Modern graphics cards are complex pieces of hardware with numerous specifications that determine their performance characteristics. Understanding these specifications is crucial for making informed purchasing decisions and comparing different models effectively.
CUDA Cores vs Stream Processors vs Xe Cores
The fundamental processing units differ between manufacturers but serve similar purposes. NVIDIA's CUDA cores handle parallel processing tasks, with RTX 4090 featuring 16,384 cores compared to the RTX 4060's 3,072 cores. AMD's stream processors work similarly, with the RX 7900 XTX packing 6,144 stream processors versus the RX 7600's 2,048. Intel's Arc series uses Xe cores, with the Arc A770 containing 32 Xe cores. While these numbers provide rough performance indicators, they're not directly comparable across different architectures.
Video Memory (VRAM) and Memory Interface
VRAM capacity and speed critically impact performance, especially at higher resolutions and with demanding textures. In 2024, 8GB has become the practical minimum for 1440p gaming, with 12GB or more recommended for 4K gaming and content creation. Memory bandwidth, determined by memory speed and bus width, affects data transfer rates. The RTX 4060 Ti's 128-bit bus with 18 Gbps GDDR6X provides 288 GB/s of bandwidth, while the RTX 4080's 256-bit bus delivers 736 GB/s.
Base and Boost Clock Speeds
Base clocks represent guaranteed minimum frequencies, while boost clocks indicate maximum performance under ideal conditions. Modern GPUs dynamically adjust clocks based on temperature, power consumption, and workload demands. The RTX 4070's base clock of 1920 MHz can boost to 2475 MHz, but real-world sustained clocks typically fall between these values depending on cooling solutions and power limits.
Memory Types and Generations
Current graphics cards primarily use GDDR6 or GDDR6X memory, with some high-end models incorporating faster variants. GDDR6X offers higher bandwidth but consumes more power, making it suitable for flagship cards. Some professional cards still use HBM2e memory for maximum bandwidth in specialized applications.