The AMD Radeon RX 480 4GB is a popular graphics card that has been a top choice for gamers on a budget. Since its release, gamers have been wondering if this card can handle the demands of modern gaming. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of the RX 480 4GB and explore its performance in various games to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your gaming needs.
The RX 480 4GB: A Brief Overview
The AMD Radeon RX 480 4GB is a mid-range graphics card based on the Polaris architecture. It features 2304 stream processors, 144 texture units, and 32 ROPs. This card operates at a base clock speed of 1120 MHz and can boost up to 1266 MHz. The RX 480 4GB also comes with 4GB of GDDR5 memory, which provides a bandwidth of 224 GB/s. This graphics card is designed to provide smooth performance at 1080p and 1440p resolutions.
Performance in Popular Games
To give you a better idea of the RX 480 4GB’s gaming performance, let’s take a look at its frame rates in some popular games.
Fortnite
Fortnite is a popular battle royale game that is relatively easy on graphics cards. The RX 480 4GB manages to deliver an average frame rate of 60 FPS at 1080p with epic settings. However, when you bump up the resolution to 1440p, the frame rate drops to around 45 FPS. If you’re willing to sacrifice some visual quality, you can achieve higher frame rates by reducing the graphics settings.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)
PUBG is another popular battle royale game that is more demanding than Fortnite. The RX 480 4GB struggles to maintain 60 FPS at 1080p with ultra settings, with an average frame rate of around 45 FPS. At 1440p, the frame rate drops to around 30 FPS, making it difficult to play smoothly.
Overwatch
Overwatch is a team-based first-person shooter that is moderately demanding on graphics cards. The RX 480 4GB delivers an average frame rate of 60 FPS at 1080p with epic settings. However, at 1440p, the frame rate drops to around 40 FPS.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3 is an action RPG that is highly demanding on graphics cards. The RX 480 4GB struggles to maintain 30 FPS at 1080p with ultra settings, with an average frame rate of around 25 FPS. At 1440p, the frame rate drops to around 20 FPS, making it difficult to play smoothly.
Comparison with Other Graphics Cards
To give you a better idea of the RX 480 4GB’s performance, let’s compare it with other graphics cards in its class.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3GB
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3GB is a popular mid-range graphics card that is a direct competitor to the RX 480 4GB. In terms of performance, the GTX 1060 3GB is slightly faster than the RX 480 4GB in most games. However, the RX 480 4GB has more memory, which can be beneficial in games that use a lot of textures.
AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB
The AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB is a higher-end version of the RX 480 4GB. It features more memory and a higher clock speed, which results in significantly better performance. In most games, the RX 580 8GB is around 20-30% faster than the RX 480 4GB.
4GB of Memory: Is It Enough?
One of the main concerns with the RX 480 4GB is its limited memory. 4GB of memory may not be enough for modern games that use a lot of textures and high-resolution assets. In some games, you may experience texture thrashing, which can lead to reduced performance.
However, in most cases, the RX 480 4GB’s memory is sufficient for 1080p and 1440p gaming. You may need to reduce the graphics settings or use a lower resolution texture pack to avoid memory-related issues.
Power Consumption and Temperature
The RX 480 4GB has a TDP of 150W, which is relatively low compared to other graphics cards in its class. This makes it a great option for systems with limited power supply units.
In terms of temperature, the RX 480 4GB is well-cooled, with a maximum temperature of around 75°C under heavy load. This is thanks to its efficient cooler design and the Polaris architecture’s lower power consumption.
Conclusion
The AMD Radeon RX 480 4GB is a solid mid-range graphics card that offers good performance at an affordable price. While it may not be able to handle the most demanding games at ultra settings, it can provide smooth performance at 1080p and 1440p resolutions.
If you’re a casual gamer who plays games like Fortnite, Overwatch, or League of Legends, the RX 480 4GB is a great option.
However, if you’re looking to play more demanding games like The Witcher 3 or Assassin’s Creed Odyssey at high settings, you may need to consider a more powerful graphics card.
| Game | Resolution | Graphics Settings | Frame Rate (FPS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortnite | 1080p | Epic | 60 |
| PUBG | 1080p | Ultra | 45 |
| Overwatch | 1080p | Epic | 60 |
| The Witcher 3 | 1080p | Ultra | 25 |
Is the RX 480 4GB still a good option for gaming in 2023?
The RX 480 4GB was released in 2016 and was a popular choice for gaming at the time. Although it’s an older model, it can still handle modern games at lower to medium settings. However, it may not be able to keep up with the latest games at high resolutions and detail settings.
In 2023, there are more modern and powerful graphics cards available that can provide better performance for gaming. If you’re looking to play games at high settings, you may want to consider a newer model. However, if you’re on a budget or looking for a more affordable option, the RX 480 4GB can still be a good choice for casual gaming or for playing older games.
What kind of performance can I expect from the RX 480 4GB?
The RX 480 4GB is a mid-range graphics card that provides good performance for its class. It has a clock speed of 1120 MHz and 2304 stream processors, which provide a decent amount of processing power. It also has 4GB of GDDR5 memory, which is sufficient for most modern games.
In terms of frame rates, the RX 480 4GB can handle most modern games at around 30-60 FPS at medium to high settings. However, it may struggle with more demanding games or at very high settings. You can expect to play games like Fortnite, League of Legends, and Overwatch at high settings, but more demanding games like The Witcher 3 or Assassin’s Creed Odyssey may require lower settings.
Can the RX 480 4GB handle 4K gaming?
The RX 480 4GB is not designed for 4K gaming and may struggle to provide smooth performance at this resolution. While it can technically handle 4K, the frame rates will likely be too low to be enjoyable. You can expect around 20-30 FPS at 4K resolution, which is not ideal for fast-paced games.
If you’re looking to play games at 4K resolution, you’ll need a more powerful graphics card. The RX 480 4GB is better suited for 1080p or 1440p gaming, where it can provide smoother performance.
How does the RX 480 4GB compare to other graphics cards in its class?
The RX 480 4GB is a mid-range graphics card that competes with other cards in its class, such as the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060. In terms of performance, the RX 480 4GB is generally considered to be on par with the GTX 1060, although the GTX 1060 may have a slight edge in some games.
However, the RX 480 4GB has some advantages over the GTX 1060, such as its lower power consumption and quieter operation. It’s also generally cheaper than the GTX 1060, making it a more affordable option for those on a budget.
Is the RX 480 4GB compatible with my system?
The RX 480 4GB is a PCIe 3.0 x16 graphics card, which means it will work with most modern motherboards that have a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot. However, you’ll need to make sure your system meets the minimum power supply requirements, which are around 480W.
You’ll also need to ensure your system has enough space to accommodate the card, as well as adequate cooling to keep it running smoothly.
Can I overclock the RX 480 4GB?
Yes, the RX 480 4GB can be overclocked to improve its performance. Overclocking involves pushing the card’s clock speed and memory frequency beyond their default settings. This can be done using software like AMD’s OverDrive or third-party utilities like MSI Afterburner.
However, overclocking can also increase the card’s power consumption and heat generation, so you’ll need to make sure your system is capable of handling the increased load. It’s also important to note that overclocking can void your warranty and may reduce the card’s lifespan.