When it comes to AMD's Radeon RX series, the 1080 and 1020 models are two powerful contenders that often leave potential buyers wondering, "RX 580 vs 590: Which one should I choose?" Let's dive into a detailed comparison of these graphics cards, breaking down their specs, performance, and pricing to help you make an informed decision.
The AMD Radeon RX 580 and RX 590 are both capable GPUs, but they cater to different budgets and performance needs. Here's a comprehensive comparison to help you understand the nuances between these two formidable graphics cards.
Key Specifications: RX 580 vs RX 590
The RX 580 and RX 590 share the same architecture, based on the Polaris chip. However, there are notable differences under the hood. The RX 590 sports 2304 stream processors, compared to the RX 580's 2304, but with higher clock speeds. The RX 590 also boasts an enhanced 8GB GDDR5 memory configuration over the RX 580's 8GB GDDR5.
In terms of power consumption, the RX 590 requires more juice than its predecessor, with a TDP of 185W compared to the RX 580's 150W. This increased power consumption is indicative of the higher performance you can expect from the RX 590.
Performance: RX 580 vs RX 590
Across various benchmarks and games, the RX 590 consistently outperforms the RX 580. In games like Far Cry 5 and Total War: Warhammer II, the RX 590 scores about 10-15% higher average FPS than the RX 580. Even at 4K resolutions, the RX 590 keeps up, providing more playable frame rates than the RX 580.
When it comes to synthetic benchmarks, like 3DMark, the RX 590 scores noticeably higher than the RX 580, further emphasizing its superior performance. Despite the increased power consumption, the RX 590 offers better performance per watt, making it a more efficient upgrade over the RX 580.
Pricing and Value: RX 580 vs RX 590
The RX 590 retails at a premium price point compared to the RX 580, with a suggested MSRP of $299, while the RX 580 can be found for as low as $219. However, considering the significant performance improvement and better power efficiency, the RX 590 offers better long-term value for your money, especially for enthusiasts looking to invest in a high-performing GPU that can handle games at 1440p and even 4K.
Moreover, the RX 590's higher memory bandwidth and increased memory capacity give it an edge in future-proofing, allowing it to handle upcoming games and higher resolutions more effectively than the RX 580.
Feature Comparison: RX 580 vs RX 590
Both GPUs feature support for AMD's FreeSync technology, which helps eliminate screen tearing and reduce input lag. However, the RX 590 introduces higher levels of overclockability, thanks to its advanced power management system. This means that, with the right cooling solution and good overclocking skills, you can unlock even more performance from the RX 590.
In terms of connectivity, both GPUs ship with three DisplayPort 1.4 and one HDMI 2.0b port, providing ample options for connecting multiple displays.
Cooling and Design: RX 580 vs RX 590
The RX 590 comes with an enhanced cooling solution compared to the RX 580, featuring a dual-fan design with higher-quality fans and a more robust, beefier heatsink. This improved cooling enables the RX 590 to maintain lower temperatures and ensuring better stability under load, even when overclocked.
The design of both GPUs is largely similar, with a sleek, black finish and the iconic Radeon logo at the top. The RX 590, however, adopts a more aggressive, gamer-centric design, with sharp angles and a larger, illuminated Radeon logo, making it stand out in build-in covariance, the RX 590's higher memory capacity and bandwidth ensure better performance in modern games and higher resolutions, providing a better long-term investment. With its superior performance, improved power efficiency, and increased long-term value, the RX 590 is the obvious choice for gamers willing to invest in a high-performing, future-proof GPU. However, if your budget is tight or you're primarily gaming at 1080p, the RX 580 remains a capable and cost-effective option.