Are Used AMD Graphics Cards Worth It? 2019 Benchmarks for RX 580, 570, Vega 56

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Value of Used AMD Graphics Cards
3. The Latest AMD Navi 5700 vs. Used Graphics Cards
4. Considerations for First-Time Graphics Card Buyers
   1. Performance at 1080p and Casual Gaming
   2. Future Proofing for Higher Resolutions
   3. The Benefits of High VRAM on Used Cards
   4. Optimization for AMD Hardware in AAA Games
   5. Potential Limitations of Used Graphics Cards
5. Benchmarking and Performance Analysis
   1. testing Methodology
   2. Game Performance at 1440p Resolution
      • Anthem
      • Resident Evil 2
      • Metro Exodus
   3. Game Performance at 4K Resolution
      • Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus
      • Forza Horizon 4
6. Concluding thoughts and Recommendations
   1. Pros and Cons of Used AMD Graphics Cards
   2. Considerations for Different Budgets
   3. The Option of Placeholder Graphics Cards
7. Resources
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

👉 The Value of Used AMD Graphics Cards

When it comes to building a gaming PC on a budget, many people consider purchasing used components to save money. One area where used options frequently come into play is the graphics card market. In this article, we will explore the value of used AMD graphics cards and determine if they are worth investing in for long-term gaming performance.

Introduction

As PC gaming continues to evolve with higher resolutions and graphically intense games, the question arises: can used AMD graphics cards hold up in the face of these advancements? While it is well-known that used RX 570, RX 580, and Vega 56 cards offer excellent value and gaming performance for 1080p games, it's essential to understand their limitations before making a purchasing decision, especially if you are a first-time graphics card buyer.

The Latest AMD Navi 5700 vs. Used Graphics Cards

Before we delve into the details, let's compare the latest AMD Navi RX 5700, a value-centric card with the latest seven nanometer technology, to the used graphics cards we'll be discussing. While the Navi cards provide significant benefits for high-resolution PC gaming, our focus lies on older technologies and their ability to handle newer games and higher resolutions. The question is, can these used cards still hold their own when running games like Cyberpunk 2077 or the Elder Scrolls 6 at 1440p or 4K resolutions?

Considerations for First-Time Graphics Card Buyers

If you're considering a used graphics card as your first purchase for a gaming PC, there are several crucial factors to keep in mind. Let's explore these considerations in more detail.

Performance at 1080p and Casual Gaming

Used RX 570, RX 580, and Vega 56 cards excel in providing excellent performance for casual gaming. Titles like PUBG, Fortnite, APEX Legends, and CS:GO run flawlessly on these cards. If your primary focus is on these types of games at 1080p resolution, a used graphics card can be a compelling option offering tremendous value.

Future Proofing for Higher Resolutions

However, if you're planning to upgrade to a higher resolution monitor or play more graphically demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 or AAA titles from EA and Ubisoft, the limitations of older used cards may become apparent. As 1440p and 4K monitors become more affordable and mainstream, it's crucial to consider whether these used cards will be able to handle the performance demands of future games.

The Benefits of High VRAM on Used Cards

Despite their age, most used AMD graphics cards come equipped with generous amounts of VRAM. This is especially advantageous for high-resolution gaming, as more VRAM allows for higher texture quality and better graphics settings. If you prioritize visual fidelity and plan to push your graphics card to its limits, a used card with ample VRAM can deliver an immersive gaming experience without breaking the bank.

Optimization for AMD Hardware in AAA Games

It's worth noting that numerous AAA game studios, including EA and Ubisoft, optimize their titles to run better on AMD hardware. Games like The Division 2, World War Z, and Resident Evil 2 showcase the benefits of AMD graphics cards. Additionally, upcoming co-developed PC titles that are also Slated to release on consoles, like Gears of War 5 and the highly-anticipated Halo: Master Chief Collection, are likely to be optimized for AMD graphics cards, giving them an edge over their NVIDIA counterparts.

Potential Limitations of Used Graphics Cards

While there are numerous advantages to purchasing used AMD graphics cards, it's essential to be aware of potential limitations. For example, older cards may struggle to run games optimized for NVIDIA hardware, such as Metro Exodus. If you encounter scenarios where AMD optimization is absent, you may experience subpar performance. Additionally, power consumption and coil whine are factors to consider, as some used cards require higher power inputs and may produce noticeable noise.

Benchmarking and Performance Analysis

To provide a comprehensive analysis of used AMD graphics cards, we conducted a series of benchmarks and performance tests. The games we tested were chosen to represent a range of graphical intensity and optimization scenarios.

Testing Methodology

For our tests, we used an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 CPU, an MSI B450 motherboard, and 16GB of DDR4 memory running at 3200MHz. These specifications offer a realistic Scenario for someone looking to pair a used graphics card with the latest CPU technology.

Game Performance at 1440p Resolution

We benchmarked the following games at 1440p resolution to assess how these used graphics cards handle more graphically intense titles.

Anthem

At high settings, all the tested cards performed admirably, with the Vega 56 leading the pack. Achieving above 60 frames per Second in Anthem is definitely playable, making these cards a suitable choice for casual and mid-range gaming at 1440p.

Resident Evil 2

Resident Evil 2 showcases the benefits of AMD optimization, providing great performance and visual fidelity across all the tested cards. Even at high graphic settings, these cards surpassed 60 frames per second, demonstrating their ability to handle modern AAA games.

Metro Exodus

Metro Exodus, an NVIDIA-optimized title, proved to be more challenging for the tested cards at high settings. While the Vega 56 performed admirably, the RX 580 and RX 570 fell short of achieving a consistent 60 frames per second minimum, indicating potential limitations when playing NVIDIA-optimized games.

Game Performance at 4K Resolution

To evaluate performance at 4K resolution, we selected Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus and Forza Horizon 4, both of which offer different optimization scenarios.

Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus

Running Wolfenstein 2 at 4K Ultra settings using the Vulkan API showcased the power of AMD hardware optimization. All tested cards handled the game exceptionally well, with the Vega 56 achieving remarkable performance. Impressively, even the RX 580 delivered playable frame rates at 4K, though not exceeding 30 frames per second. However, at 1440p, these cards offered a smooth gaming experience, proving their worth for mid-range resolutions.

Forza Horizon 4

Forza Horizon 4 is another game that benefits from AMD hardware optimization. At 4K resolution, the Vega 56 excelled, maintaining 75 frames per second. Surprisingly, the RX 580 and RX 570 delivered respectable performance as well, making them viable choices for 1440p gaming at 60 frames per second at medium settings.

Concluding thoughts and Recommendations

In conclusion, used AMD graphics cards can be a valuable purchase for budget-conscious gamers looking for mid-range gaming performance. While they may face limitations when it comes to running NVIDIA-optimized titles, their performance in AMD-optimized games is impressive. The Vega 56, in particular, stands out as a top contender, offering excellent performance even at high resolutions. Meanwhile, the RX 580 and RX 570 prove to be reliable options for 1440p gaming without compromising on visual quality.

Pros and Cons of Used AMD Graphics Cards

Pros:

• Affordable pricing on the used market
• Ample VRAM for high-resolution gaming
• Optimization advantages for AMD hardware in select games
• Good overall performance for 1080p and casual gaming
• Potential future-proofing for mid-range resolutions

Cons:

• Limited performance in NVIDIA-optimized titles
• Power consumption and potential coil whine
• Aging architecture and technology
• Potential trust and warranty concerns when purchasing used

Considerations for Different Budgets

For gamers on a tight budget, a used AMD graphics card can provide a cost-effective solution while still delivering satisfying performance in a variety of games. However, those with more funds available may want to consider investing in the latest generation of graphics cards, such as the AMD Navi RX 5700 or the NVIDIA RTX and GTX 1600 series.

The Option of Placeholder Graphics Cards

If you're in need of a temporary graphics card solution until you can afford a more powerful one, a used AMD graphics card can act as a placeholder. These cards offer respectable performance for casual gaming at 1080p and provide an opportunity to resell them later without a significant loss in value.

Resources

• PC Swaps (https://www.pcswaps.com) - A dedicated platform for buying and selling PC hardware, offering useful features and enhanced buyer protection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are used AMD graphics cards a good investment for first-time buyers? A: Used AMD graphics cards can be a suitable choice for first-time buyers on a budget, offering cost-effective gaming performance. However, it's important to consider their limitations in running NVIDIA-optimized games and their aging architecture.

Q: What are the benefits of high VRAM on used graphics cards? A: High VRAM allows for better texture quality and graphics settings, especially at higher resolutions. This provides a more immersive gaming experience for those who prioritize visual fidelity.

Q: Are used AMD graphics cards future-proof for higher resolutions? A: While used AMD graphics cards can handle current games at 1440p, their performance in future graphically intense titles may be limited. It's crucial to consider the demands of upcoming games and decide if investing in newer technology is necessary.

Q: Where can I purchase used AMD graphics cards? A: Consider reputable online marketplaces like eBay, Macari, and Craigslist. Alternatively, dedicated platforms like PC Swaps offer enhanced features, reinforced buyer protection, and a direct peer-to-peer connection between buyers and sellers for a smoother transaction.

Q: What are the potential drawbacks of purchasing used graphics cards? A: Some potential drawbacks include power consumption, potential coil whine, aging technology, and potential trust and warranty concerns. It's important to thoroughly research and vet sellers before making a purchase.