The AMD Radeon RX 480 is a highly anticipated graphics card that promises to deliver exceptional performance and features at an affordable price point. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of the RX 480 OC variant, which boasts increased clock speeds and improved cooling for enhanced gaming experiences.

Architecture and Performance

The RX 480 OC is based on AMD’s Polaris architecture, which provides a significant boost in performance compared to its predecessor, the R9 380. The card features 36 compute units (CU) with 2304 stream processors, each capable of executing multiple instructions simultaneously.

In terms of clock speeds, the RX 480 OC boasts a base clock speed of 1266 MHz and a boost clock speed of up to 1340 MHz, depending on the workload. This is an increase of around 10-15% compared to the standard RX 480 model.

Memory and Bandwidth

The RX 480 OC comes equipped with 4GB or 8GB of GDDR5 memory, which provides a generous amount of video RAM for smooth gaming experiences at high resolutions. The memory clock speed is set at 1750 MHz, resulting in a bandwidth of up to 224 GB/s.

Power Consumption and Cooling

The RX 480 OC has a TDP of around 150W, which is relatively low compared to other mid-range graphics cards on the market. This makes it an attractive option for users who want to build a powerful gaming PC without breaking the bank.

In terms of cooling, the RX 480 OC features a custom-designed heatsink with a copper baseplate and aluminum fins. This design provides excellent heat dissipation and helps keep temperatures in check during intense gaming sessions.

Features and Technologies

The RX 480 OC supports a range of advanced technologies, including:

• DirectX 12: Enhanced graphics performance and improved multi-threading capabilities
• Vulkan API: Optimized for high-performance gaming and professional applications
• FreeSync Technology: Adaptive sync technology that eliminates screen tearing and stuttering
• HDMI 2.0b: Supports up to 4K resolution at 60Hz

Power Connectors and Interface

The RX 480 OC requires a single 6-pin PCIe power connector, which is sufficient for its relatively low power consumption. The card also features an HDMI 2.0b port, a DisplayPort 1.4 port, and two DVI-D ports for connectivity to various displays.

Competitor Comparison

When compared to the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060, the RX 480 OC offers similar performance at a lower price point. However, it falls short in terms of power consumption and cooling efficiency.

Graphics Card	Performance (1080p)	Performance (1440p)	Power Consumption (W)
AMD Radeon RX 480 OC	80 FPS	55 FPS	150 W
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060	85 FPS	60 FPS	120 W

Conclusion

The AMD Radeon RX 480 OC is a solid mid-range graphics card that offers exceptional performance and features at an affordable price point. While it may not be the most powerful option on the market, it provides excellent value for its cost.

With its custom-designed heatsink, improved clock speeds, and advanced technologies like DirectX 12 and FreeSync, the RX 480 OC is a great choice for users who want to build a high-performance gaming PC without breaking the bank.

Technical Specifications:

• Architecture: Polaris (14nm)
• Compute Units (CU): 36
• Stream Processors: 2304
• Base Clock Speed: 1266 MHz
• Boost Clock Speed: up to 1340 MHz
• Memory: 4GB or 8GB GDDR5
• Memory Clock Speed: 1750 MHz
• Bandwidth: up to 224 GB/s
• TDP: 150W
• Power Connectors: 1x 6-pin PCIe
• Display Outputs: HDMI 2.0b, DisplayPort 1.4, DVI-D