Is the AMD Radeon RX 480 4GB Worth Buying in 2022?

Is the AMD Radeon RX 480 4GB Worth Buying in 2022?

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Popularity of RX 480 in the GPU Market
3. Specifications and Design of the RX 480
4. Performance Benchmarks
5. Gaming Experience with RX 480
6. Pros and Cons of the RX 480
7. Future Proofing and Upgradability
8. Conclusion

Introduction

The GPU market in 2022 is slowly but surely recovering after a period of instability. Among the popular choices for gamers is the RX 480, a graphics card that was launched six years ago. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the popularity of the RX 480, delve into its specifications and design, analyze its performance benchmarks, and discuss the gaming experience it offers. We will also look at the pros and cons of the RX 480 and evaluate its potential for future proofing and upgradability. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the RX 480 and whether it is the right choice for your gaming needs.

🎮 The Popularity of RX 480 in the GPU Market

The RX 480 has been a popular choice among gamers since its launch in June 2016. It was designed as a direct competitor to Nvidia's GTX 1060, offering a cost-effective alternative for those looking for high-performance graphics. The RX 480 came in two variants: a four-gigabyte model and an eight-gigabyte model. Despite its age, the RX 480 continues to be in demand due to its capability to handle the latest games at 1080p with high settings.

📐 Specifications and Design of the RX 480

At the time of its release, the RX 480 was positioned at the top of the Polaris range. It boasted 2304 stream processors and four gigabytes of GDDR5 memory running through a 256-bit bus. The card featured a reference design with a blower-style cooler, which efficiently expelled hot air out of the rear of the card. Although reference-style coolers were known for running hot, the RX 480 managed to maintain acceptable temperatures.

🔥 Performance Benchmarks

Benchmark tests reveal the capabilities of the RX 480 across different games and settings. In popular titles like Forza Horizon 5, Rainbow Six Siege, and GTA 5, the RX 480 delivered impressive average frame rates and 1% low figures, making it suitable for gaming on high refresh rate monitors. Even in demanding games like Assassin's Creed Valhalla, the RX 480 performed admirably on medium settings.

🎮 Gaming Experience with RX 480

The RX 480 offers a satisfying gaming experience, particularly in esports titles. Its performance in games like Rainbow Six Siege, Fortnite, and Rocket League is ideal for competitive play. With the support of FreeSync Premium and its compatibility with high refresh rate monitors, the RX 480 ensures smooth and tear-free gameplay.

✅ Pros and Cons of the RX 480

The RX 480 has several advantages, including its affordability, future-proofing with DirectX 12 capabilities, and the ability to run older games with ease. However, its 4GB of video memory may limit its performance in newer games, making the 8GB variant a preferable choice for better graphical settings and improved longevity.

🔮 Future Proofing and Upgradability

Despite being a card launched in 2016, the RX 480 still holds up well in modern gaming. Its DirectX 12 capabilities and solid performance in current titles make it a viable option for gamers on a budget. However, for those looking for more power and longevity, considering newer GPU options may be wise.

💡 Conclusion

The RX 480 continues to be a popular choice for gamers due to its solid performance, affordability, and ability to handle esports titles with ease. While it may struggle with more demanding games and its 4GB of video memory may limit its future-proofing, the RX 480 remains a reliable option for those looking to enjoy competitive gaming and older titles without breaking the bank.

🌐 Resources:

• Asus Official Website
• AMD Official Website