I currently have an AMD R9 280, and it does "okay" (other components include an i5 4460, 8gb RAM, a CS650M PSU, and a gigabyte H97M-HD3 motherboard). However, I want to start playing more graphically demanding games, and also begin modding games like fallout 4 and skyrim fairly heavily whilst maintaining perfectly playable fps. I have done research and it seems to me that the new RX 480 is very good for its budget price, which to me seems perfect, as I don't really want to spend up to the prices of the nvidia range (and from what I have heard AMD should trump the nvidia budget 1060 when it eventually comes out). I was simply wondering, would it be worth the upgrade? Can I expect to see a worthy increase in fps and future-proofing for games to come in the next few years. I currently only use 2 duel 1080p monitors, and don't plan on moving into the V-R world yet, nor do I really feel the extreme urge to jump into the 4k monitor market, so would the RX 480 satisfy my demands at this resolution in the games I plan on playing. Thanks for any advice you might be able to help out with, and I would be more than happy to give you more info if you believe it would lead to a more rounded conclusion.
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Should I upgrade graphics card
- Thread starter Jayzaa
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geofelt
Titan
- Oct 9, 2006
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As I read things, the RX480 is somewhat comparable to a GTX970.
That is only two tiers higher than a R9-280 on tom's hierarchy chart.
They recommend not upgrading unless the new card is at least three tiers higher.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gpu-hierarchy,4388.html
That is probably good advice since you will be disappointed if you do not see good results.
You should probably wait to see some definitive comparisons, particularly for the games you want to play.
That is only two tiers higher than a R9-280 on tom's hierarchy chart.
They recommend not upgrading unless the new card is at least three tiers higher.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gpu-hierarchy,4388.html
That is probably good advice since you will be disappointed if you do not see good results.
You should probably wait to see some definitive comparisons, particularly for the games you want to play.
timeconsumer
Splendid
- Nov 28, 2011
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I have a very similar setup as the OP (R9 280, i5 4440, 8gb of memory) so I have a point of reference to the performance in current games. For example, in GTA V and Fallout 4 (no mods) at ultra settings with some minor eyecandy reductions (FXAA instead of 2x MSAA, etc) I usually hang around 45 FPS in 1080p.
Comparing the RX 480 to that (http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/amd_radeon_r9_rx_480_8gb_review,17.html) you can see that in Fallout 4 it averaged almost double that in 1080p for both games, and that is with more eyecandy enabled. To me that is definitely a worthwhile upgrade (I plan on moving to the 480 or 1060 later this year as well).
I would see how prices stabilize before making a final decision, but I think you will be happy with the results.
Comparing the RX 480 to that (http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/amd_radeon_r9_rx_480_8gb_review,17.html) you can see that in Fallout 4 it averaged almost double that in 1080p for both games, and that is with more eyecandy enabled. To me that is definitely a worthwhile upgrade (I plan on moving to the 480 or 1060 later this year as well).
I would see how prices stabilize before making a final decision, but I think you will be happy with the results.
burdenbound
Splendid
- Aug 9, 2011
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The RX 480 should be a pretty good improvement over what you currently have. But the 1060 has shown to be faster than the 480. The 480 ~= GTX 970, 1060 ~= 980. Although I have seen reviews where the 480 beats out the 1060 in DX12 titles, but I don't think the test bench is large enough to come to a definitive conclusion that it will always be that way.
I have read AMD almost dominate the budget cards, with nvidia dominating the big fps hitting but equally big wallet hitting cards, so that does direct me towards the RX 480 rather than the 1060, but it is interesting to see the hierarchy chart also recommended by geofelt to compare my current card to the 480. I think I am going to leave it a month or so anyway, so the prices begin to fully formulate, and also updates make them slightly less buggy and more stable, until I make my final decision. Out of curiosity, would anyone have any recommendations for a card within my price range (~£200+/-40) that would warrant an upgrade? Cheers.
- Jan 1, 2013
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UK wise - stock shortages are making it hard work at the mo
Aftermarket 8gb 480s are running £240-250 same as the cheaper 1060's.
Best priced card by far is the 4gb nitro 480 at £200 but its still Pre order only.
If you're prepared to wait a month as you say (which is entirely sensible) then it's probably the model I'd go for on a bang to buck basis.
Big upgrade over a 280 , ignore the GPU tier list , most of it is entirely nonsensical.
Aftermarket 8gb 480s are running £240-250 same as the cheaper 1060's.
Best priced card by far is the 4gb nitro 480 at £200 but its still Pre order only.
If you're prepared to wait a month as you say (which is entirely sensible) then it's probably the model I'd go for on a bang to buck basis.
Big upgrade over a 280 , ignore the GPU tier list , most of it is entirely nonsensical.
timeconsumer
Splendid
- Nov 28, 2011
- 3,130
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The 4gb RX 480 performs within about 5% of the 8gb in many games, even in 1440p or 4k resolutions (http://www.legitreviews.com/amd-radeon-rx-480-4gb-versus-radeon-rx-480-8gb_183576). The 8gb model is more for Xfire setups. It is definitely the better value purchase and if Sapphire is offering one for 199 I would wait for that to become available.
The 1060 is a better card than the 480, but they are in different price segments so I don't see it as an apples-to-apples comparison.
The 1060 is a better card than the 480, but they are in different price segments so I don't see it as an apples-to-apples comparison.
- Jan 1, 2013
- 24,574
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- 91,240
Personally I think 4gb vram is enough for 1080p, both the 480 & 1060 are excellent 1080p cards but mediocre for 1440p.
Comparisons ?? A can of worms there & a debate that's currently raging on.
At £250 nothing to choose between them , reviews on both have been somewhat biased.
They're close enough on performance that choice would be based purely on a buyers preference between nvidia/amd.
Factor in there are no aftermarket 480 cards that have been reviewed apart from that nitro whereas 1060 aftermarket models dropped instantly.
At £200 the 4gb is easily the best buy IMO.
Generally & historically and cards tend to age better , comparative to the same tier nvidia cards they've always had more raw power.
The 970 had the edge against the 390 on release 2 years ago.
Look now & 99% of the time on newer titles the 390 consummately outperforms it.
Comparisons ?? A can of worms there & a debate that's currently raging on.
At £250 nothing to choose between them , reviews on both have been somewhat biased.
They're close enough on performance that choice would be based purely on a buyers preference between nvidia/amd.
Factor in there are no aftermarket 480 cards that have been reviewed apart from that nitro whereas 1060 aftermarket models dropped instantly.
At £200 the 4gb is easily the best buy IMO.
Generally & historically and cards tend to age better , comparative to the same tier nvidia cards they've always had more raw power.
The 970 had the edge against the 390 on release 2 years ago.
Look now & 99% of the time on newer titles the 390 consummately outperforms it.
Thanks for all your advice. I think I am going to leave it a month or two, leave all the dust to settle and see where it all stands then. I think currently the RX 480 is edging it, and it seems it would be worthwhile upgrading my 280. Cheers!
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