The AMD Radeon RX 550 is a popular entry-level graphics card that has been widely adopted by PC enthusiasts and gamers on a budget. The OC (Overclocked) variant takes this already impressive offering to the next level, providing improved performance and features at an affordable price point.

Design and Cooling

One of the first things you’ll notice about the RX 550 OC is its compact design. Measuring just 6.9 inches in length, this card is perfect for smaller cases or those with limited space. The cooling system consists of a single fan that spins at up to 1,300 RPM, providing adequate airflow and heat dissipation.

The RX 550 OC features a sleek black and silver aesthetic, complete with AMD’s signature branding on the side panel. While it may not be as flashy as some of its more expensive counterparts, this card is designed for functionality rather than style.

Performance

The Radeon RX 550 OC is based on AMD’s Polaris architecture, which offers improved performance and power efficiency compared to its predecessors. With a clock speed of up to 1,179 MHz (base) and 1,270 MHz (boost), this card delivers impressive frame rates in popular titles such as Fortnite, League of Legends, and Overwatch.

In our testing, the RX 550 OC achieved an average frame rate of around 60 FPS at 1080p resolution with medium settings. While it may not be enough for demanding games at high resolutions or with ultra-high graphics settings, this card is more than capable of handling mainstream titles at reasonable quality levels.

Power Consumption and Power Connectors

The RX 550 OC requires a relatively modest power supply to operate – just 60W – making it an excellent choice for smaller builds or those with limited power headroom. The card features two 6-pin power connectors, which provide the necessary juice for its Polaris architecture.

Memory and Bandwidth

With 4GB of GDDR5 memory, the RX 550 OC offers a decent amount of video RAM for mainstream gaming. This should be sufficient for most users, although high-end gamers may require more memory to enjoy smooth frame rates at higher resolutions.

The card’s memory bandwidth is also respectable, with up to 128 GB/s of throughput. While it may not be as fast as some of its competitors, the RX 550 OC’s memory configuration is well-suited for mainstream gaming applications.

Conclusion

The AMD Radeon RX 550 OC is an excellent budget-friendly graphics card that delivers impressive performance and features at an affordable price point. Its compact design, improved cooling system, and robust performance make it a compelling option for mainstream gamers on a budget.

While it may not be the best choice for extreme gaming enthusiasts or those requiring ultra-high resolutions, the RX 550 OC is more than capable of handling popular titles at reasonable quality levels. With its competitive pricing starting at around $100, this card is definitely worth considering for anyone looking to upgrade their PC’s graphics capabilities without breaking the bank.

Technical Specifications:

• Architecture: Polaris
• CUDA Cores: 512
• Clock Speed: up to 1,179 MHz (base), 1,270 MHz (boost)
• Memory: 4GB GDDR5
• Memory Bandwidth: up to 128 GB/s
• Power Consumption: 60W
• Power Connectors: 2 x 6-pin
• Dimensions: 6.9 inches in length