ATI Radeon HD 4890
AMD graphics card specifications and benchmark scores
ATI Radeon HD 4890 Specifications
ATI Radeon HD 4890 GPU Core
Shader units and compute resources
The ATI Radeon HD 4890 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 4890 Clock Speeds
GPU and memory frequencies
Clock speeds directly impact the ATI Radeon HD 4890'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 4890 by AMD dynamically adjusts frequencies based on workload, temperature, and power limits to maximize performance while maintaining stability.
AMD's ATI Radeon HD 4890 Memory
VRAM capacity and bandwidth
VRAM (Video RAM) is dedicated memory for storing textures, frame buffers, and shader data. The ATI Radeon HD 4890'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 4890 by AMD Cache
On-chip cache hierarchy
On-chip cache provides ultra-fast data access for the ATI Radeon HD 4890, 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 4890 Theoretical Performance
Compute and fill rates
Theoretical performance metrics provide a baseline for comparing the ATI Radeon HD 4890 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 4890 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 4890 will perform in GPU benchmarks compared to previous generations.
AMD's ATI Radeon HD 4890 Power & Thermal
TDP and power requirements
Power specifications for the ATI Radeon HD 4890 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 4890 to maintain boost clocks without throttling.
ATI Radeon HD 4890 by AMD Physical & Connectivity
Dimensions and outputs
Physical dimensions of the ATI Radeon HD 4890 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 4890. 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 4890 Product Information
Release and pricing details
The ATI Radeon HD 4890 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 4890 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 4890 Benchmark Scores
No benchmark data available for this GPU.
About ATI Radeon HD 4890
The ATI Radeon HD 4890 arrived in 2009 as a performance-segment GPU built on the 55nm TeraScale architecture. With its 1 GB of GDDR5 memory and a 190-watt TDP, it was positioned for users demanding more power than its predecessor. Its compute performance, centered around a unified shader architecture, was respectable for its time, capable of accelerating certain general-purpose computing tasks. While not a dedicated compute card, it offered a glimpse into GPU acceleration for enthusiasts experimenting with early GPGPU applications. This made the HD 4890 an interesting option for hobbyists looking to push their hardware beyond gaming. The card's capabilities were a step forward, though they were soon overshadowed by subsequent architectural leaps.
For content creation in the late 2000s, this AMD graphics card presented a mixed bag. Applications heavily reliant on pure CPU power saw minimal direct benefit from the GPU's architecture. However, for tasks involving real-time previews and certain filtering effects in video and image editing software, the raw pixel-pushing power was a tangible asset. The lack of specialized professional drivers meant it operated in a consumer-grade space, limiting its optimization for high-end creative suites. Users building a budget-friendly workstation might have considered it for a performance boost in some scenarios, but it was never a primary tool for serious professional work.
Professional certifications were a clear dividing line for the Radeon HD 4890, as it lacked the official validation from software vendors like Autodesk or Adobe that define workstation-class cards. This absence of certified drivers meant potential stability issues and unsupported features in professional applications compared to its FirePro counterparts. For a business or studio environment where reliability and guaranteed compatibility are paramount, this consumer GPU was a non-starter. Its value was firmly rooted in the consumer market, offering high frame rates in games rather than certified performance in CAD or DCC applications. This distinction was crucial for professionals making purchasing decisions based on workflow requirements.
Multi-GPU considerations were a significant part of the HD 4890's story, as it supported AMD's CrossFireX technology. Enthusiasts could pair two of these cards to significantly boost gaming performance, a compelling option for achieving high resolutions and detail levels. However, this setup came with the well-documented challenges of multi-GPU configurations, including potential micro-stuttering, inconsistent scaling across different games, and a substantial increase in power draw and heat output. Success with CrossFireX often depended on robust driver support and game-specific profiles, making it a solution best suited for tinkerers. Ultimately, while a multi-GPU setup with the Radeon HD 4890 offered a path to top-tier performance, it was a complex endeavor that demanded a capable power supply and cooling solution.
The NVIDIA Equivalent of ATI Radeon HD 4890
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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