AMD RX 480: Impressive Performance at an Affordable Price!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- AMD's New GPU: RX 480
- The Features of the RX 480
- 3.1 Polaris Architecture
- 3.2 VR Experience
- 3.3 Price Point
- Performance of the RX 480
- 4.1 Benchmarks
- 4.2 Overclocking Potential
- 4.3 Thermal Throttling
- 4.4 Power Consumption
- 4.5 Value for Performance
- Comparison with Competitors
- 5.1 GTX 970
- 5.2 R9 390
- 5.3 GTX 960
- Aftermarket Options
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
AMD has launched its new GPU, the RX 480, based on the Polaris architecture. This graphics card is aimed at mainstream gamers, promising smooth gaming and fluid VR experiences at a significantly lower cost compared to other market offerings. In this article, we will delve into the features of the RX 480, its performance, and how it compares to its competitors.
AMD's New GPU: RX 480
The RX 480 is AMD's latest GPU release, featuring the new Polaris architecture. With the 8GB model priced at $239, and the 4GB model at $199, the RX 480 is a budget-friendly option for gamers looking for high-quality performance without breaking the bank. This GPU comes with the latest support for DirectX 12 and Vulkan, AMD FreeSync HDR, and the ability to stream and Record gameplay up to 4K with h.265 at 60fps.
The Features of the RX 480
3.1 Polaris Architecture
The RX 480 is the first GPU from AMD to feature the new Polaris architecture. This architecture, built on the 14nm FinFET process and 4th gen GCN architecture, brings improved power efficiency and performance compared to previous generations. With 36 compute units, 2304 stream processors, and a base and boost clock of 1120MHz and 1266MHz respectively, the RX 480 offers a significant upgrade in performance.
3.2 VR Experience
The RX 480 is designed to provide a smooth and immersive VR experience. With its powerful specifications and support for VR technologies, this GPU is capable of handling demanding virtual reality applications and games. It ensures low latency, high frame rates, and minimal motion sickness, making it a suitable choice for VR enthusiasts.
3.3 Price Point
One of the main selling points of the RX 480 is its affordability. Priced at $239 for the 8GB model and $199 for the 4GB model, this GPU offers a competitive price point compared to its competitors. It provides excellent value for money, especially considering its performance capabilities.
Performance of the RX 480
4.1 Benchmarks
In benchmark tests, the RX 480 performs impressively, especially in DirectX 12 games. It consistently outperforms the GTX 970 and R9 390 in various resolutions, making it a strong contender in the mid-range GPU market. However, in raw performance, it falls slightly behind its competitors, but the value it offers compensates for this slight performance deficit.
4.2 Overclocking Potential
While the RX 480 may not be the best overclocker, aftermarket versions of the card may offer higher overclocking potential. With some minor tweaks, users can extract more performance from the GPU, although it should be noted that the voltage values can only be manually assigned for each DPM state at the moment.
4.3 Thermal Throttling
During testing, it was observed that the RX 480 experienced some moderate thermal throttling, particularly when overclocked. The core clock speed and performance were slightly affected when the GPU reached high temperatures. However, with the arrival of custom coolers from board partners, this issue is expected to be minimized.
4.4 Power Consumption
The RX 480 consumes a moderate amount of power, with a TDP of 150 watts. In comparison to other GPUs, it offers decent power efficiency. However, when overclocked, the power consumption increases, and it draws more power than Nvidia's cards. Nevertheless, it remains relatively low in comparison to the Nitro R9 390.
4.5 Value for Performance
The RX 480 offers excellent value for performance, especially when considering its price point. It delivers impressive performance close to the more expensive GTX 970 and R9 390, providing almost two frames per dollar. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers who want to experience high-quality gaming without spending a Fortune.
Comparison with Competitors
5.1 GTX 970
The GTX 970, a popular choice among gamers, competes closely with the RX 480 in terms of performance. While the RX 480 falls slightly behind the GTX 970, it offers better value for money, especially when considering the pricing of both GPUs. The RX 480 is a viable alternative for those who want similar performance at a lower cost.
5.2 R9 390
The R9 390, another competitor of the RX 480, provides slightly better performance in some cases but at a higher price point. The RX 480 offers a more economical choice for gamers who want comparable performance without spending extra money. Its improved power efficiency and lower price make it a more attractive option.
5.3 GTX 960
In comparison to the GTX 960, the RX 480 outperforms Nvidia's card by a significant margin. The RX 480 provides a worthwhile upgrade for those who currently own a GTX 960 and want to experience smoother gameplay and better graphics. The value proposition of the RX 480 makes it an appealing choice for gamers looking for an upgrade.
Aftermarket Options
While the reference version of the RX 480 offers decent performance and value, enthusiasts may prefer aftermarket versions of the GPU. These custom board partners can deliver improved cooling solutions, higher overclocking potential, and better power delivery. By opting for an aftermarket model, users can further enhance the performance and overall experience of the RX 480.
Conclusion
Overall, the RX 480 brings a lot of value to the mid-range GPU market. With its competitive price, impressive performance, and support for VR technologies, it is a strong contender among gamers. Although it may not be the best overclocker and suffers from thermal throttling, aftermarket versions are expected to address these issues. The RX 480 offers an excellent balance between cost and performance, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious gamers.
FAQ
Q: Can the RX 480 handle virtual reality games?
A: Yes, the RX 480 is designed to provide a smooth and immersive VR experience, making it capable of handling demanding virtual reality applications and games.
Q: How does the RX 480 compare to the GTX 970 in terms of performance?
A: While the RX 480 falls slightly behind the GTX 970 in raw performance, it offers better value for money with a lower price point. The RX 480 is a viable alternative for those who want similar performance without spending extra.
Q: Does the RX 480 suffer from thermal throttling?
A: Yes, the reference version of the RX 480 experiences some thermal throttling, particularly when overclocked. However, aftermarket versions with improved cooling solutions are expected to minimize this issue.
Q: Is the RX 480 a good choice for gamers on a budget?
A: Yes, the RX 480 offers excellent value for performance, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious gamers. Its competitive price and solid performance make it a worthwhile investment.
Q: Does the RX 480 Consume a lot of power?
A: The RX 480 consumes a moderate amount of power, with a TDP of 150 watts. Although it draws more power when overclocked, it remains relatively low compared to other GPUs in its range.
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