The AMD Radeon RX 480 Preview: Polaris Makes Its Mainstream Mark
by Ryan Smith on June 29, 2016 9:00 AM ESTGaming Performance
So with the basics of the architecture and core configuration behind us, let’s dive into some numbers.
Overall, AMD is pitching the RX 480 as a card suitable for 1440p gaming as well as 1080p gaming and VR gaming. In the case of 1080p the card is clearly powerful enough, as even Crysis 3 at its highest quality setting is flirting with 60fps. However when it comes to 1440p, the RX 480 feels like it’s coming up a bit short; other than DiRT Rally, performance is a bit low for the 60fps PC gamer. Traditionally cards in the $199-$249 mainstream range have been 1080p gaming cards, and in the long run I think this is where RX 480 will settle at as well.
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FriendlyUser - Wednesday, June 29, 2016 - link
I don't think nVidia wants to compete on price. They'll probably present something equivalent or even marginally (5%) better so that they can "win" then sell it at a significantly higher price point. The price range from $239 to the $400+ of the 1070 has no next-generation products. I'm guessing something will quickly populate the $300-320 price point. Could be wrong, but would make more sense than going to $150.cocochanel - Thursday, June 30, 2016 - link
I doubt Nvidia can match this card. If they come up with one, they'll have to sell it at a loss.sonicmerlin - Friday, July 1, 2016 - link
You think Nvidia can't match their 2 year old 970 with 2 node jumps?Sushisamurai - Friday, July 1, 2016 - link
Thats a good point, I don't think they'll be able to match it, as there's a large R&D cost for developing a new chip and board on process jumps. The fact AMD can recuperate those costs @$200/240 is pretty nutsQuestor - Wednesday, June 29, 2016 - link
Amazing thought comparison to a card that doesn't exist yet. You must be in touch with your inner god.HollyDOL - Wednesday, June 29, 2016 - link
Well, maybe if you actually read what I wrote before you started seeing red, you would notice word LIKELY :praazman - Wednesday, June 29, 2016 - link
Don't worry, it's coming.fuicharles - Wednesday, June 29, 2016 - link
Provided there is stock available.HollyDOL - Wednesday, June 29, 2016 - link
hehe, touche :-)dragonsqrrl - Wednesday, June 29, 2016 - link
I doubt the 1060 will "have it for breakfast", but based on these results I now have little doubt that a card based on a fully enabled GP106 will be performance competitive with the RX480. Rumors and leaks prior to launch suggested that RX480 would trade blows with the 390X, which made me think the 1060 would probably perform a step below it.