OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Graphics cards Methodology v1.0
Graphics cards Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Graphics cards Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Graphics cards Methodology v1.0

MSI Radeon RX 480 Gaming 8GB Review | 118 Data compared

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

MSI Radeon RX 480 Gaming 8GB 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.

MSI Radeon RX 480 Gaming 8GB
5.2/10

Overall score

Score
5.2/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components

90%

4.9

Technical score

10%

8.1

User score

â–¼Worse than 84% of graphics cards
6.7

Value for money

Value for money
6.7/ 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–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components

70%

5.2

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 74%
4.9

Technical score

Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components

44%

2.6

Performance

24%

4.9

Memory

12%

8.8

Power & Cooling

11%

7.6

Platform & Features

5%

7.9

Design

4%

8.0

Connectivity & Media

â–¼Worse than 85%
8.1

User score

User score
8.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 62% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

7.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 62%
  • msi-radeon-rx-480-gaming-8gb
msi-radeon-rx-480-gaming-8gb
Best prices
*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.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of graphics card MSI Radeon RX 480 Gaming 8GB

Technical score
Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components:

44%

2.6

Performance

24%

4.9

Memory

12%

8.8

Power & Cooling

11%

7.6

Platform & Features

5%

7.9

Design

4%

8.0

Connectivity & Media

4.9
User score
User score
8.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 62% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

7.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.1
Popularity
Popularity
7.4/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 69% of models
Popularity:
MSI Radeon RX 480 Gaming 8GB has a popularity score of 7.4 points, which is higher than that of 69% of products in this category.
7.4
Value for money
Value for money
6.7/ 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–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components:

70%

5.2

Overall score

30%

10

Price

6.7
3DMark Time Spy benchmark score
3,200 points
Market range: <4k points – >34k points
This graphics card scores 3,200 points in 3DMark Time Spy, which is lower than 92.6% of graphics cards and equal to 0.1% of graphics cards.
3DMark Port Royal score
0 points
Market range: <0 points – >25k points
This graphics card 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
8,119 points
Market range: <7.7k points – >36k points
This graphics card scores 8,119 points in PassMark G3D, which is lower than 88.7% of graphics cards.
PassMark (DirectCompute) result
1922 points
Market range: <3.1k points – >26.3k points
This graphics card scores 1922 points in PassMark DirectCompute, which is lower than 95.4% of graphics cards.
Floating-point performance
5.89 TFLOPS
Market range: <4.38 TFLOPS – >57.42 TFLOPS
This graphics card delivers 5.89 TFLOPS floating-point performance, which is lower than that of 85.1% of graphics cards.
Show more
VRAM
8 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >24 GB
This graphics card has 8 GB of VRAM, which is less than 57.5% of graphics cards and equal to 25.1% of graphics cards.
Memory type
GDDR5
GDDR version
GDDR5
This graphics card uses GDDR5 memory, which is older than on 85.9% of graphics cards and equal to 13.2% of graphics cards.
Memory bus width
256 bit
Market range: <64 bit – >384 bit
This graphics card uses a 256 bit memory bus, which is wider than that of 49.7% of graphics cards and equal to that of 35.9% 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 80.2% of graphics cards and equal to that of 2.7% of graphics cards.
Show more
PCI Express (PCIe) version
3
This graphics card supports PCIe 3, which is older than on 77.7% of graphics cards and equal to 20.3% of graphics cards.
PCIe lanes
x16
This graphics card uses x16 PCIe lanes, which is more than 23.4% of graphics cards and equal to 76.6% 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 16.9% of graphics cards.
Vulkan version
1.2
This graphics card supports Vulkan 1.2, which is older than on 95.1% of graphics cards and equal to 3.7% of graphics cards.
OpenGL version
4.5
This graphics card supports OpenGL 4.5, which is older than on 98.1% of graphics cards and equal to 0.7% 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 8.3% of graphics cards and equal to 88.9% of graphics cards.
Max digital resolution
7680x4320
This graphics card supports a maximum digital resolution of 7680x4320, which is higher than that of 9% of graphics cards and equal to that of 91% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort outputs
2
Market range: <1 – >3
This graphics card offers 2 DisplayPort outputs, which is fewer than 79.1% of graphics cards and equal to 9.5% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort version
1.4a
This graphics card supports DisplayPort 1.4a, which is more advanced than on 19.5% of graphics cards and equal to 47.1% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort link rates
21.6 Gbps
Market range: <5.4 Gbps – >80 Gbps
This graphics card supports DisplayPort link rates up to 21.6 Gbps, which is faster than on 50.5% of graphics cards and equal to 2% of graphics cards.
Show more
Thermal Design Power (TDP)
150 W
Market range: <60 W – >360 W
This graphics card has a TDP of 150 W, which is lower than that of 73.1% of graphics cards and equal to that of 2.7% of graphics cards.
Power consumption while under peak load
225 W
Market range: <100 W – >400 W
This graphics card draws 225 W under peak load, which is higher than 51.7% of graphics cards and equal to 1.2% 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 75.6% of graphics cards and equal to that of 8.9% of graphics cards.
Board power limit
180 W
Market range: <100 W – >400 W
This graphics card has a board power limit of 180 W, which is lower than that of 62.4% of graphics cards and equal to that of 3.5% of graphics cards.
PCIe power spec
150 W
Show more
Size
276x 140x 42 mm
This graphics card measures 276x140x 42 mm, which is more compact than 63.4% of graphics cards and equal in size to 0.4% of graphics cards.
Length
276 mm
Market range: <200 mm – >350 mm
This graphics card is 276 mm long, which is shorter than 55.5% of graphics cards and equal in length to 0.7% of graphics cards.
Height
140 mm
Market range: <109 mm – >146 mm
This graphics card is 140 mm tall, which is taller than 79.3% of graphics cards and equal in height to 5.5% 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 53.4% of graphics cards and equal in width to 42.5% of graphics cards.
Weight
978 g
Market range: <500 g – >2k g
This graphics card weighs 978 g, which is lighter than 57.2% of graphics cards and equal in weight to 0.2% of graphics cards.
Show more

MSI Radeon RX 480 Gaming 8GB vs the average graphics card

246810TotalPerformanceMemoryPlatform & FeaturesConnectivity & MediaPower & CoolingDesign
  • 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
  • 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
  • 14.3% faster VRAM clock
    This graphics card has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (2000 MHz vs 1750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1750 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
  • 8.83x cheaper
    MSI Radeon RX 480 Gaming 8GB is cheaper than the average graphics card (£60 vs £530).
    £60 vs £530
  • 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
  • Supports multi-GPU linking
    This graphics card supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
  • 8.83x cheaper
    MSI Radeon RX 480 Gaming 8GB is cheaper than the average graphics card (£60 vs £530).
    £60 vs £530
  • Better FP64 ratio
    This graphics card has a better FP64 ratio than the average graphics card (1:16 vs 1:64).
    1:16 vs 1:64
  • 14.3% faster VRAM clock
    This graphics card has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (2000 MHz vs 1750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1750 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
  • 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
  • More compact card size
    This graphics card is more compact than the average graphics card (276x140 x 42 mm vs 285x127 x 52 mm). The average graphics card has a size of 285x127 x 52 mm.
    276x140 x 42 mm vs 285x127 x 52 mm
  • 48.1% lower boost clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1300 MHz vs 2505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2505 MHz.
    1,300 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
  • 2.8x larger process node
    This graphics card 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
    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 (1120 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
  • No DLSS support
    This graphics card does not support DLSS, the average graphics card does.
  • 7.8% worse value for money
    MSI Radeon RX 480 Gaming 8GB has worse value for money than the average graphics card (6.67 vs 7.2).
    6.67 vs 7.2
  • 48.1% lower boost clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1300 MHz vs 2505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2505 MHz.
    1,300 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 (1120 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.
    1,120 MHz vs 1,920 MHz
  • 74.4% lower pixel rate
    This graphics card has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (41.7 GPixel/s vs 163.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 163.2 GPixel/s.
    41.7 GPixel/s vs 163.2 GPixel/s
  • 51.7% lower texture rate
    This graphics card has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (184.2 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 381.2 GTexel/s.
    184.2 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/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
  • 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
  • 74.2% lower FP32 performance
    This graphics card has a lower FP32 performance than the average graphics card (5.8 TFLOPS vs 22.57 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP32 performance of 22.57 TFLOPS.
    5.83 TFLOPS vs 22.57 TFLOPS
  • 64.2% lower PassMark score
    This graphics card has a lower PassMark score than the average graphics card (8119 points vs 22653 points). The average graphics card has a PassMark score of 22653 points.
    8,119 points vs 22,653 points
  • 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
  • 78.2% lower gaming score
    This graphics card has a lower gaming score than the average graphics card (3200 points vs 14678.5 points). The average graphics card has a gaming score of 14678.5 points.
    3,200 points vs 14,678.5 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
  • 84.1% lower compute score
    This graphics card has a lower compute score than the average graphics card (1922 points vs 12074 points). The average graphics card has a compute score of 12074 points.
    1,922 points vs 12,074 points
  • 80.4% lower FP16 performance
    This graphics card has a lower FP16 performance than the average graphics card (5.8 TFLOPS vs 29.7 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP16 performance of 29.725 TFLOPS.
    5.83 TFLOPS vs 29.725 TFLOPS
  • 74.4% lower compute throughput
    This graphics card has a lower compute throughput than the average graphics card (5.9 TFLOPS vs 22.98 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has compute throughput of 22.98 TFLOPS.
    5.89 TFLOPS vs 22.98 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 (8000 MHz vs 19000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19000 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 vs 128). The average graphics card has 128 L1 cache.
    16 vs 128
  • 2.8x larger process node
    This graphics card 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 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).
    3.0 vs 4.0
  • 7 older
    This graphics card was released earlier than the average graphics card (2016 vs 2023).
    August 2016
    2,016 vs 2,023
  • No mesh shaders
    This graphics card does not support mesh shaders, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • Older Vulkan version
    This graphics card supports an older Vulkan version than the average graphics card (1.2 vs 1.4).
    1.2 vs 1.4
  • Older encoder generation
    This graphics card uses an older encoder generation than the average graphics card (3.4 vs 8). The average graphics card uses encoder generation 8.
    3.4 vs 8
  • Worse SAM support
    This graphics card offers worse SAM support than the average graphics card (no vs yes).
  • 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 OpenCL version
    This graphics card supports an older OpenCL version than the average graphics card (2.1 vs 3).
    2.1 vs 3.0
  • No sampler feedback
    This graphics card does not support sampler feedback, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • Older OpenGL version
    This graphics card supports an older OpenGL version than the average graphics card (4.5 vs 4.6).
    4.5 vs 4.6
  • 75.1% fewer transistors
    This graphics card has fewer transistors than the average graphics card (5700 million vs 22900 million). The average graphics card has 22900 million transistors.
    5,700 million vs 22,900 million
  • Older shader model
    This graphics card supports an older shader model than the average graphics card (6.7 vs 6.8).
    6.7 vs 6.8
  • Older FSR version
    This graphics card supports an older FSR version than the average graphics card (1 vs 3.1).
    1.0 vs 3.1
  • No AV1 encoding
    This graphics card does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • No AV1 decoding
    This graphics card does not support AV1 decoding, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • 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
  • Narrower encode codec support
    This graphics card supports narrower hardware encode codec support 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
  • Narrower decode codec support
    This graphics card 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).
    H.264/H.265/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1
  • Older HDMI version
    This graphics card supports an older HDMI version than the average graphics card (2.0b vs 2.1).
    2.0b vs 2.1
  • 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
  • 1 fewer fans
    This graphics card has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
    2 vs 3
  • 21 °C higher idle temperature
    This graphics card has a higher idle temperature than the average graphics card (58 °C vs 37 °C). The average graphics card has an idle temperature of 37 °C.
    58 °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
  • 15 mm higher card profile
    This graphics card is taller than the average graphics card (140 mm vs 125 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 125 mm.
    140 mm vs 125 mm

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

O
overclockersclub.com
07/12/2016
Summary of the review
MSI RX 480 Gaming X 8G Testing: Setup & Overclocking
O
overclockers.com
04/08/2016
Summary of the review
MSI RX 480 GAMING X 8G Video Card Review - Overclockers
G
guru3d.com
01/08/2016
Summary of the review
MSI Radeon RX 480 GAMING X review - www.guru3d.com
T
tomshardware.com
04/04/2017
Summary of the review
MSI RX 480 Gaming X 8G Review - Tom's Hardware CopyShare public linkThis public link is valid for seven days and shares a thread, including any person...
G
gamersnexus.net
02/08/2016
Summary of the review
MSI RX 480 Gaming X Review & Benchmark | GamersNexus
T
techpowerup.com
01/08/2016
Summary of the review
MSI RX 480 Gaming X 8 GB Review | TechPowerUp
G
guru3d.com
01/08/2016
Summary of the review
MSI Radeon RX 480 GAMING XGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. review
T
tektick.com
30/08/2016
Summary of the review
MSI RX 480 Gaming X 8G Review Silent Polaris - TekTick
O
overclockersclub.com
07/12/2016
Summary of the review
MSI RX 480 Gaming X 8G Review - Overclockers Club
T
tomshardware.fr
18/04/2017
Summary of the review
Comparatif de Radeon RX 480 : 7 cartes testées en profondeur
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: June 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about MSI Radeon RX 480 Gaming 8GB

  • Excellent 1080p and 1440p gaming performance for the price point
  • MSI Twin Frozr VI cooler is significantly quieter and cooler than the reference design
  • Zero Frozr technology stops fans during low-load for silent operation
  • Features customizable RGB lighting and a sleek black-and-red design
  • Includes a solid metal backplate for structural support and aesthetics
  • 8GB of VRAM provides better future-proofing for texture-heavy games
  • Native HDMI 2.0b and DisplayPort 1.4 support for VR and high-refresh monitors

What we don't like about MSI Radeon RX 480 Gaming 8GB

  • High power consumption under heavy loads compared to Nvidia counterparts
  • Large custom PCB and height may cause clearance issues in compact cases
  • Limited overclocking headroom as the card comes factory-overclocked near its limit
  • Minor issues with audible coil whine reported by some users
  • Inconsistent GPU frequencies if power limits are not manually adjusted
  • Exhausts a significant portion of warm air back into the PC case rather than out the rear

Verdict

The MSI Radeon RX 480 Gaming 8GB is a mid-range graphics card based on the 14nm Polaris architecture, featuring 2,304 shading units and 8GB of GDDR5 memory on a 256-bit bus with 256 GB/s bandwidth. It utilizes MSI's Twin Frozr VI cooling system with Torx 2.0 fans and a solid nickel-plated copper baseplate to maintain low temperatures and quiet operation, offering a boost clock of up to 1316 MHz in OC mode. Key advantages include its excellent 1080p gaming performance, generous VRAM for high-texture gaming, and a robust power delivery system requiring a single 8-pin connector. However, it can consume significantly more power than the reference design—reaching up to 200W during gaming—and its large physical dimensions may challenge smaller cases.

Compare MSI Radeon RX 480 Gaming 8GB with other products in the Graphics cards category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of MSI Radeon RX 480 Gaming 8GB and other products in the Graphics cards category

No results found