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

PowerColor Red Dragon Radeon RX 550 Review | 118 Data compared

Avg. price:~£120VRAM:4 GBMemory bus width:128 bitThermal Design Power (TDP):50 W

PowerColor Red Dragon 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.

PowerColor Red Dragon Radeon RX 550
4.1/10

Overall score

Score
4.1/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

90%

3.5

Technical score

10%

9.0

User score

▼Worse than 96% of graphics cards
5.8

Value for money

Value for money
5.8/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

4.1

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

▼Worse than 94%
3.5

Technical score

Technical score
3.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

44%

1.4

Performance

24%

1.9

Memory

12%

8.0

Power & Cooling

11%

7.3

Platform & Features

5%

8.9

Design

4%

5.5

Connectivity & Media

▼Worse than 98%
9.0

User score

User score
9.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.5

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▲Better than 83%
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Best prices
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Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of graphics card PowerColor Red Dragon Radeon RX 550

Technical score
Technical score
3.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

44%

1.4

Performance

24%

1.9

Memory

12%

8.0

Power & Cooling

11%

7.3

Platform & Features

5%

8.9

Design

4%

5.5

Connectivity & Media

3.5
User score
User score
9.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.5

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
9.0
Popularity
Popularity
10/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
PowerColor Red Dragon Radeon RX 550 has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than that of 91.9% of products in this category.
10
Value for money
Value for money
5.8/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

4.1

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

5.8
3DMark Time Spy benchmark score
1,200 points
This graphics card 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
0 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
2,674 points
This graphics card scores 2,674 points in PassMark G3D, which is lower than 97.1% of graphics cards and equal to 0.2% of graphics cards.
PassMark (DirectCompute) result
963 points
This graphics card scores 963 points in PassMark DirectCompute, which is lower than 97.4% of graphics cards and equal to 0.1% of graphics cards.
Floating-point performance
1.1 TFLOPS
This graphics card delivers 1.1 TFLOPS floating-point performance, which is lower than that of 98.1% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.1% of graphics cards.
Show more
VRAM
4 GB
This graphics card has 4 GB of VRAM, which is less than 88% of graphics cards and equal to 6% 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
128 bit
This graphics card 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
112 GB/s
This graphics card 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.
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
x8
This graphics card uses x8 PCIe lanes, which is fewer than 76.7% of graphics cards and equal to 22.2% 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
4.6
This graphics card supports OpenGL 4.6, which is more advanced than on 1.9% of graphics cards and equal to 98.1% of graphics cards.
Show more
Max displays supported
3
This graphics card 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
4096x2160
This graphics card supports a maximum digital resolution of 4096x2160, which is lower than that of 92.6% of graphics cards and equal to that of 4.4% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort outputs
1
This graphics card offers 1 DisplayPort outputs, which is fewer than 88.7% of graphics cards and equal to 8.6% 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
5.4 Gbps
This graphics card supports DisplayPort link rates up to 5.4 Gbps, which is slower than on 87.8% of graphics cards and equal to 6% of graphics cards.
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Thermal Design Power (TDP)
50 W
This graphics card 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
59 W
This graphics card draws 59 W under peak load, which is lower than 96.6% of graphics cards and equal to 0.1% of graphics cards.
Recommended PSU wattage
300 W
This graphics card recommends a 300 W PSU, which is lower than that of 94.4% of graphics cards and equal to that of 4.5% of graphics cards.
Board power limit
75 W
This graphics card has a board power limit of 75 W, which is lower than that of 91.9% of graphics cards and equal to that of 2.2% of graphics cards.
PCIe power spec
50 W
Show more
Size
152x 111.2x 38 mm
Length
181 mm
This graphics card is 181 mm long, which is shorter than 93.2% of graphics cards and equal in length to 0.1% of graphics cards.
Height
111.2 mm
This graphics card is 111.2 mm tall, which is shorter than 80% of graphics cards and equal in height to 0.7% of graphics cards.
Slot width
2 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
380 g
This graphics card weighs 380 g, which is lighter than 95.6% of graphics cards and equal in weight to 0.1% of graphics cards.
Show more

PowerColor Red Dragon Radeon RX 550 vs the average graphics card

246810TotalPerformanceMemoryPlatform & FeaturesConnectivity & MediaPower & CoolingDesign
  • 76.7% lower TDP
    This graphics card 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
  • 53.8% lower PSU requirement
    This graphics card has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (300 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
    300 W vs 650 W
  • 104 mm shorter card length
    This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (181 mm vs 285 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 285 mm.
    181 mm vs 285 mm
  • 66.7% lower board power limit
    This graphics card has a lower board power limit than the average graphics card (75 W vs 225 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 225 W.
    75 W vs 225 W
  • 13.8 mm lower card height
    This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (111.2 mm vs 125 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 125 mm.
    111.2 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
  • 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
  • 4.42x cheaper
    PowerColor Red Dragon Radeon RX 550 is cheaper than the average graphics card (£120 vs £530).
    £120 vs £530
  • 4.42x cheaper
    PowerColor Red Dragon Radeon RX 550 is cheaper than the average graphics card (£120 vs £530).
    £120 vs £530
  • 12.1% higher user score
    User score
    9.0/ 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
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    PowerColor Red Dragon Radeon RX 550
    the average graphics card
    PowerColor Red Dragon Radeon RX 550 has a higher user score than the average graphics card (8.96 vs 8.000).
    8.96 vs 8
  • 2.37x more popular
    PowerColor Red Dragon Radeon RX 550 is more popular than the average graphics card (10 vs 4.2).
    10 vs 4.22
  • 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
  • Supports multi-GPU linking
    This graphics card supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
  • 1 more GPUs supported
    This graphics card supports more GPUs in multi-GPU mode than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card supports 0 GPUs in multi-GPU mode.
    1 vs 0
  • 65.1% smaller GPU die
    This graphics card 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.
    103 mm² vs 295 mm²
  • 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
  • 76.7% lower TDP
    This graphics card 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
  • 53.8% lower PSU requirement
    This graphics card has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (300 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
    300 W vs 650 W
  • 66.7% lower board power limit
    This graphics card has a lower board power limit than the average graphics card (75 W vs 225 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 225 W.
    75 W vs 225 W
  • 73.2% lower peak power draw
    This graphics card has a lower peak power draw than the average graphics card (59 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a peak power draw of 220 W.
    59 W vs 220 W
  • 10 °C lower load temperature
    This graphics card 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.
    57 °C vs 67 °C
  • 7 °C lower idle temperature
    This graphics card has a lower idle temperature than the average graphics card (30 °C vs 37 °C). The average graphics card has an idle temperature of 37 °C.
    30 °C vs 37 °C
  • 104 mm shorter card length
    This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (181 mm vs 285 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 285 mm.
    181 mm vs 285 mm
  • 13.8 mm lower card height
    This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (111.2 mm vs 125 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 125 mm.
    111.2 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
  • 62.8% lighter card weight
    This graphics card is lighter than the average graphics card (380 g vs 1021 g). The average graphics card weighs 1021 g.
    380 g vs 1,021 g
  • 52.5% lower boost clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1190 MHz vs 2505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2505 MHz.
    1,190 MHz vs 2,505 MHz
  • 128 bit narrower memory bus
    This graphics card 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
  • 8 GB less VRAM
    This graphics card has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (4 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
    4 GB vs 12 GB
  • 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
  • 32 fewer compute units
    This graphics card 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
    This graphics card has fewer fans than the average graphics card (1 vs 3).
    1 vs 3
  • 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.
  • 23.7% worse value for money
    PowerColor Red Dragon Radeon RX 550 has worse value for money than the average graphics card (5.82 vs 7.2).
    5.82 vs 7.2
  • 52.5% lower boost clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1190 MHz vs 2505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2505 MHz.
    1,190 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
  • 32 fewer compute units
    This graphics card has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (8 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
    8 vs 40
  • No CUDA support
    This graphics card does not support CUDA, the average graphics card does.
  • 152 fewer TMUs
    This graphics card has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (32 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
    32 vs 184
  • 42.7% lower base clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1100 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.
    1,100 MHz vs 1,920 MHz
  • 90.1% lower texture rate
    This graphics card 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.
    37.86 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/s
  • 88.4% lower pixel rate
    This graphics card 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.
    18.93 GPixel/s vs 163.2 GPixel/s
  • 48 fewer ROPs
    This graphics card has fewer ROPs than the average graphics card (16 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
    16 vs 64
  • 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
  • 94.6% lower FP32 performance
    This graphics card 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.
    1.21 TFLOPS vs 22.57 TFLOPS
  • 88.2% lower PassMark score
    This graphics card has a lower PassMark score than the average graphics card (2674 points vs 22653 points). The average graphics card has a PassMark score of 22653 points.
    2,674 points vs 22,653 points
  • 91.8% lower gaming score
    This graphics card has a lower gaming score than the average graphics card (1200 points vs 14678.5 points). The average graphics card has a gaming score of 14678.5 points.
    1,200 points vs 14,678.5 points
  • 92% lower compute score
    This graphics card has a lower compute score than the average graphics card (963 points vs 12074 points). The average graphics card has a compute score of 12074 points.
    963 points vs 12,074 points
  • 94.4% lower FP16 performance
    This graphics card has a lower FP16 performance than the average graphics card (1.7 TFLOPS vs 29.7 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP16 performance of 29.725 TFLOPS.
    1.65 TFLOPS vs 29.725 TFLOPS
  • 95.2% lower compute throughput
    This graphics card has a lower compute throughput than the average graphics card (1.1 TFLOPS vs 22.98 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has compute throughput of 22.98 TFLOPS.
    1.1 TFLOPS vs 22.98 TFLOPS
  • 83.3% lower FP64 performance
    This graphics card 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.
    0.08 TFLOPS vs 0.48 TFLOPS
  • 3,840 fewer FP32 units
    This graphics card has fewer FP32 units than the average graphics card (512 vs 4,352). The average graphics card has 4,352 FP32 units.
    512 vs 4,352
  • 128 bit narrower memory bus
    This graphics card 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
  • 8 GB less VRAM
    This graphics card has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (4 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
    4 GB vs 12 GB
  • 75% lower memory bandwidth
    This graphics card 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.
    112 GB/s vs 448 GB/s
  • 63.2% slower memory speed
    This graphics card has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (7000 MHz vs 19000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19000 MHz.
    7,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz
  • 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.
  • Fewer PCIe lanes
    This graphics card has fewer PCIe lanes than the average graphics card (x8 vs x16). The average graphics card has x16 PCIe lanes.
    x8 vs x16
  • Older PCIe version
    This graphics card supports an older PCIe version than the average graphics card (3 vs 4).
    3.0 vs 4.0
  • 6 older
    This graphics card was released earlier than the average graphics card (2017 vs 2023).
    April 2017
    2,017 vs 2,023
  • No mesh shaders
    This graphics card does not support mesh shaders, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • No XeSS support
    This graphics card does not support XeSS, the average graphics card does.
  • 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
  • Worse SAM support
    This graphics card offers worse SAM support than the average graphics card (no vs yes).
  • Older encoder generation
    This graphics card uses an older encoder generation than the average graphics card (5 vs 8). The average graphics card uses encoder generation 8.
    5 vs 8
  • Older DirectX version
    This graphics card supports an older DirectX version than the average graphics card (12 vs 12 Ultimate).
    12 vs 12 Ultimate
  • No sampler feedback
    This graphics card does not support sampler feedback, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • 90.4% fewer transistors
    This graphics card has fewer transistors than the average graphics card (2200 million vs 22900 million). The average graphics card has 22900 million transistors.
    2,200 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
  • 2 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This graphics card has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 3). The average graphics card has 3 DisplayPort outputs.
    1 vs 3
  • No AV1 encoding
    This graphics card does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
  • 1 fewer displays supported
    This graphics card supports fewer displays than the average graphics card (3 vs 4). The average graphics card supports 4 displays.
    3 vs 4
  • No AV1 decoding
    This graphics card does not support AV1 decoding, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • No DSC support
    This graphics card does not support DSC, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • 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
  • Narrower encode codec support
    This graphics card supports narrower hardware encode codec support than the average graphics card (H.264/H.265/VP9 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9).
    H.264/H.265/VP9 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9
  • 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
  • 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
  • 2 fewer monitors per output type
    This graphics card supports fewer monitors per output type than the average graphics card (1 vs 3). The average graphics card supports 3 monitors per output type.
    1 vs 3
  • 73% lower DisplayPort bandwidth
    This graphics card has a lower DisplayPort bandwidth than the average graphics card (5.4 Gbps vs 20 Gbps). The average graphics card has DisplayPort bandwidth of 20 Gbps.
    5.4 Gbps vs 20 Gbps
  • 2 fewer fans
    This graphics card has fewer fans than the average graphics card (1 vs 3).
    1 vs 3
  • No dual BIOS
    This graphics card does not include dual BIOS, the average graphics card does.
  • 15 °C lower thermal ceiling
    This graphics card has a lower thermal ceiling than the average graphics card (110 °C vs 95 °C). The average graphics card has a thermal ceiling of 95 °C.
    110 °C vs 95 °C
  • 8.6 dB noisier under load
    This graphics card has a higher load noise level than the average graphics card (44 dB vs 35.4 dB). The average graphics card has a load noise level of 35.4 dB.
    44 dB vs 35.4 dB
  • No backplate
    This graphics card does not include a backplate, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • No RGB lighting
    This graphics card does not include RGB lighting, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

A
au.pcmag.com
29/09/2017
Summary of the review
H
hardwareluxx.de
12/05/2017
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

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

What we like about PowerColor Red Dragon Radeon RX 550

  • Low power consumption; does not require an external power connector
  • Quiet and efficient cooling, staying under 50°C during typical gaming
  • Excellent for eSports titles (e.g., CS:GO, Dota 2, League of Legends) at 1080p
  • Compact single-fan design fits easily into small form factor (SFF) and office PCs
  • Supports modern features like 4K video decoding (HEVC), HDMI 2.0, and HDR for HTPC use

What we don't like about PowerColor Red Dragon Radeon RX 550

  • Weak performance in modern AAA games, often requiring 720p resolution or low settings
  • Historically poor price-to-performance ratio compared to the slightly more expensive RX 560 or used market alternatives
  • Limited overclocking headroom due to its budget nature and lack of extra power pins
  • Performance is comparable to modern integrated graphics (APUs), making it less of a value for newer systems
  • Occasional reports of driver stability issues and software installation taking longer than expected

Verdict

The PowerColor Red Dragon Radeon RX 550 is an entry-level graphics card built on AMD's 14nm Polaris architecture, featuring 512 stream processors and a boost clock speed of up to 1190 MHz. It typically comes equipped with 2GB or 4GB of GDDR5 memory on a 128-bit interface, delivering a memory bandwidth of 112 GB/s to support light 1080p gaming and multimedia tasks. Its main advantages include a low 50W TDP that requires no external power connectors, a compact dual-slot design suitable for small form factor builds, and support for modern features like DirectX 12, Vulkan, and AMD FreeSync. However, its primary drawbacks are limited performance in modern AAA titles, being restricted to low settings for demanding games, and a relatively high launch price compared to more powerful legacy alternatives like the RX 460.

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