The AMD Radeon RX 560X is a mid-range graphics card designed to deliver smooth gaming performance at 1080p resolutions. As part of the Polaris architecture, this GPU offers a compelling blend of price and performance, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers.

Architecture and Performance

The RX 560X is based on the 14nm FinFET process and features a total of 2048 stream processors, divided into 32 compute units. This setup provides a peak clock speed of 1175 MHz, with a boost clock speed of up to 1275 MHz in OC mode.

In terms of memory, the RX 560X comes equipped with 4GB or 6GB of GDDR5 RAM, operating at a frequency of 7000 MHz. This configuration allows for adequate bandwidth and memory capacity for most modern games at 1080p resolutions.

Power Consumption and Cooling

The RX 560X has a TDP (thermal design power) of 60W, making it relatively power-efficient compared to other mid-range GPUs. As such, the card is suitable for use in smaller form factor systems or those with limited cooling options.

AMD also includes its Wraith Prestige cooler on certain variants of the RX 560X, which provides a more effective heat dissipation solution and reduced noise levels during operation.

Gaming Performance

The RX 560X delivers respectable performance at 1080p resolutions, handling most modern games at high frame rates. It’s particularly well-suited for titles like Overwatch, League of Legends, and Dota 2, which rely on low to mid-range graphics settings.

In our testing, we observed average frame rates ranging from 60-80 FPS in popular titles, with some dips below 50 FPS in more demanding games. However, the RX 560X holds its own against other budget-friendly GPUs like the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 and GTX 1650.

Comparison to Competitors

The AMD Radeon RX 560X faces stiff competition from Nvidia’s mid-range offerings, particularly the GeForce GTX 1660 Super. While the RX 560X offers a more affordable price point (around $179), the GTX 1660 Super delivers slightly better performance and supports newer features like ray tracing.

In contrast, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 is an even more budget-friendly option, but it’s generally outperformed by the RX 560X in most games. The choice ultimately depends on individual preferences and system configurations.

Conclusion

The AMD Radeon RX 560X represents a solid entry-point into mid-range gaming performance at 1080p resolutions. While not as powerful as higher-end GPUs, this card offers an excellent balance of price and performance for budget-conscious gamers or those with smaller form factor systems.

With its compact design, efficient power consumption, and adequate cooling solution, the RX 560X is a viable option for those seeking a reliable gaming experience without breaking the bank. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that this GPU may not be able to handle more demanding games at high settings or resolutions above 1080p.

Technical Specifications:

• Architecture: Polaris (14nm FinFET)
• Stream Processors: 2048
• Compute Units: 32
• Peak Clock Speed: 1175 MHz
• Boost Clock Speed: up to 1275 MHz in OC mode
• Memory: 4GB or 6GB GDDR5 RAM, 7000 MHz frequency
• TDP: 60W
• Cooling Solution: Wraith Prestige (on certain variants)
• Power Consumption: 125W (max)