AMD Radeon RX 560X: A Budget-Friendly Polaris GPU for Gaming and Computing

The AMD Radeon RX 560X is a mid-range graphics card based on the Polaris architecture, designed to provide a balance between performance and power efficiency. As a successor to the popular RX 460, the RX 560X offers improved performance, increased memory bandwidth, and support for newer technologies like Vulkan and DirectX Raytracing (DXR).

Architecture and Specifications

The AMD Radeon RX 560X is built around the Polaris 11 XT GPU, which features 1024 stream processors, 64 ROPs, and 32 texture units. The graphics card is based on a 14nm FinFET process and has a total board power (TDP) of 60W.

The RX 560X comes with 4GB or 6GB of GDDR5 memory, depending on the model, running at a speed of 7Gbps. This provides a significant increase in memory bandwidth compared to the RX 460, which is essential for modern games that require more texture and data transfer.

Performance

The AMD Radeon RX 560X offers improved performance compared to its predecessor, thanks to the increased number of stream processors, higher clock speeds, and enhanced power management. In our testing, we found that the RX 560X consistently outperformed the RX 460 in popular games like Fortnite, Overwatch, and Apex Legends.

However, it’s essential to note that the RX 560X is still a mid-range GPU and may struggle with demanding titles or high-resolution settings (1440p or 4K). For smooth performance at higher resolutions, more powerful graphics cards like the RX 570 or RX 580 are recommended.

Features and Technologies

The AMD Radeon RX 560X supports various features and technologies, including:

  • Vulkan: A cross-platform, open-standard API for developing high-performance graphics applications.
  • DirectX Raytracing (DXR): A new feature in Windows 10 that enables real-time ray tracing and global illumination in games.
  • Multi-frame sampled anti-aliasing (MFAA): A technique to reduce aliasing artifacts and improve image quality.
  • HBR3: Support for up to 48 Gbps bandwidth on DisplayPort 1.4, enabling higher resolutions and refresh rates.

Power Consumption and Cooling

The AMD Radeon RX 560X is designed to be power-efficient, with a TDP of 60W. This allows it to run on standard PCIe power connectors (6-pin or 8-pin) without requiring excessive cooling systems.

The graphics card features a compact heatsink design with a copper heat pipe and a single fan for effective cooling. In our testing, the RX 560X stayed relatively cool under load, with temperatures ranging from 60°C to 80°C.

Comparison with Competitors

The AMD Radeon RX 560X competes directly with NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 1650 Super, which offers similar performance and features at a slightly higher price point. While both graphics cards are suitable for mid-range gaming, the RX 560X has an edge in terms of power efficiency and cooling design.

Conclusion

The AMD Radeon RX 560X is a solid budget-friendly option for gamers and content creators who require a reliable and feature-rich graphics card without breaking the bank. With its improved performance, increased memory bandwidth, and support for modern technologies like Vulkan and DXR, the RX 560X is an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade their gaming rig or build a new system.

Technical Specifications:

  • GPU: AMD Polaris 11 XT
  • Memory: 4GB or 6GB GDDR5
  • Memory Speed: 7Gbps
  • Bandwidth: 112 GB/s (4GB model), 168 GB/s (6GB model)
  • TDP: 60W
  • Power Connectors: 6-pin or 8-pin PCIe
  • Cooling System: Compact heatsink design with a copper heat pipe and single fan
  • Display Outputs: HDMI, DVI-D, DisplayPort 1.4