Radeon HD 7970 3GB

GCN arrives

3GB GDDR5. Documented release: January 2012.

THE RECORDED NUMBERS

HD 7970 3GB benchmark

Benchmark FPS at 1080p: 57 FPS
Our rating: 40 /100
HD7970s we've tested: 3
Recorded benchmark rank: #130 of 257 variants

Shared family total: Radeon HD 7970 3GB.

GPUsed’s continuous 1080p FurMark workload. These figures compare that benchmark, not FPS in a particular game. Historical quantities are supplied model or family totals, not the retained sample size of the displayed FPS average.

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GPUSED’S TAKE

The verdict

The 3GB HD 7970 introduced Graphics Core Next and 28nm manufacturing to high-end desktop gaming. It took the single-GPU lead at launch, with a sizeable memory buffer and a price that reflected its position.

GPUsed Legend Rating

8.5 /10

8.5 out of 10

Our editorial rating of its legacy and character. It is separate from benchmark performance and is not an audience vote.

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THE EXACT VERSION

Identity and release

Model: Radeon HD 7970 3GB
Memory: 3GB GDDR5
Documented release: January 2012
Release event: first documented retail availability
Release scope: documented retail market

A board-specific test SKU is not supplied with this profile. It identifies the recorded GPU variant; a particular card’s dimensions, cooler and power connections need their own check.

PICK ITS OPPONENT

HD 7970 3GB comparisons

Choose any other recorded model on the bench to compare the exact FPS difference.

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CHECK THE RECEIPTS

Profile sources

Reviewed 2 October 2026. The release date above uses the documented event and scope shown in this profile.

Source 1: ir.amd.com Release reference
Source 2: techspot.com

Profile references support the identity and editorial context. The benchmark FPS and historical quantities are GPUsed’s supplied records.