Unleashing the Power of the RX480: New Game Tests!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Legend of RX480
3. AMD's Continuous Improvements
4. The Power of the 8GB Version
5. Pros and Cons of the RX480
6. testing the 4GB Version
7. Performance in New Releases
8. Performance in Older Games
9. The System Specifications
10. Conclusion

The Power of RX480: A Legendary Graphics Card

In the world of gaming, there are certain graphics cards that have become legendary. These cards have left a lasting impact on the industry and continue to be revered by gamers and enthusiasts alike. One such card is the RX480, which was released in 2016. Although it was initially considered a competitor to the Nvidia GTX 1060, over the years, AMD made significant improvements to the drivers and released the RX580. This new version surpassed the 1060 and was even able to challenge the 1070 in certain games.

The Legend of RX480

The RX480 quickly gained a reputation for its performance and value for money. Gamers and miners alike were drawn to its capabilities. In this video, we will be testing the 4GB version of the card to see how it performs with both new releases and games from the past few years. While this article focuses on the 4GB variant, it is important to note that the 470, 570, and 580 models, all with similar VRAM sizes, can be expected to perform similarly.

AMD's Continuous Improvements

To understand the true power of the RX480, it is essential to consider the system specifications. Our test setup includes the Ryzen 5500 processor, coupled with the B450 Pro Gaming motherboard. The CPU is overclocked to 4.5GHz, providing a solid foundation for testing the graphics card. The system is also equipped with the Crucial Ballistix Sport RAM that has been overclocked to 3.7GHz. Power is supplied by the reliable FSP PNRY 500W power supply, which has served us well for the last 6 years.

The Power of the 8GB Version

While the 4GB version of the RX480 already packs a punch, the 8GB variant is even more interesting. It caters to both gamers and miners, providing ample VRAM for demanding tasks. However, in our tests, we focus on the 4GB model to demonstrate its capabilities. When it comes to overclocking, the 400 series of AMD cards do not perform as well as their successors. Nevertheless, we were able to achieve a stable overclock of 1340MHz on the core and 2GHz on the memory.

Pros and Cons of the RX480

The Gigabyte One Gaming version of the RX480 that we have is quite warm under load, with temperatures reaching almost 80 degrees Celsius. However, it is worth noting that this does not affect performance significantly. In terms of power consumption, the RX480 draws around 170W, resulting in increased heat dissipation. It is crucial to consider these factors if considering this specific model.

Testing the 4GB Version

To assess the RX480's performance, we conducted tests on various games. We began with Metro Exodus, set to Ultra presets, with an average FPS ranging from 43 to 55. The gameplay was smooth enough for an enjoyable experience, despite Metro being a demanding shooter that requires quick reactions. Lowering the settings to High allowed us to achieve a stable 60 FPS, although VRAM consumption slightly exceeded 3GB.

Performance in New Releases

Moving on to Control, with Ultra settings configured, we witnessed an average FPS of 50 to 55. The Game ran smoothly without any issues related to video buffering. VRAM consumption remained within 3.3GB, while the chip of the graphics card consumed around 170W, leading to increased heat output. The RTX features were not available due to the limitations of the RX480.

Performance in Older Games

In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, with medium-high settings, we achieved a consistent 60 FPS experience. This game is built on the same engine as the 2016 release of Doom, making it less demanding for the RX480. VRAM consumption stayed below 3GB throughout the gameplay, and the overall experience was fantastic for a game of its age.

The System Specifications

To provide a comprehensive understanding of the testing environment, here are the detailed specifications of the system used for testing:

• CPU: Ryzen 5500, overclocked to 4.5GHz
• GPU: RX480 (4GB), Gigabyte One Gaming edition
• Motherboard: B450 Pro Gaming
• RAM: Crucial Ballistix Sport (overclocked to 3.7GHz)
• Power Supply: FSP PNRY 500W

Conclusion

In conclusion, the RX480 is a legendary graphics card that continues to impress with its performance, even years after its initial release. The 4GB version we tested showcased its capabilities in both new and older games. However, it is important to note that newer games may require more VRAM, and it is advisable to consider the 8GB variant to future-proof your gaming needs. With its attractive price point and strong performance, the RX480 remains a popular choice among gamers and enthusiasts.

Highlights

• The RX480 is a legendary graphics card that has stood the test of time.
• AMD's continuous driver improvements have made the RX480 a strong competitor.
• The 8GB version of the RX480 provides even more gaming and mining capabilities.
• The Gigabyte One Gaming edition of the RX480 tends to run a bit hot under load.
• VRAM consumption varies across different games, but the 4GB model performs admirably.
• The RX480 offers solid performance in both new releases and older games.
• Consider the 8GB variant for more demanding games to ensure a smooth experience.
• The RX480 remains a popular choice due to its excellent performance and affordability.
• The system specifications used for testing included a Ryzen 5500 CPU, B450 Pro Gaming motherboard, Crucial Ballistix Sport RAM, and FSP PNRY 500W power supply.

Please see the resources section for detailed specifications and further information.

FAQ

Q: Can the RX480 handle the latest games at high settings? A: While the 4GB version may struggle with some newer games at high settings, it performs admirably in older games and can still provide an enjoyable experience with slight adjustments to the settings.

Q: Which variant of the RX480 is recommended for gamers? A: For gamers, it is recommended to opt for the 8GB variant of the RX480 for better future-proofing and more room for demanding games.

Q: Is the RX480 a good choice for cryptocurrency mining? A: The RX480 is known for its mining capabilities, especially the 8GB version. However, it is essential to consider the current market conditions and the specific requirements of the mining operation.

Q: Can the RX480 handle VR gaming? A: While the RX480 is capable of handling VR gaming, it may struggle with more demanding VR titles. It is advisable to consider more powerful graphics cards for a smoother VR experience.

Q: How does the RX480 compare to Nvidia's GTX 1060? A: Initially considered a competitor to the GTX 1060, the RX480 surpassed it with driver improvements and later releases. Although the 1060 remains a capable card, the RX480 provides better value for money in terms of performance and features.

Resources

• RX480 Specifications
• Gigabyte One Gaming RX480