RX 580 vs RX 480: The Ultimate GPU Showdown

RX 580 vs RX 480: The Ultimate GPU Showdown

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• RX 580 vs. RX 480: A Comparison of Performance
• Benchmarks: GTA 5
• Benchmarks: Witcher 3
• Benchmarks: City Skylines
• Benchmarks: Ashes of the Singularity
• Why Does the RX 580 Exist?
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

🌟 Highlights

• The RX 580 offers compelling performance and exceptional value compared to previous generations.
• Benchmark tests show the RX 580 outperforming its predecessor, the RX 480, in various games.
• The frame time graph reveals smooth and consistent rendering with occasional stuttering in both cards.
• Witcher 3, a graphics-intensive Game, demonstrates the RX 580's ability to handle demanding tasks.
• City Skylines showcases the CPU-intensive nature of the game and the negligible performance difference between the two cards.
• Ashes of the Singularity exemplifies the RX 580's improved performance potential compared to the RX 480.
• The existence of the RX 580 provides an affordable option for consumers looking for an upgrade from the RX 480.
• AMD's decision to offer better performance at a similar price point is commendable.
• The RX 580 is a worthy contender for those seeking a mid-range GPU with excellent value.

Introduction

In this article, we will delve into the world of graphics cards and compare the performance of the RX 580 against its predecessor, the RX 480. We will explore various benchmark tests to determine the capabilities of both cards and assess the improvements brought about by the RX 580. So, let's dive in and see how these two contenders stack up against each other!

RX 580 vs. RX 480: A Comparison of Performance

To assess the performance of the RX 580, we will be examining the results of several benchmark tests. But before we get into the details, let's take a moment to understand the specifications of these cards and the differences between them.

The RX 580 and RX 480 are both EMV cards manufactured by AMD, designed to offer a balance between power and affordability. The RX 580 is an upgraded version of the RX 480, with improvements in both design and performance. While the RX 480 delivered impressive results for its price point, the RX 580 aims to push the boundaries further.

Benchmarks: GTA 5

One of the best ways to gauge a graphics card's performance is through benchmarking popular games, and GTA 5 is a great place to start. This game is well-optimized and utilizes the CPU and GPU effectively. With the settings adjusted to 1080p ultra-wide, let's examine the frame time graph and average/minimum frame rates for both cards.

The frame time graph reveals the amount of time it takes for each card to render a frame. Ideally, we want a consistent line with minimal spikes. In the case of the RX 580, there is a noticeable spike around the 5000 frame mark, indicating a slight stutter. However, overall, the RX 580 performs better than the RX 480, rendering frames faster and providing a smoother gaming experience.

Moving on to average and minimum frame rates, the RX 580 maintains an impressive 89.8 FPS at very high settings, surpassing its predecessor by a performance increase of 6.2%. These results demonstrate the RX 580's capability to handle high-resolution gaming with ease.

Benchmarks: Witcher 3

Next up, let's explore the performance of the RX 580 and RX 480 in Witcher 3, a demanding game known for its graphics-intensive nature. In this benchmark, we encounter sharp spikes in both cards' frame time graphs, indicating occasional stuttering. This issue might be attributed to the ultra preset, which can be mitigated by lowering the in-game settings.

Despite the stuttering, both cards deliver satisfactory average and minimum frame rates. The RX 580 exhibits a performance increase of 13.34% on average, demonstrating its superiority in handling GPU-intensive tasks. It's worth noting that any slight change in GPU horsepower can significantly impact the performance of a game like Witcher 3.

Benchmarks: City Skylines

City Skylines is a game that places heavy emphasis on the CPU, making it an ideal benchmark to examine the differences between the RX 580 and RX 480 in this aspect. As we observe the frame time graph, the RX 580 initially outperforms the RX 480. However, as the benchmark progresses and the workload becomes more CPU-intensive, the performance difference between the two cards becomes negligible.

Both the average and minimum frame rates of the RX 580 show a 6% increase over the RX 480 on average, though the minimum frame rates are slightly lower. This slight deviation falls within the margin of error and can be attributed to the CPU-intensive nature of the game. Changing the CPU to a higher IPC processor would yield larger performance gains.

Benchmarks: Ashes of the Singularity

To showcase the graphics potential of the RX 580, we turn to Ashes of the Singularity, a DirectX 12 title optimized for both AMD CPUs and GPUs. This game provides an excellent comparison between the two cards in terms of their frames per Second (FPS) output.

The RX 580 outperforms the RX 480 by approximately 10% in this benchmark, proving its superiority in delivering improved graphics performance. Ashes of the Singularity serves as an ideal example for highlighting the potential of the RX 580 in GPU-intensive scenarios.

Why Does the RX 580 Exist?

At this point, you might be Wondering why AMD developed the RX 580 when the RX 480 was already performing admirably in the market. The RX 580 offers a 5% to 15% increase in performance, depending on the game, whether it is CPU or GPU intensive, and whether it is AMD optimized or not. Despite these improvements, the price of the RX 580 remains similar to that of the RX 480, making it an incredibly attractive option for consumers.

AMD's decision to provide better performance at a similar price point is commendable, especially when compared to the strategies employed by their competitors. While companies like Nvidia tend to release upgraded versions with a significant price premium, AMD has enhanced their architecture without charging consumers an additional penny. This approach reflects AMD's commitment to delivering excellent value to their customers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the RX 580 is an impressive graphics card that offers a significant boost in performance compared to the RX 480. Through various benchmark tests, we have witnessed its ability to handle demanding games with ease. The RX 580's smoother frame rendering, higher frame rates, and improved graphics potential make it a worthy contender in the mid-range GPU market.

With its exceptional value and commendable performance, the RX 580 proves to be an excellent choice for gamers and enthusiasts seeking an upgrade from the RX 480. AMD's decision to provide these improvements without increasing the price further enhances the appeal of the RX 580.

So, if you're in the market for a mid-range graphics card that provides value for money and delivers impressive performance, the RX 580 should be at the top of your list.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the RX 580 better than the RX 480? A: Yes, the RX 580 offers improved performance compared to the RX 480. Benchmark tests reveal higher frame rates and smoother frame rendering, making the RX 580 the superior choice.

Q: Is the RX 580 a good graphics card for gaming? A: Absolutely! The RX 580 delivers excellent performance in a wide range of games. Its ability to handle demanding tasks and provide smooth gameplay makes it a reliable choice for gamers.

Q: Can the RX 580 handle 4K gaming? A: While the RX 580 can handle some games at 4K resolution, it may struggle with more demanding titles. For optimal 4K gaming, a higher-tier graphics card would be recommended.

Q: Does the RX 580 support virtual reality (VR) gaming? A: Yes, the RX 580 is well-suited for VR gaming. Its high performance and affordability make it a popular choice among gamers looking to experience virtual reality.

Resources:

• Gigabyte's RX 580
• AMD RX 480