RX 470 vs. RX 580

Attribute	RX 470	RX 580
Architecture	Polaris 10	Polaris 20
Core Clock	926 MHz	1257 MHz
Boost Clock	1206 MHz	1340 MHz
Stream Processors	2048	2304
Memory	4GB GDDR5	8GB GDDR5
Memory Speed	1650 MHz	2000 MHz
Memory Bandwidth	211 GB/s	256 GB/s

Introduction

When it comes to choosing a graphics card for your gaming PC, the options can be overwhelming. Two popular choices in the mid-range segment are the RX 470 and RX 580 from AMD. Both cards offer solid performance for 1080p gaming, but there are some key differences between them that may influence your decision. In this article, we will compare the attributes of the RX 470 and RX 580 to help you make an informed choice.

Performance

The RX 470 is based on AMD's Polaris architecture and features 2048 stream processors, 128 texture units, and 32 ROPs. It has a base clock speed of 926 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1206 MHz. On the other hand, the RX 580 is also based on the Polaris architecture but offers improved performance with 2304 stream processors, 144 texture units, and 32 ROPs. It has a higher base clock speed of 1257 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1340 MHz. Overall, the RX 580 offers better performance compared to the RX 470, making it a better choice for demanding games and higher resolutions.

Memory

Both the RX 470 and RX 580 come with 4GB or 8GB of GDDR5 memory, but the RX 580 offers faster memory speeds. The RX 470 has a memory clock speed of 1650 MHz, while the RX 580 has a memory clock speed of 2000 MHz. This results in higher memory bandwidth for the RX 580, which can lead to better performance in memory-intensive tasks such as high-resolution gaming and content creation. If you plan on playing games at 1440p or higher resolutions, the RX 580's faster memory speeds may provide a noticeable improvement in performance.

Power Consumption

One of the key differences between the RX 470 and RX 580 is their power consumption. The RX 470 has a TDP (thermal design power) of 120W, while the RX 580 has a higher TDP of 185W. This means that the RX 580 consumes more power and generates more heat compared to the RX 470. If you have a limited power supply or are concerned about energy efficiency, the RX 470 may be a more suitable choice. However, if you have a robust power supply and adequate cooling, the higher power consumption of the RX 580 may not be a significant issue.

Price

When it comes to pricing, the RX 470 is generally more affordable compared to the RX 580. This makes the RX 470 a budget-friendly option for gamers who are looking for decent performance without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the RX 580 is priced slightly higher but offers better performance and features. If you are willing to spend a bit more for improved performance and future-proofing, the RX 580 may be a better investment in the long run. Consider your budget and performance requirements when deciding between the RX 470 and RX 580.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the RX 470 and RX 580 are solid mid-range graphics cards that offer good performance for 1080p gaming. The RX 580 has the edge in terms of performance, memory speeds, and features, but comes at a higher price and consumes more power. On the other hand, the RX 470 is a more budget-friendly option with lower power consumption. Consider your specific needs and budget when choosing between the RX 470 and RX 580, and make sure to weigh the pros and cons of each card before making your final decision.