When I first dipped my toes into the world of PC gaming, one of the big questions on my mind was, “What graphics card should I get?” Fast forward to today, and I still find myself asking the same question every time I think about upgrading. Graphics cards are the heartbeat of any gaming rig, and finding the right one can make all the difference.
Today, let’s dive into a card that’s often overlooked but still packs a punch—the AMD Radeon RX 470. I’ll break down its specs, what the reviews are saying, and, of course, the price. So, grab a cup of coffee (or maybe I’ll get dinner soon), and let’s get into it!
Specs
Before we get into the reviews and pricing, let’s talk specs. I remember the first time I opened up a spec sheet for a graphics card—my eyes glazed over with all the numbers and acronyms. But once you get the hang of it, you start to see the beauty in the details.
GPU Architecture: The RX 470 is based on AMD’s Polaris architecture, which, back in the day, was a big step forward in terms of power efficiency and performance. It’s built on a 14nm FinFET process, which, if you’re not a tech nerd like me, just means it’s smaller and more power-efficient than previous generations.
Core Configuration: The card comes with 2048 Stream Processors. Think of these as the tiny workers inside the GPU that do the heavy lifting when you’re gaming or doing graphic-intensive tasks. The more, the better!
Clock Speeds: The base clock speed is 926 MHz, with a boost clock of up to 1206 MHz. Now, when I come home after a long day and just want to jump into a game, I need that extra boost to ensure everything runs smoothly, and this card does deliver on that front.
Memory: It’s equipped with 4GB of GDDR5 memory (though some models have 8GB). GDDR5 is the type of memory used in most graphics cards and is crucial for handling high-resolution textures and complex scenes in games. I know some folks might think 4GB is a bit on the lower side, but for 1080p gaming, it’s still more than enough.
Memory Bandwidth: The memory bandwidth is 211 GB/s. This is essentially how quickly the card can read and write data. Higher bandwidth means better performance, especially in demanding games.
TDP (Thermal Design Power): The RX 470 has a TDP of 120W, which means it’s relatively power-efficient. You won’t need a monster power supply to run this thing, which is great if you’re working with a budget build.
Performance
Now, let’s talk about real-world performance because specs can only tell you so much. I’ve seen my fair share of reviews and hands-on experiences with the RX 470, and here’s the lowdown.
1080p Gaming: The RX 470 was designed with 1080p gaming in mind, and it excels at this resolution. I’ve seen benchmarks, where it handles popular titles like Overwatch, Fortnite, and GTA V with ease, often hitting that sweet 60fps, mark with medium to high settings. When I want to unwind and jump into a game without tweaking settings for hours, this card does the job without breaking a sweat.
VR Performance: Now, I’m not a big VR gamer, but I’ve dabbled. The RX 470 is considered “VR-ready,” meaning it can handle VR gaming, though it might struggle with more demanding titles. If you’re like me and just want to try VR for fun, this card will get you started, but hardcore VR enthusiasts might want something beefier.
DirectX 12 and Vulkan: These are the latest graphics APIs, and the RX 470 supports both. In plain English, this means better performance in games that are optimized for these technologies. I’ve noticed smoother gameplay and better frame rates in games that support DirectX 12, which is always a nice bonus.
Reviews
When I go to dinner and chat with my buddies about hardware, one thing that always comes up is the importance of reviews. You can’t just rely on specs—you need to know how the card performs in the wild.
General Consensus: The RX 470 has generally been well-received. When it first launched, it was praised for offering solid performance at a competitive price point. Gamers on a budget were particularly pleased with how well it handled 1080p gaming, making it a go-to choice for budget-conscious builds.
Pros: Reviewers have highlighted the RX 470’s excellent performance for the price. It’s often described as a great option for 1080p gaming, with many noting that it punches above its weight class. The power efficiency is another point in its favor, especially for those looking to build a compact or low-power gaming rig.
Cons: On the flip side, some reviewers have pointed out that the RX 470 struggles with 1440p gaming and higher. If you’re aiming for ultra settings at higher resolutions, you might find the card a bit lacking. Another common critique is that the 4GB model can be limiting in more modern titles that require more VRAM.
Long-Term Use: I’ve seen folks who’ve had this card for a few years now, and many of them still swear by it. Sure, it’s not cutting-edge anymore, but for those who are happy gaming at 1080p, it’s still a solid performer. The durability and reliability have been praised, which is always reassuring.
Price
Alright, now let’s talk price. I know this is the part everyone’s waiting for because, let’s be real, we all have budgets to consider. Whether you’re planning to upgrade or build a new rig, the price of a graphics card is a big factor.
Original Launch Price: When the RX 470 first hit the market, it was priced around $179 for the 4GB model and $199 for the 8GB model. This positioned it as a mid-range card, offering a lot of bang for your buck.
Current Pricing: Fast forward to today, and the price has fluctuated quite a bit. With newer cards on the market, you can often find the RX 470 for a lower price on the second-hand market. I’ve seen it going for as low as $100 to $150, depending on the condition and the seller. If you’re lucky, you might snag a good deal, but be sure to check the card’s condition before buying used.
Is It Worth It? If you’re on a tight budget and mainly game at 1080p, the RX 470 is still worth considering. It’s not the latest and greatest, but it’s a solid performer that won’t break the bank. I’d say it’s a great choice if you’re upgrading an older system or building a budget gaming PC.
| Pricing Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Original Launch Price | $179 for the 4GB model, $199 for the 8GB model |
| Current Pricing | $100 to $150 (used, depending on condition and seller) |
| Value | Worth considering if on a tight budget, especially for 1080p gaming |
Final Thoughts
As I wrap this up and think about heading to dinner, I can’t help but feel a bit nostalgic about the RX 470. It’s one of those cards that might not grab headlines today, but it has served many gamers well over the years. If you’re looking for a reliable, budget-friendly graphics card that can handle 1080p gaming with ease, the RX 470 is still a solid choice.
Sure, there are newer, more powerful cards out there, but for the price, the RX 470 offers great value. Whether you’re upgrading an older rig or building a new one from scratch, this card deserves a spot on your shortlist.
So, there you have it—a deep dive into the AMD Radeon RX 470. Hopefully, this helps you make an informed decision, whether you’re upgrading or just curious about what this card has to offer. Happy gaming, and remember, it’s all about finding what works best for you!
