Unleashing the Power of RX 480 4GB: A Budget Gamer's Hidden Gem

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Rise of Crypto Mining Graphics Cards
3. The Bargain: RX 480 4GB Variants
4. testing the Performance of the RX 480 4GB
   • Forza Horizon 4
   • Cyberpunk 2077
   • Doom Eternal
   • Warzone
   • Enlisted
   • APEX Legends
   • Fortnite
   • Assassin's Creed Valhalla
   • Watch Dogs Legion
   • Horizon Zero DAWN
5. Overclocking for Better Performance
6. The Viability of the RX 480 4GB in the Future
7. Conclusion

💻 The Power of the RX 480 4GB: A Hidden Gem for Budget Gamers

In the world of cryptocurrency mining, the demand for high-performance graphics cards is soaring. However, not every miner wants the same model, and savvy gamers can take advantage of this situation. Enter the RX 480 4GB variant – a forgotten hero that offers surprising value for its price. In this article, we will delve into the performance of the RX 480 4GB and how it stacks up against its 8GB counterpart. From benchmarking popular games to exploring overclocking potential, we will unravel the true potential of this budget-friendly graphics card.

📈 The Rise of Crypto Mining Graphics Cards

As the difficulty of crypto mining continues to increase, graphics cards are often left behind, discarded by miners in pursuit of more powerful options. While it may seem like every new card is snatched up by miners, there are some who prioritize quality. This trend creates an opportunity for gamers to acquire the sought-after RX 480 4GB variant at a relatively decent price. But is this card still Relevant in 2021? Let's find out.

💰 The Bargain: RX 480 4GB Variants

Before we dive into performance testing, let's explore why the RX 480 4GB variants have become a budget-friendly choice for gamers. While the performance of the 4GB model may not differ significantly from the 8GB model, there are some compromises that come with the smaller frame buffer. For our testing, we used the Gigabyte G1 Gaming model, although the B-Roll footage showcases the faulty Sapphire Nitro variant. Let's examine how this card performs in various games and settings, starting with Forza Horizon 4.

🏎️ Forza Horizon 4: A Test of Power

With a resolution of 1080p and high settings, Forza Horizon 4 doesn't expose a significant difference between the 4GB and 8GB models. Averaging at 98 FPS, only 3 frames lower than the 8GB variant, the RX 480 4GB holds its ground. While the higher VRAM of the 8GB version allows for higher texture settings, the fast-paced nature of the Game makes this difference hardly noticeable. Moving on to Cyberpunk 2077, let's see how this budget card handles a more demanding title.

🌆 Cyberpunk 2077: Pushing the Limits

At 1080p and low settings, Cyberpunk 2077 proves to be within the capabilities of the RX 480 4GB. With an average FPS of 47, slightly higher than the 8GB card, it handles the game surprisingly well. Upgrading the settings to medium provides a next-gen graphical presentation, boasting an average FPS of 37. However, it is essential to note that the 4GB VRAM limit poses a challenge with certain games. Let's explore this further in Doom Eternal.

🔥 Doom Eternal: Unleashing Hell

Doom Eternal at 1080p and medium settings performs equally on both the RX 480 4GB and 8GB models, with averages of 116 FPS and lows of 84. However, it is important to consider that 1080p at medium settings is already close to the VRAM limit, utilizing about 3.6GB. Going higher than this may lead to compromised performance. Speaking of compromise, let's analyze the impact of VRAM on Resident Evil Village.

🏰 Resident Evil Village: The VRAM Experiment

In Resident Evil Village, optimizing VRAM usage becomes crucial. Running the game with balanced preset and reducing texture quality to 0.25GB results in an average FPS of 88, with lows of 68. Texture settings at 1GB increase VRAM usage but also system RAM usage. This adjustment decreases average FPS to 77 and lows to 60, depending on the available system RAM. Now, let's turn our attention to the battle royale sensation, Warzone.

🎮 Warzone: Battling for Performance

Warzone has encountered performance issues due to updates, although the impact on the RX 480 4GB has not been severe. At 1080p and low settings, the 4GB version scores just under 95 FPS, dropping to approximately 60 FPS during intense moments. While not ideal, it is still a playable frame rate. Though not yet finished, Enlisted offers a glimpse of the RX 480 4GB's potential.

💥 Enlisted: A Taste of the Future

Even in its unfinished state, Enlisted showcases the capabilities of the RX 480 4GB. At 1080p and medium quality, the card achieves an average of close to 100 FPS and a one percent low of 55 FPS. Once the game is fully released, performance may vary. Moving on to Apex Legends, let's see where this budget-friendly card stands in the battle arena.

⚔️ Apex Legends: A Smooth Battle Royale Experience

Apex Legends proves to be a realm where the RX 480 4GB thrives. With textures and quality set to high, the card achieves averages slightly over 90 FPS, with a one percent low above 70 FPS. It is worth noting that the CPU does not face significant strain in this game, leaving room for potential adjustments to gain even higher FPS. With this high-paced battle royale success, let's explore the popular title, Fortnite.

🌌 Fortnite: Competitive Gaming at Its Finest

In competitive settings, Fortnite reaches just over 190 FPS on the RX 480 4GB, 30 FPS lower compared to the 8GB model from a previous benchmark. The slight drop in performance can be attributed to standard variations in live service performance. However, even below 75 FPS at high quality settings, the RX 480 4GB remains a capable option. Moving on to Assassin's Creed Valhalla, the demands on the card become more apparent.

⚔️ Assassin's Creed Valhalla: A Battle of Cards

In Assassin's Creed Valhalla, the RX 480 4GB takes a hit in performance compared to the 8GB model. At 1080p and medium settings, the 4GB variant averages at 53 FPS, while the 8GB variant performs 10% better, averaging at 58 FPS. Although VRAM usage remains below the limit, clock speed differences may play a role in these performance variations. To discover the true potential of the RX 480 4GB, let's explore Watch Dogs Legion.

🎭 Watch Dogs Legion: The Power of Customization

Watch Dogs Legion delivers mixed results for the RX 480 4GB. The built-in benchmark at 1080p and medium settings yields an average FPS of 60, urging frame rate enthusiasts to tweak resolution scaling. By adjusting the resolution to 900p, a constant 60 FPS experience can be achieved. While side-by-side tests with the 8GB variant would have provided a better comparison, budget constraints prevented such an analysis. However, the potential for improved performance through overclocking should not be overlooked.

⚡ Overclocking: Unleashing Hidden Power

For those comfortable with overclocking, the RX 480 4GB offers potential to match or even surpass the performance of the 8GB variant. By pushing the clock speed boundaries, it becomes possible to elevate the gaming experience and further bridge the gap between the two versions. Overclocking can breathe new life into the RX 480 4GB and extend its viability until the next GPU upgrade.

🔮 The Viability of the RX 480 4GB in the Future

As games continue to become more VRAM hungry, the RX 480 4GB may face certain limitations. While most games perform similarly between the 4GB and 8GB models, there are outliers like Watch Dogs Legion, Warzone, and Resident Evil Village that demand compromises due to their VRAM requirements. Looking ahead, the future viability of the RX 480 4GB may be hindered to some extent. However, as a transitional card that can hold its own until the next GPU purchase, the 4GB variant still presents remarkable value considering its price increase over the years.

📝 Conclusion

In conclusion, the RX 480 4GB variant proves to be a Hidden gem for budget gamers. Its performance, although slightly hampered by the smaller frame buffer, remains competitive in many popular games. With careful tweaking and overclocking, gamers can push the boundaries of this card and enjoy a satisfying gaming experience without breaking the bank. While the rise of VRAM requirements in newer games presents challenges, the RX 480 4GB remains a viable option for those seeking a reliable card until the next GPU upgrade.

Highlights:

• The RX 480 4GB offers excellent value for money in the current GPU market.
• Performance compromises may arise in VRAM-demanding games, but the card performs admirably in many popular titles.
• Overclocking the RX 480 4GB can unlock hidden potential and bridge the performance gap with the 8GB variant.
• The future viability of the RX 480 4GB may be limited due to increasing VRAM requirements in next-gen games.
• As a transitional card, the RX 480 4GB is a cost-effective option until the next GPU upgrade.

FAQs

Q: Can the RX 480 4GB run the latest AAA games? A: The RX 480 4GB can handle most AAA games at 1080p with medium to high settings. However, in some VRAM-intensive games, compromises may be necessary to maintain optimal performance.

Q: Is overclocking the RX 480 4GB risky? A: Overclocking always carries some risks, but as long as it is approached with caution and proper monitoring, the RX 480 4GB can be safely overclocked to improve performance.

Q: Should I consider buying the RX 480 4GB in 2021? A: While the RX 480 4GB offers good value for its price, it may not be the best long-term investment due to increasing VRAM demands in newer games. Considering your gaming needs and future upgrades is essential before making a decision.

Q: Can the RX 480 4GB be used for cryptocurrency mining? A: While the RX 480 4GB can mine certain cryptocurrencies, its profitability may vary and is heavily dependent on factors such as electricity cost, mining difficulty, and market fluctuations.

Q: What are the alternatives to the RX 480 4GB? A: If you require more VRAM or higher performance, alternatives like the RX 580 or GTX 1060 with 6GB of VRAM can be considered. However, these alternatives may come with a higher price tag.

Resources

• Steam Survey
• Forza Horizon 4
• Cyberpunk 2077
• Doom Eternal
• Warzone
• Enlisted
• Apex Legends
• Fortnite
• Assassin's Creed Valhalla
• Watch Dogs Legion
• Horizon Zero Dawn
• AMD RX 480
• Sapphire Nitro
• Gigabyte G1 Gaming

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or investment advice.