Is RX 480 4GB Still Worth It in 2021?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Background of the RX 480
3. Specifications of the RX 480
4. Design and Cooling Performance
5. Benchmark Results: Valorant
6. Benchmark Results: Fortnite
7. Benchmark Results: GTA 5
8. Benchmark Results: Call of Duty Warzone
9. Benchmark Results: Battlefield 5
10. Benchmark Results: APEX Legends
11. Benchmark Results: Forza Horizon 4
12. Benchmark Results: Doom Eternal
13. Benchmark Results: Cyberpunk 2077
14. Benchmark Results: Splitgate
15. Benchmark Results: Rocket League
16. Benchmark Results: War Thunder
17. Benchmark Results: Overwatch
18. Benchmark Results: Red Dead Redemption 2
19. Benchmark Results: Assassin's Creed Valhalla
20. Conclusion

🖥️ Article: Revisiting the RX 480: Is It Still Good Enough in 2021?

The RX 480, released in 2016, was a mid-range GPU that competed with Nvidia's 1060 series. Now, in 2021, we revisit this graphics card to see if it still holds up against modern games. With two variants available, the 8 and 4 gigabytes versions, the RX 480 offered solid performance for its time. However, how does it fare in today's gaming landscape?

Background of the RX 480

The RX 480 was part of AMD's Polaris GPU lineup and was considered a mid-range option upon its release. It boasted a 256-bit memory bus and consumed around 150 watts of power. While it may not have been the most powerful GPU at the time, it provided a cost-effective alternative to the competition.

Specifications of the RX 480

The RX 480 came in two variants, offering either 4 or 8 gigabytes of VRAM. While the GPU itself remained the same, the memory capacity and speed differed. The 8 gigabytes version ran at a speed of 8 gigabits per Second, while the 4 gigabytes version ran at 7 gigabits per second. These specifications played a crucial role in determining the graphics card's performance in various games.

Design and Cooling Performance

The design of the RX 480, particularly the Sapphire Radeon RX 480 90 Plus OC 4 gigabytes model, was visually appealing. It featured a cool-looking metal backplate that also served as a heat spreader. Additionally, this model had a dual-fan design, which improved cooling compared to the reference blower card from AMD. However, the increased cooling came with increased noise levels, making the GPU audible during intensive usage.

Benchmark Results: Valorant

Valorant, being an esports Game, ran exceptionally well on the RX 480. With an average FPS of 283 and one percent lows of 128, the RX 480 provided a satisfying performance that would please most players. However, those aiming for ultra-competitive gameplay might benefit from a CPU upgrade.

Benchmark Results: Fortnite

Fortnite, another popular esports game, ran decently on the RX 480. With an average FPS of around 80 and one percent lows of 32, it catered well to casual players. However, for those seeking a more competitive edge, higher settings may require a GPU upgrade.

Benchmark Results: GTA 5

GTA 5, despite being an older game, still ran smoothly on the RX 480. With very high settings, the GPU delivered a satisfying average FPS of 98 and one percent lows of 78. This performance made it perfectly playable even in 2021.

Benchmark Results: Call of Duty Warzone

Warzone, a more demanding game, provided an alright experience on the RX 480. Casual players could enjoy playable FPS with an average of 91 and one percent lows of 78. However, for serious competitive players, a GPU upgrade might be necessary to achieve higher FPS.

Benchmark Results: Battlefield 5

Battlefield 5 offered a slightly better gaming experience than Warzone on the RX 480. With an average FPS of 93 and one percent lows of 72, casual players should find the performance satisfactory. However, players seeking more performance may consider a GPU upgrade.

Benchmark Results: Apex Legends

Apex Legends performed similarly to Battlefield 5 on the RX 480. With an average of 99 FPS and one percent lows of 77, the GPU delivered a playable and acceptable experience for competitive gamers. While higher FPS is preferred, the RX 480 still satisfied the minimum requirements for competitive gameplay.

Benchmark Results: Forza Horizon 4

Forza Horizon 4, a visually appealing game, ran impressively on the RX 480. With an average FPS of 98 and one percent lows of 81, the performance was more than sufficient for an enjoyable gaming experience. Higher settings didn't offer a significant visual difference, making the RX 480 an excellent choice for this game.

Benchmark Results: Doom Eternal

Doom Eternal, known for its fast-paced action, presented a challenging performance for the RX 480. With an average FPS of 44 and one percent lows of 32, playing and driving in the game became difficult at times. Those aiming for a smoother experience may consider an upgrade to achieve a minimum of 60 FPS.

Benchmark Results: Splitgate

Splitgate, a game with lower graphics requirements, ran exceptionally well on the RX 480. With an average of 209 FPS and one percent lows of 168, the gameplay experience was smooth and fluid. Even competitive gamers found the framerate and graphics pleasing, making the RX 480 a great choice for this game.

Benchmark Results: Rocket League

Rocket League, being a less demanding game, showcased great performance on the RX 480. With an average FPS of 223 and one percent lows of 175, the GPU delivered exceptional and extremely playable performance, even at the highest settings. Players struggling with this game could hardly blame their hardware if they had the RX 480.

Benchmark Results: War Thunder

War Thunder proved to be a great experience on the RX 480. With an average FPS of 145 and one percent lows of 102, players had zero complaints about the GPU's performance. However, some players wished for more in-game rewards, as the grind could be challenging.

Benchmark Results: Overwatch

Overwatch, an esports game, ran smoothly on the RX 480. With an average FPS of 164 and one percent lows of 100, competitive gamers found the game perfectly playable. The high FPS and graphics quality made the RX 480 more than capable for this game.

Benchmark Results: Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2, a single-player story game, offered a playable experience on the RX 480. With an average FPS of 63 and one percent lows of 49, the performance was acceptable for a casual player. Those aiming for better graphics, however, would need a more powerful GPU.

Benchmark Results: Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Assassin's Creed Valhalla, another single-player game, provided a good experience on the RX 480. With an average of 58 FPS, just shy of 60, and one percent lows of 46, the GPU delivered acceptable performance for any player. However, those seeking better graphics should consider a GPU upgrade.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the RX 480 is still a capable graphics card in 2021, but only just. With its 4 gigabytes of VRAM, it can handle modern 1080p gaming with tweaked medium to low settings. Esports games, in particular, run well on the RX 480, although a stronger CPU might be more beneficial. If given the choice between the 4 and 8 gigabytes versions or the RX 480 and 580, it is advisable to opt for the higher VRAM capacity or the better-performing GPU if the price difference is reasonable. However, it is crucial to research specific models before making a purchase decision.

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Pros:

• Great performance in esports games
• Cost-effective mid-range option
• Appealing design with dual-fan cooling
• Playable FPS in older games
• Acceptable performance in recent games with tweaked settings

Cons:

• Limited VRAM capacity (4 gigabytes)
• Higher noise levels during intensive usage
• Suboptimal performance in highly demanding games
• Potential need for CPU and GPU upgrades in competitive gaming scenarios

Highlights:

• The RX 480, released in 2016, still offers decent gaming performance in 2021.
• Esports games, such as Valorant and Fortnite, run exceptionally well on the RX 480.
• The GPU's design and cooling performance are visually appealing but can be noisy.
• When playing older games like GTA 5, the RX 480 provides a satisfying experience.
• Highly demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 may require a GPU upgrade for optimal performance.

FAQ:

Q: Is the RX 480 still capable of running modern games? A: Yes, the RX 480 can handle modern games with tweaked medium to low settings, but it may struggle with more demanding titles.

Q: Should I choose the 4 or 8 gigabytes version of the RX 480? A: If the price difference is reasonable, it is advisable to opt for the 8 gigabytes version for improved performance and future-proofing.

Q: Can the RX 480 deliver high FPS in competitive games? A: The RX 480 can provide satisfactory performance in competitive games, but a more powerful GPU may be necessary for optimal FPS.

Q: Is it worth upgrading the RX 480 for better graphics in newer games? A: Upgrading the GPU can improve graphics quality in newer games, but it depends on individual preferences and budget constraints.

Q: Does the RX 480 require a CPU upgrade for esports games? A: In most cases, upgrading the CPU would benefit esports games more than upgrading the GPU alone.