ATI Radeon HD 4720
AMD graphics card specifications and benchmark scores
ATI Radeon HD 4720 Specifications
ATI Radeon HD 4720 GPU Core
Shader units and compute resources
The ATI Radeon HD 4720 GPU core specifications define its raw processing power for graphics and compute workloads. Shading units (also called CUDA cores, stream processors, or execution units depending on manufacturer) handle the parallel calculations required for rendering. TMUs (Texture Mapping Units) process texture data, while ROPs (Render Output Units) handle final pixel output. Higher shader counts generally translate to better GPU benchmark performance, especially in demanding games and 3D applications.
ATI Radeon HD 4720 Clock Speeds
GPU and memory frequencies
Clock speeds directly impact the ATI Radeon HD 4720's performance in GPU benchmarks and real-world gaming. The base clock represents the minimum guaranteed frequency, while the boost clock indicates peak performance under optimal thermal conditions. Memory clock speed affects texture loading and frame buffer operations. The ATI Radeon HD 4720 by AMD dynamically adjusts frequencies based on workload, temperature, and power limits to maximize performance while maintaining stability.
AMD's ATI Radeon HD 4720 Memory
VRAM capacity and bandwidth
VRAM (Video RAM) is dedicated memory for storing textures, frame buffers, and shader data. The ATI Radeon HD 4720's memory capacity determines how well it handles high-resolution textures and multiple displays. Memory bandwidth, measured in GB/s, affects how quickly data moves between the GPU and VRAM. Higher bandwidth improves performance in memory-intensive scenarios like 4K gaming. The memory bus width and type (GDDR6, GDDR6X, HBM) significantly influence overall GPU benchmark scores.
ATI Radeon HD 4720 by AMD Cache
On-chip cache hierarchy
On-chip cache provides ultra-fast data access for the ATI Radeon HD 4720, reducing the need to fetch data from slower VRAM. L1 and L2 caches store frequently accessed data close to the compute units. AMD's Infinity Cache (L3) dramatically increases effective bandwidth, improving GPU benchmark performance without requiring wider memory buses. Larger cache sizes help maintain high frame rates in memory-bound scenarios and reduce power consumption by minimizing VRAM accesses.
ATI Radeon HD 4720 Theoretical Performance
Compute and fill rates
Theoretical performance metrics provide a baseline for comparing the ATI Radeon HD 4720 against other graphics cards. FP32 (single-precision) performance, measured in TFLOPS, indicates compute capability for gaming and general GPU workloads. FP64 (double-precision) matters for scientific computing. Pixel and texture fill rates determine how quickly the GPU can render complex scenes. While real-world GPU benchmark results depend on many factors, these specifications help predict relative performance levels.
TeraScale Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The ATI Radeon HD 4720 is built on AMD's TeraScale architecture, which defines how the GPU processes graphics and compute workloads. The manufacturing process node affects power efficiency, thermal characteristics, and maximum clock speeds. Smaller process nodes pack more transistors into the same die area, enabling higher performance per watt. Understanding the architecture helps predict how the ATI Radeon HD 4720 will perform in GPU benchmarks compared to previous generations.
AMD's ATI Radeon HD 4720 Power & Thermal
TDP and power requirements
Power specifications for the ATI Radeon HD 4720 determine PSU requirements and thermal management needs. TDP (Thermal Design Power) indicates the heat output under typical loads, guiding cooler selection. Power connector requirements ensure adequate power delivery for stable operation during demanding GPU benchmarks. The suggested PSU wattage accounts for the entire system, not just the graphics card. Efficient power delivery enables the ATI Radeon HD 4720 to maintain boost clocks without throttling.
ATI Radeon HD 4720 by AMD Physical & Connectivity
Dimensions and outputs
Physical dimensions of the ATI Radeon HD 4720 are critical for case compatibility. Card length, height, and slot width determine whether it fits in your chassis. The PCIe interface version affects bandwidth for communication with the CPU. Display outputs define monitor connectivity options, with modern cards supporting multiple high-resolution displays simultaneously. Verify these specifications against your case and motherboard before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.
AMD API Support
Graphics and compute APIs
API support determines which games and applications can fully utilize the ATI Radeon HD 4720. DirectX 12 Ultimate enables advanced features like ray tracing and variable rate shading. Vulkan provides cross-platform graphics capabilities with low-level hardware access. OpenGL remains important for professional applications and older games. CUDA (NVIDIA) and OpenCL enable GPU compute for video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific applications. Higher API versions unlock newer graphical features in GPU benchmarks and games.
ATI Radeon HD 4720 Product Information
Release and pricing details
The ATI Radeon HD 4720 is manufactured by AMD as part of their graphics card lineup. Release date and launch pricing provide context for comparing GPU benchmark results with competing products from the same era. Understanding the product lifecycle helps evaluate whether the ATI Radeon HD 4720 by AMD represents good value at current market prices. Predecessor and successor information aids in tracking generational improvements and planning future upgrades.
ATI Radeon HD 4720 Benchmark Scores
No benchmark data available for this GPU.
About ATI Radeon HD 4720
The AMD ATI Radeon HD 4720 delivers a value proposition anchored in its modest power consumption and low thermal design power of just 55W, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious builds where energy efficiency matters. With a 55nm TeraScale architecture and PCIe 2.0 x16 interface, the AMD ATI Radeon HD 4720 aligns with older platform ecosystems, offering compatibility without straining system resources. Its 1024 MB GDDR3 memory, while limited by today’s standards, was competitive at launch for mid-tier gaming and multimedia tasks. Given its release in December 2011, the cost analysis reflects depreciation over time, positioning the AMD ATI Radeon HD 4720 as a nearly zero-cost upgrade option in legacy systems. While no current benchmark data is available, historical performance trends suggest it remains viable for basic display output and light graphical workloads. For users maintaining older rigs, the AMD ATI Radeon HD 4720 represents a cost-effective stopgap rather than a long-term investment.
Segment placement for the AMD ATI Radeon HD 4720 falls squarely within the entry-level discrete GPU category, originally targeting budget desktop users who needed more graphics power than integrated solutions could provide. It competed in a segment focused on 720p gaming and media playback, where 1024 MB VRAM and GDDR3 bandwidth were sufficient for mainstream applications of its era. The TeraScale architecture enabled support for DirectX 10.1 and Shader Model 4.1, which at the time offered a balanced feature set for mid-range systems. Today, the AMD ATI Radeon HD 4720 occupies a niche in retro builds or as a spare part for system maintenance rather than performance enhancement. Its relevance persists primarily in markets where access to modern GPUs is constrained or cost sensitivity is extreme. As a legacy product, the AMD ATI Radeon HD 4720 serves more as a functional fallback than a competitive contender in current hardware hierarchies.
Investment value in the AMD ATI Radeon HD 4720 is minimal from a performance-return standpoint, but notable when considering zero-expenditure scenarios such as reusing existing hardware. For users upgrading from integrated graphics on similarly aged platforms, the AMD ATI Radeon HD 4720 can provide a tangible uplift in display responsiveness and multi-monitor support. Its 55W TDP ensures compatibility with lower-wattage power supplies, reducing the need for additional system upgrades. While modern applications and games will exceed its capabilities, the AMD ATI Radeon HD 4720 still holds utility in office environments, kiosks, or as a temporary solution during hardware transitions. Given the absence of benchmark metrics, performance expectations should be grounded in historical context rather than contemporary standards. Ultimately, the investment case for the AMD ATI Radeon HD 4720 rests on avoidance of cost rather than generation of value.
Build recommendations for the AMD ATI Radeon HD 4720 center on system parity pairing it with CPUs and motherboards from the same era to avoid bottlenecks and maintain balance. It fits best in HTPC or lightweight computing builds where graphical demands are minimal and power efficiency is prioritized. Due to its PCIe 2.0 x16 interface, it can function in modern motherboards but will not benefit from increased bandwidth in newer standards. The AMD ATI Radeon HD 4720 is best deployed in systems intended for web browsing, media playback, or legacy software support rather than gaming or creative workloads. Enthusiasts restoring older gaming rigs may find the AMD ATI Radeon HD 4720 a period-accurate component that preserves authenticity. In any build, pairing it with at least 4GB of system RAM and a stable power supply maximizes its operational reliability. The AMD ATI Radeon HD 4720 remains a pragmatic choice when the goal is functionality, not performance.
The NVIDIA Equivalent of ATI Radeon HD 4720
Looking for a similar graphics card from NVIDIA? The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 offers comparable performance and features in the NVIDIA lineup.
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