AMD RX 470 Review: Performance, Comparison, Overclocking, and Buying Guide

Is the AMD RX 470 still a good choice in 2024?
Yes, the AMD RX 470 remains a solid option for gamers on a budget. Although it’s no longer the latest model, it still offers reliable 1080p gaming performance. With a good balance of cost and power, it can handle most modern titles. However, whether it’s worth purchasing depends on your individual gaming needs and budget.

Evaluating the Performance of the AMD RX 470

When the AMD RX 470 was launched, it was celebrated for delivering great value at a mid-range price. Now, in 2024, it may not be cutting-edge technology, but it still provides a satisfactory gaming experience for both casual and serious gamers.

Gaming Performance at Different Resolutions

The RX 470 shines in 1080p gaming, offering smooth performance even in demanding titles. Games like Metro: Last Light and Call of Duty: Black Ops III can run comfortably at 100-120 FPS with medium to high settings. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers looking for a budget-friendly graphics card that delivers solid performance for 1080p gaming.

However, as the resolution increases to 1440p, the performance starts to dip, especially in graphically demanding titles. While it remains playable at 1440p, for 4K gaming, the RX 470 isn’t recommended, as it struggles to maintain smooth frame rates at such high resolutions.

Performance Comparison: RX 470 vs GTX 1060 and RX 480

When comparing the RX 470 to NVIDIA’s GTX 1060, the latter tends to pull ahead, offering a 10-15% performance boost in most games. Additionally, the GTX 1060 comes with 6GB of VRAM, compared to the 4GB in the RX 470, making it better suited for memory-intensive applications and newer titles.

Comparing the RX 470 to the RX 480, both cards offer similar gaming experiences at 1080p, but the RX 480 has an advantage with 8GB of VRAM, making it a better option for more graphically demanding titles or higher resolutions.

Overclocking the RX 470 for Enhanced Performance

Overclocking your RX 470 can yield a significant performance improvement, especially if you’re gaming at 1080p or 1440p. By increasing the GPU’s clock speeds, you can achieve higher frame rates, which can make demanding games run more smoothly.

Why Overclock the RX 470?

Overclocking is particularly useful for gamers who want to extract maximum performance from their RX 470 without upgrading to a more powerful GPU. A slight increase in the core clock speed can make a noticeable difference in FPS, improving the overall gaming experience.

How to Overclock the AMD RX 470

To overclock the RX 470, you can use AMD’s WattMan utility included in the Radeon software. The process is fairly simple:

1. Launch WattMan: Open the Radeon Settings and navigate to the Performance tab, then select WattMan.
2. Increase the Core Clock: Gradually increase the core clock speed in increments of 10-20 MHz, testing the card’s stability after each change.
3. Monitor Stability and Temperature: Use benchmarking tools to check for stability. If crashes or visual artifacts occur, reduce the clock speed slightly.
4. Adjust Fan Speed: Overclocking generates heat, so increase the fan speed to keep temperatures within safe limits.
5. Ensure Proper Cooling: Since the RX 470 can run hot, make sure your system is adequately cooled to avoid overheating.

By following these steps, you can achieve a better gaming experience without the need to purchase a new graphics card.

RX 470 vs GTX 1060: Making the Right Choice

Choosing between the RX 470 and GTX 1060 depends largely on your budget and gaming needs. Both cards are designed for 1080p gaming, but there are some distinct differences.

Value for Money: RX 470 vs GTX 1060

The GTX 1060 usually comes at a higher price point, but it offers better performance, especially for more graphically demanding games. The GTX 1060 also features 6GB of VRAM, which provides more future-proofing for upcoming titles that require higher memory. That said, the RX 470 still offers great value for 1080p gaming, making it a solid option for those who need to keep costs down.

Performance in Games

While the GTX 1060 tends to outperform the RX 470 in many titles, the difference isn’t substantial. Games such as Shadow of Mordor and Rise of the Tomb Raider show better frame rates with the GTX 1060 at 1440p or 1080p ultra settings. However, the RX 470 still performs well at 1080p, providing a smooth and playable experience in most modern games.

Future-Proofing Your Gaming Experience

When it comes to future-proofing your gaming setup, the GTX 1060 has an advantage over the RX 470. Its higher VRAM and slightly better overall performance make it a better choice if you plan to game at higher resolutions or keep your system for several years. However, for budget-conscious gamers, the RX 470 remains a great option for 1080p gaming.

Where to Buy the AMD RX 470: Best Deals and Prices

The RX 470 can be purchased from several online retailers, and its price has decreased significantly since its release. If you’re looking for the best deal, it’s important to compare prices across different platforms.

Where to Purchase the RX 470

You can find the RX 470 at major retailers like Amazon, Newegg, and eBay. eBay often features used or refurbished cards at lower prices, but it’s crucial to check the condition before purchasing. Many vendors also sell refurbished models with warranties, which can provide added peace of mind.

Price Range and Discounts

The price of the RX 470 typically ranges from $100-$150 for used models, while new or refurbished units can cost between $150-$200. Depending on sales and discounts, you might find even better prices during seasonal events.

Is the AMD RX 470 Still Worth It in 2024?

Although the RX 470 isn’t the latest model from AMD, it remains a great option for 1080p gaming in 2024. It’s a good choice for those who are on a budget and aren’t looking to game at higher resolutions. However, if you need a graphics card that can handle 1440p or 4K gaming, or if you’re looking for more VRAM to future-proof your system, consider newer models like the RX 5700 or RTX 3060.

That being said, if you’re gaming at 1080p and don’t mind using medium-to-high settings, the RX 470 still offers excellent performance at a budget-friendly price.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the AMD RX 470?

For budget-conscious gamers, the AMD RX 470 is still a great choice in 2024. It offers strong 1080p gaming performance, provides solid value, and can even be overclocked for extra performance. However, if you plan on gaming at higher resolutions or want more future-proofing, newer GPUs might be a better option.

Frequently Asked Questions