Key Points
- The RX-580 graphics card was released in 2017 and offers improved performance and outstanding visual experiences at an affordable price.
- The RX-580 series has various models, including customized versions from ASUS, Sapphire, and MSI, as well as specialized models for cryptocurrency miners and overclocking enthusiasts.
- The RX-580 is a great mid-range GPU for 1080p gaming on medium settings, but may struggle with more demanding games.
You may have heard of the RX-580 graphics card if you enjoy playing video games or are knowledgeable about PC technology. Its reputation as a dependable and great choice for supporting lovely images and fluid gameplay follows it.
But there are important details you need to be aware of before you join the crowd and buy an RX-580. We’ll reveal the RX-580’s never seen before specs in this article, highlighting both its clear advantages and potential drawbacks.
Get ready to plunge into gaming graphics as we cover why the RX-580 could be the ideal match for your gaming system. We will also see when it could fall short of your expectations. Let’s dive in!
RX-580: Best Deal Today
The RX-580 is ages-old now. However, some gaming enthusiasts still find it fits their needs. So, not to let such gamers down, we have brought you the best deals on the RX-580. Below are some of the best deals on the RX 580.
- RX 580 – Amazon – $165
- RX 580 – Newegg – $356
- RX 580 – BestBuy – $139
AMD RX 580: Overview
Release Date And Price
On April 18, 2017, the gaming community was anticipating something big. The Radeon RX-580, the newest Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) masterpiece, is unveiled, igniting worldwide enthusiasm among PC enthusiasts and gamers.
With promises of improved performance and outstanding visual experiences, its debut was a crucial turning point for the GPU industry. The RX-580 immediately became popular because it can handle challenging games and provide exceptional graphics – without costing an arm and a leg.
What about that cost, though? The RX-580 shook the market in terms of affordability. It had a competitive value offering compared to its rivals at a launch price of about $229. The good news is that you can find this card even cheaper today.
©Ralf Liebhold/Shutterstock.com
Different Models
The Radeon RX-580 is a strong option for PC enthusiasts and gamers looking for decent graphics cards. However, a variety of RX-580 variants are available. The RX-580 series is built on the reference model, which stands out for its svelte appearance and reliable performance.
However, if you want an additional boost, customized versions from well-known manufacturers like ASUS, Sapphire, and MSI take center stage. These models provide an advantage during demanding gaming sessions and resource-intensive programs thanks to upgraded cooling systems, excellent core clock rates, and increased power delivery.
But the range goes even further. Cryptocurrency miners are catered to by specialized models like the RX-580 Nitro+ Special Edition, with features like higher memory bandwidth and optimized power usage. The RX-580 Red Devil variant, on the other hand, appeals to overclocking fanatics with its sturdy cooling options and promise for higher performance.
Manufacturers are now incorporating modern technology into their RX-580 versions as the variety grows. Models with RGB lighting enhance your gaming setup visually, while dual BIOS options simplify customization and boost stability.
It really is one of the most popular cards for add-in board manufacturers to have their fun with. As a result, we get to enjoy a ton of variety with this GPU.
Features
AMD gave the revised 500-series of graphics cards the name “Polaris,” but they only intended to persuade people who had invested money in a Polaris card from the previous generation to upgrade.
Although the GPUs within the new RX 580 and RX 570 are called Polaris 20 GPUs, they are the same 14nm Polaris 10 chip utilized significantly in the RX 480 and RX 470 cards.
The “enhanced” part refers to the fact that the 14nm FinFET technology and the 4th Gen GCN architecture utilized in the most recent AMD Radeon cards had a whole year to develop after the initial Polaris release. This indicates that the manufacturing procedure and yields were enhanced, and the resulting GPUs were more efficient and valuable.
Due to the overall tightening up of the GPU production process, AMD can now release cards with performance levels that are about equivalent to the peak performance of the preceding chip. However, you would be disappointed if you were looking for the same 40 compute unit, 2,560 core, Polaris GPU that Microsoft provided with the AMD-powered Xbox One X.
Specifications
| Graphics Processor | Polaris 20 |
| Cores | 2304 |
| Texture Mapping Units (TMUs) | 144 |
| Render Output Units (ROPs) | 32 |
| Memory Size | 8 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bus Width | 256 bit |
| Front GPU Chip | Polaris 20 XTX |
| Recommended Gaming Resolutions | 1920×1080, 2560×1440, 3840×2160 |
| Launch Date | April 18th, 2017 |
| Manufacturing Process | 14 nm |
| DirectX Support | DirectX 12 |
| Die Area | 232 mm² |
| Transistors | 5,700 million |
| Shading Units | 2304 |
| Boost Clock Frequency | Up to 1340 MHz |
| Memory Clock Frequency | 2000 MHz (8 Gbps effective) |
| Power Connector | 1x 8-pin |
| Power Draw | 185 W maximum |
| Display Outputs | 1x HDMI 2.0b, 3x DisplayPort 1.4a |
| Interface | PCI-Express 3.0 x16 |
| Length | 241 mm |
| Cooling Solution | Dual-slot |
| Launch Price | $229 USD |
AMD RX 580: Review
If you are an eager gamer on a tight budget, RX-580 is the best option for you in this scenario. It has all the bells and whistles of pricier GPUs but at a fraction of the cost. So, let’s jump into more details.
Power Usage And Noise
One of the first things to consider when buying a GPU is how much power it will need and how much noise it will make.
The highest power consumption of this GPU is 185W, as opposed to 220W for its predecessor. This GPU comes in different variations that may be further overclocked. But as you might have guessed, that will use even more power.
When overclocked, this GPU may consume up to 200W of power, which is a good bump, but it may be worth it if you value the extra performance. If it is overclocked, you can obtain an additional 10–15% FPS. But we wouldn’t suggest doing this if you don’t know how to overclock. You don’t want to end up with a bricked graphics card.
This 9.5-inch GPU can fit in the majority of PC cases. Additionally, the GPU takes up two slots, which aids in heat dissipation. A few of these GPU variations feature Triple-Slot designs, which means you’ll need a pretty hefty PC case if you want to contain them.
Naturally, the heat control in these little GPUs will provide some significant challenges. While the Founder’s Edition is a solid answer to the cooling dilemma, manufacturers like Asus, Red Devil, and MSI often have a more efficient version of the card.
©History-Computer.com
Graphics
The RX-580 is a great mid-range GPU. This graphics card, powered by the avant-garde Polaris 20 GPU architecture, offers unmatched performance in this price range.
The RX-580 tackles the majority of the games with ease thanks to its base clock speed of up to 1257 MHz and boost clock speed of up to 1340 MHz. This results in silky-smooth gameplay and fluid frame rates for games that are lighter on the CPU.
But this might not be the case with some of the latest, most demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Red Dead Redemption. The RX-580 fails to deliver high frame rates with demanding games, and you might have to turn your settings down to get anywhere.
Where it shines is 1080p gaming on medium settings. If this is how you like to game, the RX-580 will open doors for almost every popular game out there. Sure, it won’t be the best of the best. But the price makes it an easy decision.
Compatibility
The RX-580’s broad compatibility appears in many different ways. It easily adapts to other operating systems, making it an excellent option for Linux and Windows users. The RX-580 guarantees a hassle-free experience on your preferred platform thanks to the wide availability of AMD drivers.
The RX-580 also values flexibility in display connection. It supports gaming monitors and screens with various HDMI and DisplayPort connectors and traditional DVI compatibility.
The RX-580 adjusts seamlessly to your chosen display combination, whether you prefer the immersive embrace of an ultrawide gaming setup or the productivity-enhancing advantages of a dual-monitor system.
Memory
The 8 GB of GDDR5 graphics memory in the AMD Radeon RX 580 runs at 2000 MHz. Which, in comparison to its forerunners, is exceptionally speedy. It uses the 256-Bit GPU interface, which lends itself to delivering richer textures and higher frame rates.
Additionally, the memory bandwidth is much quicker than the previous model. For example, it is faster than AMD Radeon RX 460 and AMD Radeon RX 560. With the memory bandwidth being a whopping 256 GB/s, this card holds up well, even against modern GPUs.
Gaming Performance
| Game | Average Performance |
|---|---|
| Assassin’s Creed | 60 FPS |
| CyberPunk 2077 | 50 FPS |
| COD: War Zone | 70-75 FPS |
| Fortnite | 80-85 FPS |
| GTA-V | 70-75 FPS |
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla runs smoothly on the RX 580 graphics card at 1080p resolution, with medium or low graphics settings providing a frame rate of over 60 fps. The higher graphics settings and 1440p resolution are not suitable for this GPU unless you enjoy dismally low frame rates.
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege performs exceptionally well on the RX 580, even at 1440p resolution. With the high graphics settings, it achieves an average frame rate of over 100 fps. For gamers with high refresh rate 1080p monitors, the medium graphics settings offer an impressive average of 200 fps, making it more than capable of competitive gaming.
Biomutant, a recently released game, runs smoothly on the RX 580 at 1080p with high graphics settings, consistently delivering over 60 fps. Opting for medium to high graphics settings can boost performance by approximately 34%, resulting in a smooth gaming experience at 91 fps at 1080p or 58 fps at 1440p.
The RX 580 demonstrates its capabilities as a mid-range graphics card, delivering satisfactory performance in various graphically demanding games. While it may not excel at higher presets or resolutions, it offers a compelling option for gamers and content creators on a budget, providing an enjoyable gaming experience with respectable frame rates and decent visual quality.
Improvements
So, what could make this card better? What would we improve on the RX 580 to make it stand up to modern GPUs?
The RX-580’s power efficiency is one area that might be improved. While it performs exceptionally well, a more efficient design may use less energy and produce less heat, making it run more relaxed and quieter.
This would help gamers worried about energy use and those who want to play more comfortably without compromising performance.
The cooling system is another area that could use some work. While the RX-580’s default cooling system is typically adequate, a more powerful and effective cooling system might enhance thermal management and enable the card to continue operating at its peak performance, even during intensive gaming sessions.
Improved cooling may also give enthusiasts more leeway to overclock the card, pushing its performance to new heights. Adding extra ports, such as USB Type-C or the most recent DisplayPort version, might increase the card’s adaptability and interoperability with the latest technology in terms of connecting possibilities.
If you want a card that meets some of these expectations a little better, the more updated RX 6600 XT is a good choice. Conversely, if you want to try out Nvidia, you can look at cards like the GTX 1660 or the RTX 2060 as decent upgrades.
©DC Studio/Shutterstock.com
AMD RX 580: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great performance
- Budget-friendly
- Highly compatible
- Handles games at 1080p
- Long-lasting and durable
Cons
- Heavy power consumption
- Too much noise and heat production
- 1440p gameplay isn’t up to the mark
AMD RX 580: Is It A Buy?
Buy it if…
You are cool playing games at 1080p on medium settings.
For PC enthusiasts and light gamers, the RX-580 graphics card delivers an alluring combination of features. So, if you pursue gaming as a hobby and don’t really need the highest resolution or settings, you should consider buying the RX-580.
You are a bigtime AMD fan.
The RX-580’s compatibility with AMD’s software ecosystem is a noteworthy benefit. Users can anticipate an improved and feature-rich experience thanks to routine driver updates and features like Radeon Software and AMD FreeSyncTM. So, buy it if you wanna stay in the AMD ecosystem and make the most of it.
You searching for a budget GPU.
The price of RX-580 in 2023 is affordable compared to NVIDIA GPUs that provide the same graphical experience. All in all, if you are in for a budget GPU, go for the RX-580.
Don’t Buy it if…
You want to build an energy-efficient PC.
The RX-580 might not be suitable for all. It uses more energy than newer variants, which might result in greater electricity expenses and necessitate a beefier power source. So, don’t buy it if you are looking for a power-efficient GPU.
You want the latest features.
Hardcore gamers looking for high frame rates and maximum settings may want more than this card has to offer. Modern graphics technologies like real-time ray tracing and DLSS bring even better gaming performance to the table. So, consider buying another variant if you want to enjoy gaming on higher settings.
If you want to build a quiet PC.
The fans and overall hardware of the RX-580 are a bit noisy. So, if you want a silent operation GPU, don’t go for the RX-580.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | April 18, 2017 |
| Launch Price | $229 USD |
| Memory Size | 8 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bus Width | 256 bit |
| Boost Clock Frequency | Up to 1340 MHz |
| Power Draw | 185 W maximum |
| Display Outputs | 1x HDMI 2.0b, 3x DisplayPort 1.4a |
| Interface | PCI-Express 3.0 x16 |
| Recommended Gaming Resolutions | 1920Ã1080, 2560Ã1440, 3840Ã2160 |
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Philipp Katzenberger.
