs £530).
    £35 vs £530
  • 1.5% higher user score
    User score
    8.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the graphics card.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how a graphics card performs in real use and how reliable it is in terms of performance, temperatures, noise, stability, and long-term ownership.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    XFX Radeon HD 7870
    the average graphics card
    XFX Radeon HD 7870 has a higher user score than the average graphics card (8.12 vs 8.000).
    8.12 vs 8
  • Better FP64 ratio
    This graphics card has a better FP64 ratio than the average graphics card (1:16 vs 1:64).
    1:16 vs 1:64
  • 2 more GPUs supported
    This graphics card supports more GPUs in multi-GPU mode than the average graphics card (2 vs 0). The average graphics card supports 0 GPUs in multi-GPU mode.
    2 vs 0
  • Supports multi-GPU linking
    This graphics card supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
  • 2 more displays supported
    This graphics card supports more displays than the average graphics card (6 vs 4). The average graphics card supports 4 displays.
    6 vs 4
  • 2 more DVI outputs
    This graphics card has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (2 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
    2 vs 0
  • 23.1% lower PSU requirement
    This graphics card has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (500 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
    500 W vs 650 W
  • 18.6% lower TDP
    This graphics card has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (175 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
    175 W vs 215 W
  • 15 mm lower card height
    This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (110 mm vs 125 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 125 mm.
    110 mm vs 125 mm
  • 44 mm shorter card length
    This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (241 mm vs 285 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 285 mm.
    241 mm vs 285 mm
  • 0.5 slot/s slimmer design
    This graphics card occupies fewer slots than the average graphics card (2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s). The average graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s.
    2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s
  • 60.1% lower boost clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1000 MHz vs 2505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2505 MHz.
    1,000 MHz vs 2,505 MHz
  • 10 GB less VRAM
    This graphics card has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (2 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
    2 GB vs 12 GB
  • 5.6x larger process node
    This graphics card has a higher process node than the average graphics card (28 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.
    28 nm vs 5 nm
  • 40 fewer ray tracing cores
    This graphics card has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.
    0 vs 40
  • No CUDA support
    This graphics card does not support CUDA, the average graphics card does.
  • 47.9% lower base clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1000 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.
    1,000 MHz vs 1,920 MHz
  • 20 fewer compute units
    This graphics card has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (20 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
    20 vs 40
  • 79% lower texture rate
    This graphics card has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (80 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 381.2 GTexel/s.
    80 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/s
  • 19.8% worse value for money
    XFX Radeon HD 7870 has worse value for money than the average graphics card (6.01 vs 7.2).
    6.01 vs 7.2
  • 60.1% lower boost clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1000 MHz vs 2505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2505 MHz.
    1,000 MHz vs 2,505 MHz
  • 40 fewer ray tracing cores
    This graphics card has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.
    0 vs 40
  • 47.9% lower base clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1000 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.
    1,000 MHz vs 1,920 MHz
  • No CUDA support
    This graphics card does not support CUDA, the average graphics card does.
  • 20 fewer compute units
    This graphics card has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (20 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
    20 vs 40
  • 79% lower texture rate
    This graphics card has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (80 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 381.2 GTexel/s.
    80 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/s
  • 104 fewer TMUs
    This graphics card has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (80 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
    80 vs 184
  • 80.4% lower pixel rate
    This graphics card has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (32 GPixel/s vs 163.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 163.2 GPixel/s.
    32 GPixel/s vs 163.2 GPixel/s
  • 144 fewer AI cores
    This graphics card has fewer AI cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 144). The average graphics card has 144 AI cores.
    0 vs 144
  • 32 fewer ROPs
    This graphics card has fewer ROPs than the average graphics card (32 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
    32 vs 64
  • 88.7% lower FP32 performance
    This graphics card has a lower FP32 performance than the average graphics card (2.6 TFLOPS vs 22.57 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP32 performance of 22.57 TFLOPS.
    2.56 TFLOPS vs 22.57 TFLOPS
  • 79.8% lower PassMark score
    This graphics card has a lower PassMark score than the average graphics card (4567 points vs 22653 points). The average graphics card has a PassMark score of 22653 points.
    4,567 points vs 22,653 points
  • 86.7% lower gaming score
    This graphics card has a lower gaming score than the average graphics card (1955 points vs 14678.5 points). The average graphics card has a gaming score of 14678.5 points.
    1,955 points vs 14,678.5 points
  • 83% lower compute score
    This graphics card has a lower compute score than the average graphics card (2048 points vs 12074 points). The average graphics card has a compute score of 12074 points.
    2,048 points vs 12,074 points
  • 99.5% lower FP16 performance
    This graphics card has a lower FP16 performance than the average graphics card (0.2 TFLOPS vs 29.7 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP16 performance of 29.725 TFLOPS.
    0.16 TFLOPS vs 29.725 TFLOPS
  • 88.9% lower compute throughput
    This graphics card has a lower compute throughput than the average graphics card (2.6 TFLOPS vs 22.98 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has compute throughput of 22.98 TFLOPS.
    2.56 TFLOPS vs 22.98 TFLOPS
  • 66.7% lower FP64 performance
    This graphics card has a lower FP64 performance than the average graphics card (0.2 TFLOPS vs 0.48 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP64 performance of 0.48 TFLOPS.
    0.16 TFLOPS vs 0.48 TFLOPS
  • 3,072 fewer FP32 units
    This graphics card has fewer FP32 units than the average graphics card (1,280 vs 4,352). The average graphics card has 4,352 FP32 units.
    1,280 vs 4,352
  • 10 GB less VRAM
    This graphics card has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (2 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
    2 GB vs 12 GB
  • 74.7% slower memory speed
    This graphics card has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (4800 MHz vs 19000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19000 MHz.
    4,800 MHz vs 19,000 MHz
  • 65.7% lower memory bandwidth
    This graphics card has a lower memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (153.6 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
    153.6 GB/s vs 448 GB/s
  • 31.4% slower VRAM clock
    This graphics card has a lower VRAM clock than the average graphics card (1200 MHz vs 1750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1750 MHz.
    1,200 MHz vs 1,750 MHz
  • 87.5% smaller L1 cache
    This graphics card has fewer L1 cache than the average graphics card (16 vs 128). The average graphics card has 128 L1 cache.
    16 vs 128
  • 5.6x larger process node
    This graphics card has a higher process node than the average graphics card (28 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.
    28 nm vs 5 nm
  • No DLSS support
    This graphics card does not support DLSS, the average graphics card does.
  • No ray tracing
    This graphics card does not support ray tracing, the average graphics card does.
  • No FSR support
    This graphics card does not support FSR, the average graphics card does.
  • 11 older
    This graphics card was released earlier than the average graphics card (2012 vs 2023).
    March 2012
    2,012 vs 2,023
  • Older PCIe version
    This graphics card supports an older PCIe version than the average graphics card (3 vs 4).
    3.0 vs 4.0
  • Older encoder generation
    This graphics card uses an older encoder generation than the average graphics card (1 vs 8). The average graphics card uses encoder generation 8.
    1.0 vs 8
  • No mesh shaders
    This graphics card does not support mesh shaders, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • No XeSS support
    This graphics card does not support XeSS, the average graphics card does.
  • No DirectStorage support
    This graphics card does not support DirectStorage, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • Older Vulkan version
    This graphics card supports an older Vulkan version than the average graphics card (1.2 vs 1.4).
    1.2 vs 1.4
  • Worse SAM support
    This graphics card offers worse SAM support than the average graphics card (no vs yes).
  • Older DirectX version
    This graphics card supports an older DirectX version than the average graphics card (11.2 vs 12 Ultimate).
    11.2 vs 12 Ultimate
  • Older OpenCL version
    This graphics card supports an older OpenCL version than the average graphics card (2.1 vs 3).
    2.1 vs 3.0
  • Older shader model
    This graphics card supports an older shader model than the average graphics card (6.5 vs 6.8).
    6.5 vs 6.8
  • No sampler feedback
    This graphics card does not support sampler feedback, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • 87.8% fewer transistors
    This graphics card has fewer transistors than the average graphics card (2800 million vs 22900 million). The average graphics card has 22900 million transistors.
    2,800 million vs 22,900 million
  • Older FSR version
    This graphics card supports an older FSR version than the average graphics card (1 vs 3.1).
    1.0 vs 3.1
  • No AV1 encoding
    This graphics card does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
  • No AV1 decoding
    This graphics card does not support AV1 decoding, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This graphics card has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average graphics card (2 vs 3). The average graphics card has 3 DisplayPort outputs.
    2 vs 3
  • No DSC support
    This graphics card does not support DSC, the average graphics card does.
  • Older HDMI version
    This graphics card supports an older HDMI version than the average graphics card (1.4a vs 2.1).
    1.4a vs 2.1
  • No VRR support
    This graphics card does not support VRR, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • Older DisplayPort version
    This graphics card supports an older DisplayPort version than the average graphics card (1.2 vs 1.4a).
    1.2 vs 1.4a
  • Narrower encode codec support
    This graphics card supports narrower hardware encode codec support than the average graphics card (H.264 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9).
    H.264 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9
  • Narrower decode codec support
    This graphics card supports narrower hardware decode codec support than the average graphics card (H.264/MPEG-2/VC-1 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1).
    H.264/MPEG-2/VC-1 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1
  • Older HDCP version
    This graphics card supports an older HDCP version than the average graphics card (1.4 vs 2.3).
    1.4 vs 2.3
  • Lower display resolution
    This graphics card supports a lower maximum digital resolution than the average graphics card (4096x2160 vs 7680x4320). The average graphics card supports a maximum digital resolution of 7680x4320.
    4096x2160 vs 7680x4320
  • Not VR ready
    This graphics card is not VR ready, while the average graphics card is.
  • 2 fewer monitors per output type
    This graphics card supports fewer monitors per output type than the average graphics card (1 vs 3). The average graphics card supports 3 monitors per output type.
    1 vs 3
  • 1 fewer fans
    This graphics card has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
    2 vs 3
  • No fan stop
    This graphics card does not support fan stop, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • 24 dB noisier at idle
    This graphics card has a higher idle noise level than the average graphics card (24 dB vs 0 dB). The average graphics card has an idle noise level of 0 dB.
    24 dB vs 0 dB
  • 5 °C lower thermal ceiling
    This graphics card has a lower thermal ceiling than the average graphics card (100 °C vs 95 °C). The average graphics card has a thermal ceiling of 95 °C.
    100 °C vs 95 °C
  • 7 °C higher load temperature
    This graphics card has a higher load temperature than the average graphics card (74 °C vs 67 °C). The average graphics card has a load temperature of 67 °C.
    74 °C vs 67 °C
  • No backplate
    This graphics card does not include a backplate, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • No RGB lighting
    This graphics card does not include RGB lighting, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

P
pcper.com
23/05/2012
Summary of the review
XFX Double D Black Edition HD 7850 and HD 7870 Review
H
hexus.net
30/03/2012
Summary of the review
Review: XFX R7870 Black Edition Overclocked - HEXUS.net
T
tombullock.co.uk
01/01/2013
Summary of the review
XFX Radeon 7870 Graphics Card Review Please let me know if you need help looking up specific performance metrics (like average FPS in specific 2012 ga...
O
overclockersclub.com
07/05/2012
Summary of the review
XFX HD 7870 and 7850 Double Dissipation Review
M
m.hexus.net
30/03/2012
Summary of the review
Review: XFX R7870 Black Edition Overclocked - HEXUS.net
H
hardware-mag.de
17/05/2012
Summary of the review
Test: XFX HD 7870 Black Edition Dual Fan CF
(Translated)Show original
H
hartware.de
16/04/2012
Summary of the review
XFX HD 7850 & 7870 Black Edition GameStar
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hardwareluxx.de
05/04/2012
Summary of the review
Test: XFX Radeon HD 7870 und Radeon HD 7850 Black Edition
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tweakpc.de
12/04/2012
Summary of the review
XFX AMD Radeon HD 7870 und 7850 Black Edition im Test
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noticias3d.com
28/03/2012
Summary of the review
XFX Radeon HD 7850 y HD 7870 Black Edition Overclocked.
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nexthardware.com
05/03/2012
Summary of the review
AMD Radeon HD 7870 e HD 7850 : Day One - Nexthardware
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tweakers.net
30/06/2012
Summary of the review
Snelle HD 7800- en 7900-kaarten - Round-up
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hardware.info
28/06/2012
Summary of the review
9 AMD Radeon HD 7850 / 7870 videokaarten vergelijkingstest - XFX Radeon HD 7870 Double Dissipation Black Edition
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Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: June 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about XFX Radeon HD 7870

  • Excellent overclocking potential, with some users reaching over 20% increases with minor voltage tweaks.
  • Impressive thermal performance and power efficiency for its time, consuming significantly less power than previous-generation equivalents.
  • Dual Dissipation cooling system on Black Edition models keeps the card quiet and cool during gaming sessions.
  • Strong value-to-performance ratio, often competing with or beating more expensive cards like the GTX 570 or 580 at launch.
  • Compact size relative to previous high-end cards like the HD 6970, though still a dual-slot design.

What we don't like about XFX Radeon HD 7870

  • Stock performance can feel unremarkable if the card is not overclocked, showing little improvement over some older high-end models.
  • Physical length (approx. 24-25cm) may obstruct SATA ports or other components on smaller motherboards.
  • Lack of support for modern features like DirectX 12 and current driver updates makes it struggle with 2024-era AAA gaming.
  • High fan speeds can become exceptionally loud and unbearable if manually set to 100%.
  • Requires two 6-pin PCIe power connectors and a quality power supply (500W+ recommended) for stable operation.

Verdict

The XFX Radeon HD 7870 is a performance-segment graphics card featuring the 28nm Pitcairn XT GPU architecture with 1,280 stream processors, a 1,000 MHz core clock, and 2GB of GDDR5 memory on a 256-bit interface. Its main characteristics include support for DirectX 11.1 and PCI-Express 3.0, alongside XFX's signature aesthetics like the brushed aluminum shroud and 'Double Dissipation' dual-fan cooling system. Key pros are its strong price-to-performance ratio at launch, impressive energy efficiency via ZeroCore technology, and significant overclocking headroom, often allowing it to compete with higher-tier cards like the GTX 580. However, cons include its limited support for modern DirectX 12 feature levels, a dual-slot physical size that may obstruct motherboard ports, and its inability to maintain smooth frame rates in current-gen AAA titles at high resolutions.

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