Unveiling AMD's Polaris Lineup | High-Quality Gaming at 1080p

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. AMD's New Polaris Unveiling
3. The RX 460: Targeting MOBA Games
4. The RX 470: Targeting High-Definition 1080p Gaming
5. The RX 480: Designed for 1440p Resolution and Virtual Reality Gaming
6. Specifications and Power Requirements
7. Outputs and Connectors
8. Pricing and Availability
9. Performance Expectations
10. Pre-ordering and Waiting for Reviews

Introduction

In this article, we will be discussing AMD's new Polaris unveiling and the latest additions to their RX series graphics cards. AMD has introduced two new cards, the RX 460 and the RX 470, along with the previously announced RX 480. These new cards are designed to target different gaming requirements, from MOBA games to high-definition 1080p gaming and even 1440p resolution and virtual reality gaming. We will delve into the specifications, power requirements, outputs, and connectors of these cards, as well as discuss their expected performance and availability. We will also touch upon the importance of waiting for reviews before making a purchasing decision.

AMD's New Polaris Unveiling

The unveiling of AMD's new Polaris architecture has generated significant excitement among gaming enthusiasts. With the addition of the RX 460 and RX 470 to the RX 480, AMD aims to cater to a wide range of gaming needs. Let's explore what each of these cards offers and how they differ.

The RX 460: Targeting MOBA Games

The RX 460 is specifically designed to cater to the growing popularity of MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) games such as League of Legends. Notably, this card does not require any additional power connectors, as its TDP (Thermal Design Power) is below 75 watts. This means that the PCIe connector on your motherboard can provide sufficient power for the GPU to function. The RX 460 offers multiple outputs, including DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort, making it compatible with a wide range of displays. While specific details about memory bandwidth and shader count are not available at this time, it is expected to be capable of handling most titles at lower quality settings at 900p to 1080p resolutions.

The RX 470: Targeting High-Definition 1080p Gaming

With the RX 470, AMD aims to offer a graphics card that delivers exceptional performance for high-definition 1080p gaming. While detailed specifications are not yet available, it is known that this card features a 16-Pin power connector, indicating a higher TDP compared to the RX 460. The actual TDP is expected to be under 150 watts but higher than 75 watts, likely ranging from 100 to 125 watts. Similar to the RX 460, the RX 470 will offer various outputs, including DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort, allowing users to connect to different types of displays. The RX 470 is expected to deliver excellent performance in popular titles, offering a balance between affordability and gaming experience.

The RX 480: Designed for 1440p Resolution and Virtual Reality Gaming

The RX 480, originally unveiled by AMD, is the flagship card of the Polaris architecture. Aimed at gamers seeking superior performance at 1440p resolution and virtual reality gaming, this card offers a robust gaming experience. With a TDP below or around 150 watts, the RX 480 is more power-hungry compared to the other two variants. However, it still utilizes a single 8-pin power connector, which is standard for high-performance graphics cards. The RX 480 provides a comprehensive range of outputs, including DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort, ensuring compatibility with various monitors and VR headsets. AMD promises that the RX 480 will deliver exceptional gaming performance at an affordable price point, making it an attractive option for enthusiasts.

Specifications and Power Requirements

While detailed specifications of the RX 460, RX 470, and RX 480 are still not fully disclosed by AMD, we can make some reasonable assumptions based on previous graphics card releases. The RX 470 is likely to have around 1,600 shader count, while the RX 480 could have slightly higher shader counts, but still below 2,000. The memory clock speed for all three variants is expected to be around 1750, resulting in a memory bandwidth of 224 gigabytes per Second. It is important to note that these numbers are speculative and should be taken with a grain of salt until official confirmation is provided by AMD.

In terms of power requirements, the RX 460 does not require any additional power connectors, while the RX 470 and RX 480 utilize a 16-pin and 8-pin power connector, respectively. This indicates that the TDP of the RX 470 and RX 480 will be higher than that of the RX 460. The exact TDP values have not been revealed yet, but it is predicted to be under 150 watts for both cards. The power efficiency of the Polaris architecture and the ability to overclock the core clock may allow users to achieve a significant performance boost. However, it is essential to consider thermal limitations and potential quality variations between individual GPUs.

Outputs and Connectors

All three variants of the Polaris GPUs, namely the RX 460, RX 470, and RX 480, offer a comprehensive range of display outputs. These include DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort connectors, allowing users to connect to a wide variety of monitors and display devices. The availability of multiple output options ensures compatibility with both older and newer display technologies. Additionally, the inclusion of DisplayPort connectors is particularly beneficial for users who intend to utilize virtual reality headsets, as they often require DisplayPort connectivity.

Pricing and Availability

While precise pricing information for the RX 460, RX 470, and RX 480 is not yet available, it is expected that AMD will position these cards strategically to compete with offerings from its main competitor, Nvidia. The RX 460, being the most budget-conscious option, is likely to have a price point around $150, providing an attractive choice for casual gamers. The RX 470 and RX 480 are expected to be priced higher, targeting gamers who Seek better overall performance. Availability of these graphics cards will depend on factors such as production capacity, demand, and any potential supply chain disruptions. It is recommended to keep an eye on official announcements and reputable retailers for accurate pricing and availability information.

Performance Expectations

Regarding performance, the exact specifications and benchmarks of the RX 460, RX 470, and RX 480 are not yet available. However, we can make some educated assumptions based on previous AMD graphics card releases. The RX 470 and RX 480 are expected to offer significant performance improvements over previous generation cards, with the RX 480 likely to provide the best performance among the three variants. The compute performance of these cards, combined with the potential for overclocking, indicates that they will be capable of running modern games at higher resolutions and quality settings. However, it is important to note that actual performance can vary depending on various factors, including system configuration, game optimization, and driver support.

Pre-ordering and Waiting for Reviews

While the new Polaris graphics cards from AMD offer exciting features and performance, it is highly recommended to avoid pre-ordering and wait for independent reviews before making a purchasing decision. Evaluating the real-world performance, power efficiency, and compatibility of these cards through thorough reviews will help ensure a well-informed choice. While AMD's claims and marketing materials provide valuable insight, it is always better to rely on unbiased reviews from trusted sources before investing in new hardware.

FAQ

Q: What are the major differences between the RX 460, RX 470, and RX 480? A: The RX 460 is targeted towards MOBA games and does not require additional power connectors. The RX 470 focuses on high-definition 1080p gaming, while the RX 480 is designed for 1440p resolution and virtual reality gaming.

Q: How much will these graphics cards cost? A: Pricing information is not yet available, but it is expected that the RX 460 will be priced around $150, with the RX 470 and RX 480 being priced higher.

Q: When will these graphics cards be available for purchase? A: The availability of these graphics cards will depend on factors such as production capacity and demand. Stay tuned for official announcements from AMD and watch for updates from reputable retailers.

Q: Should I pre-order these graphics cards? A: It is advisable to wait for independent reviews before pre-ordering or purchasing these graphics cards. Reviews will provide valuable insights into their performance, power efficiency, and overall value.

Q: Can these graphics cards be overclocked? A: While the potential for overclocking exists with the Polaris architecture, it is important to consider thermal limitations and quality variations between individual GPUs. Overclocking should be done cautiously and within safe limits.

Resources

• AMD Official Website
• League of Legends
• Nvidia Official Website