ASUS Radeon RX 550 Review | 118 Data compared
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ASUS Radeon RX 550 Review | 118 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£90
  • Avg. price in US: ~$90
  • VRAM: 2 GB
  • Memory bus width: 128 bit
  • Thermal Design Power (TDP): 50 W

ASUS Radeon RX 550 review. Compare 118 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Graphics cards category and whether it is worth buying.

3.6

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the graphics card's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best graphics cards on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

3.6

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
3.6

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Graphics cards category across these key areas: Performance, Memory, Platform & Features, Connectivity & Media, Power & Cooling, Design.

When it matters: When you want to compare graphics cards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

44.0%

1.4

Performance

24.0%

1.8

Memory

12.0%

8.1

Power & Cooling

11.0%

7.5

Platform & Features

5.0%

9.1

Design

4.0%

5.8

Connectivity & Media

Poor
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the graphics card.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a graphics card performs in real use and how reliable it is in terms of performance, temperatures, noise, stability, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 1.7
    Gaming

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.0

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    1.0

    VRAM

    20.0%

    1.0

    Ray tracing cores / units

    10.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 4.1
    Video editing

    Score components:

    35.0%

    7.0

    AV1 encode

    30.0%

    1.0

    VRAM

    20.0%

    1.0

    Floating-point performance

    15.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 1.7
    1080p

    Score components:

    55.0%

    1.0

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    1.0

    VRAM

    10.0%

    1.0

    Ray tracing cores / units

    10.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 1.3
    1440p

    Score components:

    50.0%

    1.0

    Floating-point performance

    30.0%

    1.0

    VRAM

    15.0%

    1.0

    Ray tracing cores / units

    5.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 1.3
    4K

    Score components:

    40.0%

    1.0

    Floating-point performance

    35.0%

    1.0

    VRAM

    20.0%

    1.0

    Ray tracing cores / units

    5.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £90

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Asus Radeon RX 550 is an entry-level graphics card featuring 4GB of GDDR5 memory on a 128-bit bus, built on the 14nm Polaris architecture with 512 stream processors. It operates at a base clock of 1100 MHz and a boost clock of 1183 MHz, providing a low-profile, energy-efficient solution with a 50W TDP that requires no external power connectors. Main pros include its compact dual-slot design with IP5X dust resistance for durability, full support for DirectX 12, and versatility for HTPCs or esports gaming at 1080p. However, its performance significantly lags behind slightly more expensive competitors like the GTX 1050, and it struggles to maintain playable frame rates in modern AAA titles without substantial resolution and setting sacrifices.

Technical Specifications of graphics card ASUS Radeon RX 550

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Graphics cards category across these key areas: Performance, Memory, Platform & Features, Connectivity & Media, Power & Cooling, Design.

When it matters: When you want to compare graphics cards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

44.0%

?

Performance

24.0%

?

Memory

12.0%

?

Power & Cooling

11.0%

?

Platform & Features

5.0%

?

Design

4.0%

?

Connectivity & Media

3.6
ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a technical score of 3.56 points, which is lower than that of 96% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the graphics card.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a graphics card performs in real use and how reliable it is in terms of performance, temperatures, noise, stability, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the graphics card.
When it matters: When you prefer a graphics card that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 57.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the graphics card's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a graphics card that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

3.6

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

5.5
ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.5 points, which is lower than 94.7% of products in this category.
3DMark Time Spy benchmark score
What it is: Benchmark result from 3DMark Time Spy, a synthetic DirectX 12 test often used as a quick gaming-performance reference.
When it matters: When you need a fast rough performance sort before digging into game-specific reviews and frame-rate data.

Importance: LOW

1,200 points
ASUS Radeon RX 550 scores 1,200 points in 3DMark Time Spy, which is lower than 97.7% of graphics cards and equal to 0.1% of graphics cards.
3DMark Port Royal score
What it is: Benchmark result from 3DMark Port Royal, a synthetic test focused on ray tracing performance.
When it matters: When ray tracing matters in the games you actually play and you want one quick way to separate stronger and weaker RT cards.

Importance: LOW

0 points
ASUS Radeon RX 550 scores 0 points in 3DMark Port Royal, which is lower than 83.2% of graphics cards and equal to 16.8% of graphics cards.
PassMark (G3D) result
What it is: Overall GPU performance score in PassMark G3D benchmark
When it matters: When you need one broad score to sort cards into rough performance tiers.

Importance: LOW

3,441 points
ASUS Radeon RX 550 scores 3,441 points in PassMark G3D, which is lower than 96.2% of graphics cards.
PassMark (DirectCompute) result
What it is: PassMark score for DirectCompute performance tests
When it matters: When compute workloads matter alongside gaming performance.

Importance: LOW

962 points
ASUS Radeon RX 550 scores 962 points in PassMark DirectCompute, which is lower than 97.6% of graphics cards and equal to 0.1% of graphics cards.
Floating-point performance
What it is: Theoretical floating-point compute performance of the GPU.
When it matters: When rendering, AI, or heavy compute work needs strong single-precision throughput.

Importance: LOW

1.21 TFLOPS
ASUS Radeon RX 550 delivers 1.21 TFLOPS floating-point performance, which is lower than that of 97.7% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.1% of graphics cards.
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VRAM
What it is: Total video memory available on the graphics card
When it matters: When you play at high settings, use texture mods, or work with large creative projects.

Importance: HIGH

2 GB
ASUS Radeon RX 550 has 2 GB of VRAM, which is less than 94.5% of graphics cards and equal to 3.8% of graphics cards.
Memory type
What it is: Type of graphics memory used (GDDR6, HBM2e, etc.)
When it matters: When memory technology is part of the buying decision because it affects bandwidth class, power use, and product positioning.

Importance: LOW

GDDR5
GDDR version
What it is: Generation of GDDR memory used by the graphics card.
When it matters: When you want to separate older memory generations from newer ones before comparing bandwidth, power behavior, and market tier.

Importance: LOW

GDDR5
ASUS Radeon RX 550 uses GDDR5 memory, which is older than on 85.9% of graphics cards and equal to 13.2% of graphics cards.
Memory bus width
What it is: Width of the memory interface bus in bits
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance at higher resolutions, heavier texture settings, or ray-traced workloads that stress memory traffic.

Importance: HIGH

128 bit
ASUS Radeon RX 550 uses a 128 bit memory bus, which is narrower than that of 69.6% of graphics cards and equal to that of 26% of graphics cards.
Maximum memory bandwidth
What it is: Maximum data transfer rate between GPU and its memory
When it matters: When 4K gaming, ray tracing, or creator work can choke a slower memory subsystem.

Importance: HIGH

112 GB/s
ASUS Radeon RX 550 reaches 112 GB/s memory bandwidth, which is lower than that of 94.7% of graphics cards and equal to that of 1.3% of graphics cards.
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PCI Express (PCIe) version
What it is: Version of PCI Express interface supported
When it matters: When you are pairing the card with an older motherboard and want to avoid leaving bandwidth or future compatibility on the table.

Importance: LOW

3.0
ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports PCIe 3.0, which is older than on 77.7% of graphics cards and equal to 20.3% of graphics cards.
PCIe lanes
What it is: Number of PCI Express lanes used for communication
When it matters: When limited lane width could bottleneck the card in some systems.

Importance: LOW

x8
ASUS Radeon RX 550 uses x8 PCIe lanes, which is fewer than 76.7% of graphics cards and equal to 22.2% of graphics cards.
DirectX version
What it is: Highest supported DirectX API version
When it matters: When you play newer Windows games that depend on the latest graphics features.

Importance: LOW

12
ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports DirectX 12, which is older than on 81.8% of graphics cards and equal to 16.9% of graphics cards.
Vulkan version
What it is: Highest supported Vulkan API version
When it matters: When modern games, emulators, or creative apps lean on Vulkan support.

Importance: LOW

1.3
ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports Vulkan 1.3, which is older than on 79.4% of graphics cards and equal to 15.7% of graphics cards.
OpenGL version
What it is: Highest supported OpenGL API version
When it matters: When older games or pro apps still depend on OpenGL compatibility.

Importance: LOW

4.6
ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports OpenGL 4.6, which is more advanced than on 1.9% of graphics cards and equal to 98.1% of graphics cards.
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Max displays supported
What it is: Total number of external displays supported simultaneously
When it matters: When you run a multi-monitor desk for sim racing, trading, or editing.

Importance: LOW

3
ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports up to 3 displays, which is fewer than 91.8% of graphics cards and equal to 5.9% of graphics cards.
Max digital resolution
What it is: Maximum supported digital display resolution
When it matters: When you plan to drive 4K or 8K panels at their native resolution.

Importance: LOW

5120x2880
ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports a maximum digital resolution of 5120x2880, which is lower than that of 91.1% of graphics cards and equal to that of 1.3% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort outputs
What it is: Number of DisplayPort video outputs
When it matters: When your setup needs several high-refresh monitors without adapters.

Importance: LOW

1
ASUS Radeon RX 550 offers 1 DisplayPort outputs, which is fewer than 88.7% of graphics cards and equal to 8.6% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort version
What it is: Version of DisplayPort standard supported
When it matters: When your monitor setup depends on newer DisplayPort features for higher refresh rates, higher resolution, or better cable flexibility.

Importance: LOW

1.4
ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports DisplayPort 1.4, which is older than on 80.6% of graphics cards and equal to 13.3% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort link rates
What it is: Supported data link rates for DisplayPort connections
When it matters: When you are pushing high resolution and refresh rate over DisplayPort.

Importance: LOW

25.92 Gbps
ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports DisplayPort link rates up to 25.92 Gbps, which is faster than on 52.7% of graphics cards and equal to 4.4% of graphics cards.
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Thermal Design Power (TDP)
What it is: Typical power consumption under full load (TDP)
When it matters: When you need a realistic idea of power draw before choosing a PSU or case.

Importance: MEDIUM

50 W
ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a TDP of 50 W, which is lower than that of 96.5% of graphics cards and equal to that of 1.1% of graphics cards.
Power consumption while under peak load
What it is: Peak power draw of the graphics card under maximum load.
When it matters: When transient-heavy gaming loads could stress your power supply.

Importance: LOW

50 W
ASUS Radeon RX 550 draws 50 W under peak load, which is lower than 97.2% of graphics cards and equal to 0.9% of graphics cards.
Recommended PSU wattage
What it is: Recommended wattage of the system power supply
When it matters: When you are checking whether your current power supply is enough.

Importance: LOW

350 W
ASUS Radeon RX 550 recommends a 350 W PSU, which is lower than that of 93.2% of graphics cards and equal to that of 1.2% of graphics cards.
Board power limit
What it is: Maximum configurable power limit for the GPU board
When it matters: When you care about how far the card can be pushed through tuning or factory power settings.

Importance: LOW

50 W
ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a board power limit of 50 W, which is lower than that of 97.1% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.8% of graphics cards.
PCIe power spec
What it is: PCIe power delivery specification followed
When it matters: When you are checking whether the slot and external cables match the card's intended power-delivery standard.

Importance: LOW

50 W
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Size
What it is: Physical size of the GPU card
When it matters: When you need the card to fit a compact case without blocking nearby hardware.

Importance: LOW

192 x 115 x 39 mm
Length
What it is: Physical length of the GPU card
When it matters: When front radiators or drive cages leave only limited GPU clearance.

Importance: LOW

182 mm
ASUS Radeon RX 550 is 182 mm long, which is shorter than 92.8% of graphics cards and equal in length to 0.3% of graphics cards.
Height
What it is: Physical height of the GPU card
When it matters: When side panels, brackets, or tight case layouts reduce vertical clearance.

Importance: LOW

115 mm
ASUS Radeon RX 550 is 115 mm tall, which is shorter than 72.4% of graphics cards and equal in height to 1.7% of graphics cards.
Slot width
What it is: Number of PCIe slots occupied by the card
When it matters: When you need room for another PCIe card or better airflow under the GPU.

Importance: LOW

2 slot/s
ASUS Radeon RX 550 occupies 2 slot/s, which is slimmer than 53.4% of graphics cards and equal in width to 42.5% of graphics cards.
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the graphics card
When it matters: When sag, bracket support, or shipping stress matters in your build.

Importance: LOW

649 g
ASUS Radeon RX 550 weighs 649 g, which is lighter than 84.7% of graphics cards and equal in weight to 0.2% of graphics cards.
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ASUS Radeon RX 550 vs the average graphics card

  • 76.7% lower TDP
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (50 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
    What it is: Typical power consumption under full load (TDP)
    When it matters: When you need a realistic idea of power draw before choosing a PSU or case.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (50 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.50 W vs 215 W
  • 46.2% lower PSU requirement
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (350 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
    What it is: Recommended wattage of the system power supply
    When it matters: When you are checking whether your current power supply is enough.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (350 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.350 W vs 650 W
  • 21.33x larger L2 cache
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has more L2 cache than the average graphics card (512 MB vs 24 MB). The average graphics card has 24 MB L2 cache.
    What it is: Total size of the GPU’s L2 cache memory
    When it matters: When cache size can help the GPU feed data faster in demanding scenes.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has more L2 cache than the average graphics card (512 MB vs 24 MB). The average graphics card has 24 MB L2 cache.512 MB vs 24 MB
  • 103 mm shorter card length
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 is shorter than the average graphics card (182 mm vs 285 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 285 mm.
    What it is: Physical length of the GPU card
    When it matters: When front radiators or drive cages leave only limited GPU clearance.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS Radeon RX 550 is shorter than the average graphics card (182 mm vs 285 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 285 mm.182 mm vs 285 mm
  • 77.8% lower board power limit
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower board power limit than the average graphics card (50 W vs 225 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 225 W.
    What it is: Maximum configurable power limit for the GPU board
    When it matters: When you care about how far the card can be pushed through tuning or factory power settings.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower board power limit than the average graphics card (50 W vs 225 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 225 W.50 W vs 225 W
  • 0.5 slot/s slimmer design
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 occupies fewer slots than the average graphics card (2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s). The average graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s.
    What it is: Number of PCIe slots occupied by the card
    When it matters: When you need room for another PCIe card or better airflow under the GPU.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS Radeon RX 550 occupies fewer slots than the average graphics card (2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s). The average graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s.2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s
  • 15 °C higher thermal ceiling
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a higher thermal ceiling than the average graphics card (80 °C vs 95 °C). The average graphics card has a thermal ceiling of 95 °C.
    What it is: Maximum safe junction temperature of the GPU die
    When it matters: When you are evaluating thermal headroom and want to know how close the GPU can run to its official ceiling before throttling behavior becomes a concern.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a higher thermal ceiling than the average graphics card (80 °C vs 95 °C). The average graphics card has a thermal ceiling of 95 °C.80 °C vs 95 °C
  • 2 more GPUs supported
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports more GPUs in multi-GPU mode than the average graphics card (2 vs 0). The average graphics card supports 0 GPUs in multi-GPU mode.
    What it is: Maximum number of GPUs supported in a multi-GPU setup
    When it matters: When you are planning a rendering or compute setup with more than one card.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports more GPUs in multi-GPU mode than the average graphics card (2 vs 0). The average graphics card supports 0 GPUs in multi-GPU mode.2 vs 0
  • Better FP64 ratio
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a better FP64 ratio than the average graphics card (1:16 vs 1:64).
  • 21.33x larger L2 cache
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has more L2 cache than the average graphics card (512 MB vs 24 MB). The average graphics card has 24 MB L2 cache.
  • 2 more GPUs supported
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports more GPUs in multi-GPU mode than the average graphics card (2 vs 0). The average graphics card supports 0 GPUs in multi-GPU mode.
  • Supports multi-GPU linking
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
  • 65.1% smaller GPU die
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower GPU die size than the average graphics card (103 mm² vs 295 mm²). The average graphics card has a GPU die size of 295 mm².
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
  • 76.7% lower TDP
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (50 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
  • 46.2% lower PSU requirement
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (350 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
  • 77.8% lower board power limit
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower board power limit than the average graphics card (50 W vs 225 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 225 W.
  • 15 °C higher thermal ceiling
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a higher thermal ceiling than the average graphics card (80 °C vs 95 °C). The average graphics card has a thermal ceiling of 95 °C.
  • 77.3% lower peak power draw
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower peak power draw than the average graphics card (50 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a peak power draw of 220 W.
  • 10 °C lower load temperature
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower load temperature than the average graphics card (57 °C vs 67 °C). The average graphics card has a load temperature of 67 °C.
  • 103 mm shorter card length
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 is shorter than the average graphics card (182 mm vs 285 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 285 mm.
  • 0.5 slot/s slimmer design
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 occupies fewer slots than the average graphics card (2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s). The average graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s.
  • 10 mm lower card height
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 is shorter than the average graphics card (115 mm vs 125 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 125 mm.

Total
Overall
Performance
Memory
Platform & Features
Connectivity & Media
Power & Cooling
Design
  • 52.8% lower boost clock speed
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,183 MHz vs 2,505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,505 MHz.
  • 40 fewer ray tracing cores
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.
  • 32 fewer compute units
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (8 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
  • No CUDA support
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 does not support CUDA, the average graphics card does.
  • 152 fewer TMUs
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (32 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
  • 42.7% lower base clock speed
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,100 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.
  • 90.1% lower texture rate
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (37.9 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 381.2 GTexel/s.
  • 88.4% lower pixel rate
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (18.9 GPixel/s vs 163.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 163.2 GPixel/s.
  • 48 fewer ROPs
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has fewer ROPs than the average graphics card (16 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
  • 144 fewer AI cores
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has fewer AI cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 144). The average graphics card has 144 AI cores.
  • 94.6% lower FP32 performance
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower FP32 performance than the average graphics card (1.2 TFLOPS vs 22.57 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP32 performance of 22.57 TFLOPS.
  • 84.8% lower PassMark score
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower PassMark score than the average graphics card (3,441 points vs 22,653 points). The average graphics card has a PassMark score of 22,653 points.
  • 91.8% lower gaming score
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower gaming score than the average graphics card (1,200 points vs 14,678.5 points). The average graphics card has a gaming score of 14,678.5 points.
  • 92% lower compute score
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower compute score than the average graphics card (962 points vs 12,074 points). The average graphics card has a compute score of 12,074 points.
  • 95.9% lower FP16 performance
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower FP16 performance than the average graphics card (1.2 TFLOPS vs 29.725 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP16 performance of 29.725 TFLOPS.
  • 94.7% lower compute throughput
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower compute throughput than the average graphics card (1.2 TFLOPS vs 22.98 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has compute throughput of 22.98 TFLOPS.
  • 3,840 fewer FP32 units
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has fewer FP32 units than the average graphics card (512 vs 4,352). The average graphics card has 4,352 FP32 units.
  • 79.2% lower FP64 performance
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower FP64 performance than the average graphics card (0.1 TFLOPS vs 0.48 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP64 performance of 0.48 TFLOPS.
  • 10 GB less VRAM
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (2 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
  • 128 bit narrower memory bus
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a narrower memory bus than the average graphics card (128 bit vs 256 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 256 bit.
  • 75% lower memory bandwidth
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (112 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
  • 63.2% slower memory speed
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (7,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.
  • 87.5% smaller L1 cache
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has fewer L1 cache than the average graphics card (16 vs 128). The average graphics card has 128 L1 cache.
  • 2.8x larger process node
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a higher process node than the average graphics card (14 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.
  • No DLSS support
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 does not support DLSS, the average graphics card does.
  • No ray tracing
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 does not support ray tracing, the average graphics card does.
  • Fewer PCIe lanes
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has fewer PCIe lanes than the average graphics card (x8 vs x16). The average graphics card has x16 PCIe lanes.
  • Older PCIe version
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports an older PCIe version than the average graphics card (3 vs 4.0).
  • 6 older
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 was released earlier than the average graphics card (2017 vs 2023).
    April 2017
  • No mesh shaders
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 does not support mesh shaders, the average graphics card does.
  • Older encoder generation
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 uses an older encoder generation than the average graphics card (3.4 vs 8). The average graphics card uses encoder generation 8.
  • Worse SAM support
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 offers worse SAM support than the average graphics card (no vs yes).
  • Older Vulkan version
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports an older Vulkan version than the average graphics card (1.3 vs 1.4).
  • Lower VRS tier
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports a lower VRS tier than the average graphics card (Tier 1 vs Tier 2).
  • Older DirectX version
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports an older DirectX version than the average graphics card (12 vs 12 Ultimate).
  • Older OpenCL version
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports an older OpenCL version than the average graphics card (2.1 vs 3.0).
  • No sampler feedback
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 does not support sampler feedback, the average graphics card does.
  • 90.4% fewer transistors
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has fewer transistors than the average graphics card (2,200 million vs 22,900 million). The average graphics card has 22,900 million transistors.
  • Older shader model
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports an older shader model than the average graphics card (6.7 vs 6.8).
  • Older FSR version
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports an older FSR version than the average graphics card (1 vs 3.1).
  • 2 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 3). The average graphics card has 3 DisplayPort outputs.
  • No AV1 encoding
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
  • 1 fewer displays supported
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports fewer displays than the average graphics card (3 vs 4). The average graphics card supports 4 displays.
  • No AV1 decoding
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 does not support AV1 decoding, the average graphics card does.
  • Narrower encode codec support
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports narrower hardware encode codec support than the average graphics card (H.264/H.265 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9).
  • Older DisplayPort version
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports an older DisplayPort version than the average graphics card (1.4 vs 1.4a).
  • Narrower decode codec support
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports narrower hardware decode codec support than the average graphics card (H.264/H.265/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1).
  • Older HDMI version
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports an older HDMI version than the average graphics card (2.0b vs 2.1).
  • Older HDCP version
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports an older HDCP version than the average graphics card (2.2 vs 2.3).
  • Lower display resolution
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 supports a lower maximum digital resolution than the average graphics card (5120x2880 vs 7680x4320). The average graphics card supports a maximum digital resolution of 7680x4320.
  • 2 fewer fans
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has fewer fans than the average graphics card (1 vs 3).
  • No dual BIOS
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 does not include dual BIOS, the average graphics card does.
  • 36 dB noisier at idle
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a higher idle noise level than the average graphics card (36 dB vs 0 dB). The average graphics card has an idle noise level of 0 dB.
  • No backplate
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 does not include a backplate, the average graphics card does.
  • 52.8% lower boost clock speed
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,183 MHz vs 2,505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,505 MHz.
    What it is: Maximum boost frequency the GPU can reach under load
    When it matters: When you want a rough idea of peak advertised frequency, while knowing real sustained clocks still depend on cooling and power limits.

    Importance: HIGH

    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,183 MHz vs 2,505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,505 MHz.1183 MHz vs 2505 MHz
  • 10 GB less VRAM
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (2 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
    What it is: Total video memory available on the graphics card
    When it matters: When you play at high settings, use texture mods, or work with large creative projects.

    Importance: HIGH

    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (2 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.2 GB vs 12 GB
  • 128 bit narrower memory bus
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a narrower memory bus than the average graphics card (128 bit vs 256 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 256 bit.
    What it is: Width of the memory interface bus in bits
    When it matters: When you care about steadier performance at higher resolutions, heavier texture settings, or ray-traced workloads that stress memory traffic.

    Importance: HIGH

    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a narrower memory bus than the average graphics card (128 bit vs 256 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 256 bit.128 bit vs 256 bit
  • 40 fewer ray tracing cores
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.
    What it is: Number of dedicated ray tracing processing cores or units
    When it matters: When you care about ray-traced lighting, reflections, and shadows in newer games.

    Importance: HIGH

    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.0 vs 40
  • 32 fewer compute units
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (8 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
    What it is: Total number of shader multiprocessors or compute units
    When it matters: When you want a better sense of the GPU's overall parallel hardware resources before relying on game benchmarks alone.

    Importance: HIGH

    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (8 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.8 vs 40
  • 2 fewer fans
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has fewer fans than the average graphics card (1 vs 3).
    What it is: Total number of cooling fans
    When it matters: When you compare cooler designs and want one more clue about thermal potential.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has fewer fans than the average graphics card (1 vs 3).1 vs 3
  • 2.8x larger process node
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a higher process node than the average graphics card (14 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.
    What it is: Size of the manufacturing process in nanometers
    When it matters: When process node differences may affect power, heat, and overall efficiency.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASUS Radeon RX 550 has a higher process node than the average graphics card (14 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.14 nm vs 5 nm
  • No CUDA support
    ASUS Radeon RX 550 does not support CUDA, the average graphics card does.
    What it is: Supports CUDA parallel computing platform
    When it matters: When your apps or AI tools specifically depend on the CUDA software stack.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASUS Radeon RX 550 does not support CUDA, the average graphics card does.
Total
Overall
Performance
Memory
Platform & Features
Connectivity & Media
Power & Cooling
Design

Graphic comparison of ASUS Radeon RX 550 and other products in the Graphics cards category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASUS Radeon RX 550?

  • Significant performance leap over integrated graphics solutions
  • Low power consumption (50W TDP) and requires no external power connectors
  • Compact single-fan design fits easily into small form factor (SFF) cases
  • Quiet operation, with fans often remaining idle during low-load tasks
  • Modern feature set including HDMI 2.0b, DisplayPort 1.4, and 4K decoding support
  • Intuitive ASUS GPU Tweak II software for monitoring and simple adjustments

What customers dislike about ASUS Radeon RX 550?

  • Struggles with modern AAA titles, often requiring sub-1080p resolutions for playable frame rates
  • Poor value proposition compared to slightly more expensive cards like the GTX 1050 or RX 560
  • Limited overclocking headroom; performance may even decrease in OC mode due to thermal/power limits
  • 2GB VRAM variant is increasingly insufficient for modern gaming requirements
  • Higher-resolution gaming (1440p or 4K) is not practically viable for this chip

Expert reviews

A
au.pcmag.com
29/09/2017
Summary of the review
Asus Radeon RX 550 4G Review If you would like, I can find broader roundup reviews that benchmark the reference AMD Radeon RX 550 against other graphi...
U
uk.pcmag.com
28/09/2017
Summary of the review
Asus Radeon RX 550 4G Review - Review 2017
P
pcmag.com
01/09/2017
Summary of the review
Asus Radeon RX 550 4G Review - PCMag
N
noticias3d.com
20/04/2017
Summary of the review
AMD Radeon RX 550 - Noticias 3D
(Translated)Show original
H
hardware.info
22/06/2017
Summary of the review
AMD Radeon RX 550 review: nieuw instapkaartje - Conclusie
(Translated)Show original
T
techpulse.be
17/10/2017
Summary of the review
Asus Radeon RX 550 review: budget-GPU
(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

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