OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Graphics cards Methodology v3.0
Graphics cards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Graphics cards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Graphics cards Methodology v3.0

MSI Radeon RX 480 review: 117 specs compared

Avg. price:~£60VRAM:8 GBMemory bus width:256 bitThermal Design Power (TDP):150 W

MSI Radeon RX 480 Review: Compare 117 technical specifications and 13 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Graphics cards category and whether it is worth buying.

MSI Radeon RX 480
6.5/10

Overall score

Score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
Score components

40%

5.0

Technical score

25%

8.4

Reviews score

25%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

5.0

Sentiment score

â–¼Worse than 82% of graphics cards
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 54% of models
Score components

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–²Better than 54%
5.0

Technical score

Technical score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components

44%

2.6

Performance

24%

4.9

Memory

12%

8.8

Power

11%

7.5

Features

5%

9.6

Design

4%

7.6

Connectivity

â–¼Worse than 84%
8.4

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 85% of models

80%

8.3

Average grade

20%

8.7

Popularity

Grades by review (13)
7 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 7 estimated from the review. 6 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 85%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • msi-radeon-rx-480
  • msi-radeon-rx-480
  • msi-radeon-rx-480
  • msi-radeon-rx-480
  • msi-radeon-rx-480
msi-radeon-rx-480
msi-radeon-rx-480
msi-radeon-rx-480
msi-radeon-rx-480
msi-radeon-rx-480
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the MSI Radeon RX 480

Based on 7 · 6

Reviewers like its cooling and quiet running, but are split on gaming performance and criticise power draw and high-resolution play.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the MSI Radeon RX 480

Based on 198 owners sharing their experience in online comments

74%positive7%mixed19%negative

Owners praise its strong, affordable gaming performance, while high temperatures are the clearest drawback.

What owners dislike

  • Runs hot under gaming load, often reaching 80 to 90°C on stock fan curves, and some owners fixed it by replacing thermal paste or raising fan speed.19
  • Crashes or shuts down unexpectedly, especially with aggressive overclocks or on older motherboards, and some owners fixed it by lowering clocks.8
  • Overclocking is limited or unstable, with many cards crashing in games at clocks that pass benchmarks.8
  • Performance falls short in demanding games, where 4GB cards can run out of VRAM and need lower settings for smooth frame rates.5

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of graphics card MSI Radeon RX 480

Technical score
Technical score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components:

44%

2.6

Performance

24%

4.9

Memory

12%

8.8

Power

11%

7.5

Features

5%

9.6

Design

4%

7.6

Connectivity

5.0
Reviews score
8.4
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 54% of models
Score components:

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.5
3DMark Time Spy benchmark score
4,796 points
Market range: <4.1k points – >30.1k points
This graphics card scores 4,796 points in 3DMark Time Spy, which is lower than 86.3% of graphics cards.
3DMark Port Royal score
0 points
Market range: <0 points – >22.4k points
This graphics card scores 0 points in 3DMark Port Royal, which is lower than 83.1% of graphics cards and equal to 16.9% of graphics cards.
PassMark (G3D) result
8,700 points
Market range: <7.7k points – >36k points
This graphics card scores 8,700 points in PassMark G3D, which is lower than 87.9% of graphics cards.
PassMark (DirectCompute) result
3,414 points
Market range: <3.1k points – >26.3k points
This graphics card scores 3,414 points in PassMark DirectCompute, which is lower than 88.6% of graphics cards.
FP32 performance
5.8 TFLOPS
Market range: <3.94 TFLOPS – >56.3 TFLOPS
This graphics card delivers 5.8 TFLOPS FP32 performance, which is lower than that of 84.3% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.2% of graphics cards.
Show more
What reviewers say
VRAM
8 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
This graphics card has 8 GB of VRAM, which is less than 56.8% of graphics cards and equal to 25.7% of graphics cards.
Memory type
GDDR5
This graphics card uses GDDR5 memory, which is older than on 85.4% of graphics cards and equal to 13.2% of graphics cards.
Memory bus width
256 bit
Market range: <128 bit – >384 bit
This graphics card uses a 256 bit memory bus, which is wider than that of 50.7% of graphics cards and equal to that of 35.5% of graphics cards.
Maximum memory bandwidth
256 GB/s
Market range: <168 GB/s – >960 GB/s
This graphics card reaches 256 GB/s memory bandwidth, which is lower than that of 80% of graphics cards and equal to that of 2.8% of graphics cards.
Effective memory speed
8,000 MHz
Market range: <7k MHz – >28k MHz
This graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 8,000 MHz, which is slower than that of 86.1% of graphics cards and equal to that of 2.6% of graphics cards.
Show more
PCI Express (PCIe) version
3
This graphics card supports PCIe 3, which is older than on 77.6% of graphics cards and equal to 20.1% of graphics cards.
PCIe lanes
x16
This graphics card uses x16 PCIe lanes, which is more than 24.1% of graphics cards and equal to 75.9% of graphics cards.
DirectX version
12
This graphics card supports DirectX 12, which is older than on 81.8% of graphics cards and equal to 17% of graphics cards.
Vulkan version
1.3
This graphics card supports Vulkan 1.3, which is older than on 79.2% of graphics cards and equal to 15.6% of graphics cards.
OpenGL version
4.6
This graphics card supports OpenGL 4.6, which is more advanced than on 2% of graphics cards and equal to 98% of graphics cards.
Show more
Max displays supported
4
Market range: <4 – >4
This graphics card supports up to 4 displays, which is more than 9% of graphics cards and equal to 88.2% of graphics cards.
Max digital resolution
4096x2160
This graphics card supports a maximum digital resolution of 4096x2160, which is lower than that of 92.4% of graphics cards and equal to that of 4.6% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort outputs
2
Market range: <1 – >3
This graphics card offers 2 DisplayPort outputs, which is fewer than 78.3% of graphics cards and equal to 9.8% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort version
1.4
This graphics card supports DisplayPort 1.4, which is older than on 80.8% of graphics cards and equal to 13.1% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort link rates
5.4 Gbps
Market range: <5.4 Gbps – >80 Gbps
This graphics card supports DisplayPort link rates up to 5.4 Gbps, which is slower than on 87.9% of graphics cards and equal to 6% of graphics cards.
Show more
What reviewers say
Thermal Design Power (TDP)
150 W
Market range: <86 W – >360 W
This graphics card has a TDP of 150 W, which is lower than that of 72.9% of graphics cards and equal to that of 2.8% of graphics cards.
Power consumption while under peak load
200 W
Market range: <106 W – >365 W
This graphics card draws 200 W under peak load, which is lower than 53.4% of graphics cards and equal to 3.6% of graphics cards.
Recommended PSU wattage
500 W
Market range: <450 W – >850 W
This graphics card recommends a 500 W PSU, which is lower than that of 75.2% of graphics cards and equal to that of 8.8% of graphics cards.
Board power limit
225 W
Market range: <107 W – >400 W
This graphics card has a board power limit of 225 W, which is higher than that of 50.5% of graphics cards and equal to that of 1.3% of graphics cards.
PCIe power spec
150 W
Show more
What reviewers say
Size
240x 95x 35 mm
Length
242 mm
Market range: <200 mm – >337 mm
This graphics card is 242 mm long, which is shorter than 72.5% of graphics cards and equal in length to 1.7% of graphics cards.
Height
112 mm
Market range: <109 mm – >146 mm
This graphics card is 112 mm tall, which is shorter than 76.6% of graphics cards and equal in height to 3.2% of graphics cards.
Slot width
2 slot/s
Market range: <2 slot/s – >3.25 slot/s
This graphics card occupies 2 slot/s, which is slimmer than 52.4% of graphics cards and equal in width to 43.4% of graphics cards.
Weight
686 g
Market range: <541 g – >2k g
This graphics card weighs 686 g, which is lighter than 79% of Graphics cards and equal to 0.2% of Graphics cards.
Show more
What reviewers say

MSI Radeon RX 480 vs the average graphics card

246810TotalPerformanceMemoryFeaturesConnectivityPowerDesign
  • 64 bit wider memory bus
    This graphics card has a wider memory bus than the average graphics card (256 bit vs 192 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 192 bit.
    256 bit vs 192 bit
  • 23.1% lower PSU requirement
    This graphics card has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (500 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
    500 W vs 650 W
  • 16.7% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 85% of models

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    8.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (13)
    7 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 7 estimated from the review. 6 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.4 vs 7.2
  • 30.2% lower TDP
    This graphics card has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (150 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
    150 W vs 215 W
  • 14.3% faster VRAM clock
    This graphics card has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (2000 MHz vs 1,750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1,750 MHz.
    2,000 MHz vs 1,750 MHz
  • 0.5 slot/s slimmer design
    This graphics card 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
  • 13 mm lower card height
    This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (112 mm vs 125 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 125 mm.
    112 mm vs 125 mm
  • 40.2 mm shorter card length
    This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (242 mm vs 282.2 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 282.2 mm.
    242 mm vs 282.2 mm
  • 16.7% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 85% of models

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    8.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (13)
    7 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 7 estimated from the review. 6 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.4 vs 7.2
  • 8.67x cheaper
    MSI Radeon RX 480 is cheaper than the average graphics card (£60 vs £520).
    £60 vs £520
  • More FP64 throughput
    This graphics card has a better FP64 ratio than the average graphics card (1:16 vs 1:64).
    1:16 vs 1:64
  • 64 bit wider memory bus
    This graphics card has a wider memory bus than the average graphics card (256 bit vs 192 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 192 bit.
    256 bit vs 192 bit
  • 14.3% faster VRAM clock
    This graphics card has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (2000 MHz vs 1,750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1,750 MHz.
    2,000 MHz vs 1,750 MHz
  • 2 more GPUs supported
    This graphics card 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
  • Supports multi-GPU linking
    This graphics card supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    This graphics card has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
    1 vs 0
  • 23.1% lower PSU requirement
    This graphics card has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (500 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
    500 W vs 650 W
  • 30.2% lower TDP
    This graphics card has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (150 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
    150 W vs 215 W
  • 13 mm lower card height
    This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (112 mm vs 125 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 125 mm.
    112 mm vs 125 mm
  • 0.5 slot/s slimmer design
    This graphics card 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
  • 40.2 mm shorter card length
    This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (242 mm vs 282.2 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 282.2 mm.
    242 mm vs 282.2 mm
  • 49.5% lower boost clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,266 MHz vs 2,505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,505 MHz.
    1,266 MHz vs 2,505 MHz
  • 40 fewer ray tracing cores
    This graphics card 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
  • Less advanced frame generation
    This graphics card has less advanced frame generation than the average graphics card (no vs multi frame generation).
  • No CUDA support
    This graphics card does not support CUDA, the average graphics card does.
  • 2.8x larger process node
    This graphics card uses a larger manufacturing process than the average graphics card (14 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a manufacturing process of 5 nm.
    14 nm vs 5 nm
  • 41.7% lower base clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,120 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.
    1,120 MHz vs 1,920 MHz
  • 4 GB less VRAM
    This graphics card has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (8 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
    8 GB vs 12 GB
  • 1 fewer fans
    This graphics card has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
    2 vs 3
  • 35.9% lower sentiment score
    5.0 vs 7.8
  • 49.5% lower boost clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,266 MHz vs 2,505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,505 MHz.
    1,266 MHz vs 2,505 MHz
  • 40 fewer ray tracing cores
    This graphics card 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
  • No CUDA support
    This graphics card does not support CUDA, the average graphics card does.
  • 41.7% lower base clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,120 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.
    1,120 MHz vs 1,920 MHz
  • 74.9% lower pixel rate
    This graphics card has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (40.5 GPixel/s vs 161.3 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 161.3 GPixel/s.
    40.51 GPixel/s vs 161.3 GPixel/s
  • 144 fewer AI cores
    This graphics card has fewer AI cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 144). The average graphics card has 144 AI cores.
    0 vs 144
  • 51.8% lower texture rate
    This graphics card has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (182.3 GTexel/s vs 378 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 378 GTexel/s.
    182.3 GTexel/s vs 378 GTexel/s
  • 32 fewer ROPs
    This graphics card has fewer ROPs than the average graphics card (32 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
    32 vs 64
  • 74.3% lower FP32 performance
    This graphics card has a lower FP32 performance than the average graphics card (5.8 TFLOPS vs 22.6 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP32 performance of 22.6 TFLOPS.
    5.8 TFLOPS vs 22.6 TFLOPS
  • 7 years older
    This graphics card was released earlier than the average graphics card (2016 vs 2023).
    June 2016
    2016 vs 2023
  • 40 fewer TMUs
    This graphics card has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (144 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
    144 vs 184
  • 61.6% lower PassMark score
    This graphics card has a lower PassMark score than the average graphics card (8,700 points vs 22,638 points). The average graphics card has a PassMark score of 22,638 points.
    8,700 points vs 22,638 points
  • 67.5% lower gaming score
    This graphics card has a lower gaming score than the average graphics card (4,796 points vs 14,779 points). The average graphics card has a gaming score of 14,779 points.
    4,796 points vs 14,779 points
  • 4 fewer compute units
    This graphics card has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (36 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
    36 vs 40
  • 71.7% lower compute score
    This graphics card has a lower compute score than the average graphics card (3,414 points vs 12,70.5 points). The average graphics card has a compute score of 12,070.5 points.
    3,414 points vs 12,070.5 points
  • 79.5% lower FP16 performance
    This graphics card has a lower FP16 performance than the average graphics card (6.1 TFLOPS vs 29.5 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP16 performance of 29.5 TFLOPS.
    6.06 TFLOPS vs 29.5 TFLOPS
  • 4 GB less VRAM
    This graphics card has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (8 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
    8 GB vs 12 GB
  • 57.9% slower memory speed
    This graphics card has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (8,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.
    8,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz
  • 42.9% lower memory bandwidth
    This graphics card has a lower memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (256 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
    256 GB/s vs 448 GB/s
  • 91.7% smaller L2 cache
    This graphics card has fewer L2 cache than the average graphics card (2 MB vs 24 MB). The average graphics card has 24 MB L2 cache.
    2 MB vs 24 MB
  • 87.5% smaller L1 cache
    This graphics card has fewer L1 cache than the average graphics card (16 KB vs 128 KB). The average graphics card has 128 KB L1 cache.
    16 KB vs 128 KB
  • Less advanced frame generation
    This graphics card has less advanced frame generation than the average graphics card (no vs multi frame generation).
  • 2.8x larger process node
    This graphics card uses a larger manufacturing process than the average graphics card (14 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a manufacturing process of 5 nm.
    14 nm vs 5 nm
  • No DLSS support
    This graphics card does not support DLSS, the average graphics card does.
  • No ray tracing
    This graphics card does not support ray tracing, the average graphics card does.
  • Older PCIe version
    This graphics card supports an older PCIe version than the average graphics card (3 vs 4).
    3 vs 4
  • No XeSS support
    This graphics card does not support XeSS, the average graphics card does.
  • No mesh shaders
    This graphics card does not support mesh shaders, the average graphics card does.
  • No Resizable BAR
    This graphics card does not support Resizable BAR, while the average graphics card does. 76.4% of Graphics cards support it.
  • Older Vulkan version
    This graphics card supports an older Vulkan version than the average graphics card (1.3 vs 1.4).
    1.3 vs 1.4
  • Older DirectX version
    This graphics card supports an older DirectX version than the average graphics card (12 vs 12 Ultimate).
    12 vs 12 Ultimate
  • Older shader model
    This graphics card supports an older shader model than the average graphics card (6 vs 6.8).
    6 vs 6.8
  • No sampler feedback
    This graphics card does not support sampler feedback, the average graphics card does.
  • Older OpenCL version
    This graphics card supports an older OpenCL version than the average graphics card (2.1 vs 3).
    2.1 vs 3
  • 75.1% fewer transistors
    This graphics card has fewer transistors than the average graphics card (5,700 million vs 22,900 million). The average graphics card has 22,900 million transistors.
    5,700 million vs 22,900 million
  • Older FSR version
    This graphics card supports an older FSR version than the average graphics card (2 vs 3.1).
    2 vs 3.1
  • No AV1 encoding
    This graphics card does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
  • Older HDMI version
    This graphics card supports an older HDMI version than the average graphics card (2.0b vs 2.1a).
    2.0b vs 2.1a
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This graphics card has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average graphics card (2 vs 3). The average graphics card has 3 DisplayPort outputs.
    2 vs 3
  • No AV1 decoding
    This graphics card does not support AV1 decoding, the average graphics card does.
  • No DSC support
    This graphics card does not support DSC, the average graphics card does.
  • More basic codec support
    This graphics card encodes more basic formats than the average graphics card (H.264/H.265 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9).
    H.264/H.265 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9
  • Older DisplayPort version
    This graphics card supports an older DisplayPort version than the average graphics card (1.4 vs 1.4a).
    1.4 vs 1.4a
  • Lower display resolution
    This graphics card supports a lower maximum digital resolution than the average graphics card (4096x2160 vs 7680x4320). The average graphics card supports a maximum digital resolution of 7680x4320.
    4096x2160 vs 7680x4320
  • Older HDCP version
    This graphics card supports an older HDCP version than the average graphics card (2.2 vs 2.3).
    2.2 vs 2.3
  • 75% lower DisplayPort bandwidth
    This graphics card has a lower DisplayPort bandwidth than the average graphics card (5.4 Gbps vs 21.6 Gbps). The average graphics card has DisplayPort bandwidth of 21.6 Gbps.
    5.4 Gbps vs 21.6 Gbps
  • 1 fewer fans
    This graphics card has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
    2 vs 3
  • 13 °C higher idle temperature
    This graphics card has a higher idle temperature than the average graphics card (50 °C vs 37 °C). The average graphics card has an idle temperature of 37 °C.
    50 °C vs 37 °C
  • 6 °C higher load temperature
    This graphics card has a higher load temperature than the average graphics card (73 °C vs 67 °C). The average graphics card has a load temperature of 67 °C.
    73 °C vs 67 °C
  • 3.6 dB noisier under load
    This graphics card has a higher load noise level than the average graphics card (39 dB vs 35.4 dB). The average graphics card has a load noise level of 35.4 dB.
    39 dB vs 35.4 dB

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
lionheartx10
≈ estimated
20/03/2017
Hands-on review · 1080p benchmarks, temperatures and rendering
Verdict
MSI Radeon RX 480 is a solid mid-range card that handles 1080p well above 60 FPS and offers good value.
6.0
TotallydubbedHD
≈ estimated
17/02/2017
Hands-on review · noise, heat, power and rival comparison
Verdict
MSI Radeon RX 480 is not worth it in general, but it's a budget pick for FreeSync gamers without a G-Sync monitor.
9.0
Matt's Paddock
≈ estimated
30/08/2016
Hands-on review · cooling, noise and overclocking tests
Verdict
MSI Radeon RX 480 is a quiet, well-cooled card that runs 1440p well, though overclocking gains are small.
9.0
Gamers Nexus
≈ estimated
02/08/2016
Full review · benchmarks, thermals and overclocking
Verdict
MSI Radeon RX 480 is worth the small premium over the reference card, and the partner model is strongly preferred.
8.0
Mike's unboxing, reviews and how to
≈ estimated
16/03/2017
Unboxing · first look at the spec sheet and build
Verdict
MSI Radeon RX 480 is recommended at its price, judging from the spec sheet and first impressions rather than real testing.
8.0
Desktop HIFI
≈ estimated
19/02/2017
First impressions · unboxing and purchase reasons
Verdict
MSI Radeon RX 480 was chosen for editing and casual gaming and is expected to be a quiet upgrade over the old card.
Not graded
Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict
Shop video
Overview video
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
guru3d.com
≈ estimated
01/08/2016
Hands-on review · Cooler and silence
Verdict
The MSI Radeon RX 480 Gaming X 8G is a quiet, factory-tweaked mainstream card for 1080p and 1440p gaming, not an enthusiast-grade one.
9.0
gamersnexus.net
≈ estimated
02/08/2016
Lab test · Thermals and frame rates
Verdict
The MSI RX 480 Gaming X is a cool, steady card that leads in Vulkan DOOM but trails the GTX 1060 in OpenGL DOOM and GTA V.
9.0
overclockers.com
≈ estimated
04/08/2016
Hands-on test · Cooler and fan design
Verdict
The MSI RX 480 Gaming X 8G is a quiet 1080p card whose fans stay off until 60°C, but it is long and heavy at 978g.
7.0
pcgameshardware.de
≈ estimated
29/06/2016
Benchmark test · Mid-range graphics card
Verdict
The Radeon RX 480 8GB suits Full HD, where it beats the Radeon R9 290, but its clocks sag under load to stay within 150 watts.
9.0
tomshardware.fr
≈ estimated
03/11/2016
Lab test · Overclocking
Verdict
The MSI Radeon RX 480 Gaming X 8G gains little from its factory OC mode, but watercooling and memory overclocks add useful speed for overclockers.
8.0
tomshardware.fr
≈ estimated
29/06/2016
Benchmark test · Game-by-game results
Verdict
The Radeon RX 480 suits Full HD gaming and meets VR minimums, matching a GeForce GTX 980 in some titles, but struggles in Battlefield 4 and GTA V.
8.0
geektopia.es
≈ estimated
14/07/2016
Lab test · Overclocking and cooling
Verdict
The Radeon RX 480 8GB is a 1080p card for people who never overclock, but its reference cooler runs hot and loud when pushed.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI Radeon RX 480

  • Excellent cooling performance with the Twin Frozr VI cooler, running significantly cooler than reference models
  • Near-silent operation; fans remain idle under low loads (Zero Frozr technology)
  • Strong 1080p gaming performance and capable 1440p performance with adjusted settings
  • Premium build quality including a sturdy metal backplate and customizable RGB lighting
  • Improved power delivery via an 8-pin connector compared to the 6-pin reference design
  • Excellent current second-hand value for budget builds

What customers don't like about MSI Radeon RX 480

  • High power consumption under load, often exceeding the 150W TDP advertised for the chip
  • Limited overclocking headroom as the card comes factory-tweaked near its limits
  • Dated architecture that struggles with modern AAA titles and lacks ray-tracing support
  • Large physical footprint (custom PCB) may not fit in compact or small-form-factor cases
  • Audible coil whine reported by some users under specific heavy workloads
  • Fan curve may require manual tuning in some closed-case environments to prevent higher temps

Verdict

The MSI Radeon RX 480 is a mid-range graphics card based on the 14nm Polaris architecture, featuring 2,304 stream processors and either 4GB or 8GB of GDDR5 VRAM on a 256-bit memory interface. Premium variants like the Gaming X model offer factory-overclocked boost speeds up to 1,316 MHz and utilise the Twin Frozr VI cooling system with Zero Frozr technology, which keeps fans idle below 60°C for silent operation. Main pros include strong 1080p gaming performance, VR readiness, and customisable RGB lighting. However, notable cons include higher power consumption compared to reference models—often requiring an 8-pin connector—and potential issues with audible coil whine or aggressive fan curves under heavy load.

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