The AMD Radeon RX 470 is a popular mid-range graphics card that offers an impressive balance of performance and price. Released in 2016, this GPU has been a staple for many PC gamers and content creators looking to upgrade their systems without breaking the bank.

Architecture and Performance

The RX 470 is based on AMD’s Polaris architecture, which provides significant improvements over its predecessors. With 2048 stream processors, 32 ROPs, and 64 texture units, this GPU delivers smooth performance in a wide range of applications. The RX 470’s clock speed reaches up to 1206 MHz, while the memory operates at 7 GHz with a 256-bit bus width.

In terms of performance, the RX 470 can handle most modern games at high resolutions and settings. According to benchmarks, it offers around 10-20% more performance compared to its predecessor, the Radeon R9 380X. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers who want to play demanding titles like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey or The Witcher 3 without sacrificing too much detail.

Power Consumption and Cooling

One of the RX 470’s strengths is its relatively low power consumption. With a TDP of just 120W, this GPU can be easily powered by most modern systems’ 6-pin PCIe connectors. Additionally, the RX 470 features AMD’s new cooling technology, which helps to reduce temperatures and increase lifespan.

Memory and Display Support

The RX 470 comes with 4GB or 8GB of GDDR5 memory, depending on the specific model. This is more than enough for most modern games and applications, but users who require more VRAM may want to consider a higher-end GPU. As for display support, the RX 470 can handle resolutions up to 4096×2160 at 60 Hz via DisplayPort or HDMI.

Comparison with Competitors

When compared to its competitors, the RX 470 holds its own against NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 960 and GTX 1050 Ti. While it may not match the performance of higher-end GPUs like the GTX 1060 or RX 580, it offers a more affordable entry point for those looking to upgrade their systems.

Power Consumption Comparison:

• AMD Radeon RX 470: 120W
• NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960: 150W
• NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti: 75W

Conclusion

The AMD Radeon RX 470 is a budget-friendly graphics powerhouse that offers impressive performance and features. Its low power consumption, improved cooling technology, and competitive pricing make it an attractive option for gamers and content creators on a budget.

While it may not be the best choice for extreme gaming or professional applications, the RX 470 provides a solid foundation for most modern systems. With its wide availability and affordable price point (typically around $150-$250), this GPU is definitely worth considering for those looking to upgrade their graphics capabilities without breaking the bank.

Technical Specifications:

• Architecture: Polaris
• CUDA Cores/Stream Processors: 2048
• Memory: 4GB or 8GB GDDR5
• Clock Speed: Up to 1206 MHz
• Memory Bus Width: 256-bit
• TDP: 120W
• Display Support: Up to 4096×2160 at 60 Hz (DisplayPort), up to 3840×2160 at 30 Hz (HDMI)
• Power Consumption: 120W