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Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB Review | 118 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£130
  • Avg. price in US: ~$150
  • VRAM: 4 GB
  • Memory bus width: 256 bit
  • Thermal Design Power (TDP): 185 W

Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB review. Compare 118 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among graphics cards and if it is worth buying.

4.9

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%

4.5

Technical Score

10.0%

8.1

User score

Poor
4.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the graphics card's technical performance, covering key areas such as gaming and rendering performance, ray tracing, memory configuration, power efficiency, cooling, connectivity, features, and build quality.

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

Score components:

44.0%

2.8

Performance

24.0%

3.7

Memory

12.0%

7.6

Power & Cooling

11.0%

7.0

Platform & Features

5.0%

8.9

Design

4.0%

7.4

Connectivity & Media

Poor
8.1

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%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

7.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(159)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(158)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Excellent
  • 3.5
    Gaming

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.7

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    1.6

    VRAM

    20.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    10.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 4.4
    Video editing

    Score components:

    35.0%

    7.0

    AV1 encode

    30.0%

    1.6

    VRAM

    20.0%

    1.7

    Floating-point performance

    15.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 2.9
    1080p

    Score components:

    55.0%

    1.7

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    1.6

    VRAM

    10.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    10.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 2.9
    1440p

    Score components:

    50.0%

    1.7

    Floating-point performance

    30.0%

    1.6

    VRAM

    15.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    5.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 3.2
    4K

    Score components:

    40.0%

    1.7

    Floating-point performance

    35.0%

    1.6

    VRAM

    20.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    5.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

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

Verdict

The Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB is a Polaris 20-based graphics card featuring 2,304 stream processors, a boost clock of 1,366 MHz, and 4GB of GDDR5 memory on a 256-bit bus with a 7,000 MHz effective clock. It is built on a 14nm FinFET process and utilizes Sapphire's Dual-X cooling system with two dual ball-bearing fans and a metal backplate for structural rigidity and heat dissipation. Main pros include solid 1080p gaming performance, a user-friendly 'Quick Connect' fan system for easy maintenance, and multiple output options including two HDMI 2.0b and two DisplayPort 1.4 ports. However, its 4GB VRAM capacity is increasingly restrictive for modern AAA titles at high settings, and the card's 185W TDP makes it less power-efficient than newer competitors.

Technical Specifications of Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the graphics card's technical performance, covering key areas such as gaming and rendering performance, ray tracing, memory configuration, power efficiency, cooling, connectivity, features, and build quality.

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

Score components:

44.0%

2.8

Performance

24.0%

3.7

Memory

12.0%

7.6

Power & Cooling

11.0%

7.0

Platform & Features

5.0%

8.9

Design

4.0%

7.4

Connectivity & Media

4.5
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has a technical score of 4.51 points, which is lower than that of 84.3% 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%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

7.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(159)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(158)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.1
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has a user score of 8.14 points, which is higher than that of 66.9% of products in this category.
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.
7.5
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has a popularity of 7.5 points, which is higher than 70.7% 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%

4.9

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

6.4
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.4 points, which is lower than 67% 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

4,382 points
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB scores 4382 points in 3DMark Time Spy, which is lower than 84.5% 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

N/A
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

?
PassMark (DirectCompute) result
What it is: PassMark score for DirectCompute performance tests
When it matters: When compute workloads matter alongside gaming performance.

Importance: LOW

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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

6.295 TFLOPS
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB delivers 6.295 TFLOPS floating-point performance, which is lower than that of 86.3% 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

4 GB
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has 4 GB of VRAM, which is less than 88% of graphics cards and equal to 6% 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

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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

256 bit
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB uses a 256 bit memory bus, which is wider than that of 49.5% of graphics cards and equal to that of 36.1% 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

224 GB/s
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB reaches 224 GB/s memory bandwidth, which is lower than that of 83.9% of graphics cards and equal to that of 2.7% 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
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB supports PCIe 3.0, which is older than on 77.6% 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

x16
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB uses x16 PCIe lanes, which is more than 31.5% of graphics cards and equal to 68.6% 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
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB supports DirectX 12, which is older than on 92.7% of graphics cards and equal to 7.1% 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
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB supports Vulkan 1.3, which is older than on 73.5% of graphics cards and equal to 22.5% 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
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB supports OpenGL 4.6, which is more advanced than on 4.8% of graphics cards and equal to 95.2% 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

5
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB supports up to 5 displays, which is more than 97% of graphics cards and equal to 1.7% 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

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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

2
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB offers 2 DisplayPort outputs, which is fewer than 79.2% of graphics cards and equal to 10.2% 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
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB supports DisplayPort 1.4, which is older than on 77.3% of graphics cards and equal to 16.2% 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

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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

185 W
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has a TDP of 185 W, which is lower than that of 56.3% of graphics cards and equal to that of 1.4% 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

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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

500 W
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB recommends a 500 W PSU, which is lower than that of 76.2% of graphics cards and equal to that of 9.6% 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

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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

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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

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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

230 mm
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB is 230 mm long, which is shorter than 81.3% of graphics cards and equal in length to 0.2% 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

125 mm
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB is 125 mm tall, which is shorter than 54.3% of graphics cards and equal in height to 3.2% 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
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB occupies 2 slot/s, which is slimmer than 49.2% of graphics cards and equal in width to 47.3% 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

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Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB vs the average graphics card

  • 1 more displays supported
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB supports more displays than the average graphics card (5 vs 4). The average graphics card supports 4 displays.
    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

    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB supports more displays than the average graphics card (5 vs 4). The average graphics card supports 4 displays.5 vs 4
  • 23.1% lower PSU requirement
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB 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.
    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

    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB 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
  • 55.37 mm shorter card length
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB is shorter than the average graphics card (230 mm vs 285.37 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 285.37 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

    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB is shorter than the average graphics card (230 mm vs 285.37 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 285.37 mm.230 mm vs 285.37 mm
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
    What it is: Number of DVI display outputs available
    When it matters: When you still use an older monitor that depends on DVI.

    Importance: LOW

    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.1 vs 0
  • 4.08x cheaper
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB is cheaper than the average graphics card (£130 vs £530).
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB is cheaper than the average graphics card (£130 vs £530).£130 vs £530
  • Better FP64 ratio
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has a better FP64 ratio than the average graphics card (1:16 vs 1:64).
    What it is: Ratio of double-precision (FP64) to single-precision (FP32) performance
    When it matters: When you need to know whether FP64 is merely present or genuinely useful.

    Importance: LOW

    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has a better FP64 ratio than the average graphics card (1:16 vs 1:64).1:16 vs 1:64
  • Supports multi-GPU linking
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
    What it is: Supports NVIDIA SLI or AMD CrossFire multi-GPU setup
    When it matters: When you still run legacy multi-GPU gaming or rendering workflows.

    Importance: LOW

    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
  • 1 more monitors per output type
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB supports more monitors per output type than the average graphics card (5 vs 4). The average graphics card supports 4 monitors per output type.
    What it is: Maximum number of monitors supported per connector type
    When it matters: When you are planning how many screens each connector type can realistically drive.

    Importance: LOW

    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB supports more monitors per output type than the average graphics card (5 vs 4). The average graphics card supports 4 monitors per output type.5 vs 4
  • Better FP64 ratio
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has a better FP64 ratio than the average graphics card (1:16 vs 1:64).
  • Supports multi-GPU linking
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
  • 1 more displays supported
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB supports more displays than the average graphics card (5 vs 4). The average graphics card supports 4 displays.
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
  • 1 more monitors per output type
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB supports more monitors per output type than the average graphics card (5 vs 4). The average graphics card supports 4 monitors per output type.
  • 23.1% lower PSU requirement
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB 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.
  • 55.37 mm shorter card length
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB is shorter than the average graphics card (230 mm vs 285.37 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 285.37 mm.

Total
Overall
Performance
Platform & Features
Connectivity & Media
Power & Cooling
Design
  • 45.4% lower boost clock speed
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,366 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.
  • 34.5% lower base clock speed
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,257 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.
  • 73.5% lower pixel rate
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (43.7 GPixel/s vs 165.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 165.2 GPixel/s.
  • 47.8% lower texture rate
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (196.7 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 376.8 GTexel/s.
  • 32 fewer ROPs
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has fewer ROPs than the average graphics card (32 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
  • 40 fewer TMUs
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (144 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
  • 61.3% lower gaming score
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has a lower gaming score than the average graphics card (4,382 points vs 11,337 points). The average graphics card has a gaming score of 11,337 points.
  • 4 fewer compute units
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (36 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
  • 72.8% lower compute throughput
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has a lower compute throughput than the average graphics card (6.3 TFLOPS vs 23.105 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has compute throughput of 23.105 TFLOPS.
  • 2,048 fewer FP32 units
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has fewer FP32 units than the average graphics card (2,304 vs 4,352). The average graphics card has 4,352 FP32 units.
  • 8 GB less VRAM
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (4 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
  • 63.2% slower memory speed
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB 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.
  • 50% lower memory bandwidth
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has a lower memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (224 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
  • 87.5% smaller L1 cache
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB 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
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB 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
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB does not support DLSS, the average graphics card does.
  • No ray tracing
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB does not support ray tracing, the average graphics card does.
  • Older PCIe version
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB supports an older PCIe version than the average graphics card (3 vs 4.0).
  • 6 older
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB was released earlier than the average graphics card (2,017 vs 2,023).
  • No XeSS support
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB does not support XeSS, the average graphics card does.
  • No mesh shaders
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB does not support mesh shaders, the average graphics card does.
  • Older Vulkan version
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB supports an older Vulkan version than the average graphics card (1.3 vs 1.4).
  • Worse SAM support
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB offers worse SAM support than the average graphics card (no vs yes).
  • Older encoder generation
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB uses an older encoder generation than the average graphics card (3 vs 8). The average graphics card uses encoder generation 8.
  • Older DirectX version
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB supports an older DirectX version than the average graphics card (12 vs 12 Ultimate).
  • Older OpenCL version
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB supports an older OpenCL version than the average graphics card (2.1 vs 3.0).
  • No sampler feedback
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB does not support sampler feedback, the average graphics card does.
  • 74% fewer transistors
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has fewer transistors than the average graphics card (5,700 million vs 21,900 million). The average graphics card has 21,900 million transistors.
  • Older shader model
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB supports an older shader model than the average graphics card (6.7 vs 6.8).
  • No AV1 encoding
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average graphics card (2 vs 3). The average graphics card has 3 DisplayPort outputs.
  • No AV1 decoding
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB does not support AV1 decoding, the average graphics card does.
  • No DSC support
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB does not support DSC, the average graphics card does.
  • Older DisplayPort version
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB supports an older DisplayPort version than the average graphics card (1.4 vs 1.4a).
  • Older HDMI version
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB supports an older HDMI version than the average graphics card (2.0b vs 2.1).
  • Older HDCP version
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB supports an older HDCP version than the average graphics card (2.2 vs 2.3).
  • 1 fewer fans
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
  • 17 °C lower thermal ceiling
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has a lower thermal ceiling than the average graphics card (110 °C vs 93 °C). The average graphics card has a thermal ceiling of 93 °C.
  • 45.5% higher idle power draw
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has a higher idle power draw than the average graphics card (16 W vs 11 W). The average graphics card has an idle power draw of 11 W.
  • No RGB lighting
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB does not include RGB lighting, the average graphics card does.
  • 45.4% lower boost clock speed
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,366 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 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

    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,366 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.1366 MHz vs 2500 MHz
  • 2.8x larger process node
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB 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

    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB 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
  • 8 GB less VRAM
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (4 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

    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB 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
  • 34.5% lower base clock speed
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,257 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.
    What it is: Base operating frequency of the GPU core under standard conditions
    When it matters: When you want to understand the card's guaranteed starting frequency instead of looking only at optimistic boost figures.

    Importance: HIGH

    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,257 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.1257 MHz vs 1920 MHz
  • 1 fewer fans
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 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

    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).2 vs 3
  • 73.5% lower pixel rate
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (43.7 GPixel/s vs 165.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 165.2 GPixel/s.
    What it is: Number of pixels the GPU can render per second
    When it matters: When you play at high resolutions or care about older raster-heavy games.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (43.7 GPixel/s vs 165.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 165.2 GPixel/s.43.71 GPixel/s vs 165.2 GPixel/s
  • 63.2% slower memory speed
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB 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.
    What it is: Effective memory data rate combining clock and bus width
    When it matters: When you compare how quickly each card can push data through its memory subsystem.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB 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.7000 MHz vs 19000 MHz
  • 50% lower memory bandwidth
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has a lower memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (224 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
    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

    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB has a lower memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (224 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.224 GB/s vs 448 GB/s
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Graphic comparison of Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
159 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
158 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB?

  • Excellent value for money and price-to-performance ratio
  • Strong 1080p gaming performance for older or less demanding titles
  • Compact design that fits well in most cases
  • Quiet operation, with fans that remain idle under light loads
  • User-friendly 'Quick Connect' fans that are easy to remove and clean
  • Includes a stylish and durable metal backplate
  • Reliable choice for budget Linux or Mac Pro upgrade builds

What customers dislike about Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 4GB?

  • 4GB VRAM is insufficient for many modern AAA games at high settings
  • Vulnerable to stuttering and frame drops in memory-intensive titles
  • Can run hot under heavy loads, sometimes requiring custom fan curves
  • Lack of ray tracing support
  • Higher power consumption compared to newer competitors
  • Some users report issues with coil whine or loud fan noise at high RPMs
  • 8GB version is often recommended as a better long-term value for a small price increase

Expert reviews

P
pcworld.com
15/05/2017
Sapphire Radeon RX 570 PulseGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. and RX 580 Pulse review

The PCWorld review highlights the Sapphire Radeon RX 570 and RX 580 Pulse cards as budget-friendly, 1080p/1440p gaming options, featuring Sapphire’s effective Dual-X cooling, Quiet Connect fans, and a slight factory overclock on the 8GB 580. While offering solid performance, the cards are noted for lower power efficiency and higher power draw (8-pin connector) compared to...Read more

T
trustedreviews.com
25/04/2017
AMD Radeon RX 580Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the AMD Radeon RX 580 identifies it as a capable mid-range, 8GB graphics card optimized for 1080p and entry-level 1440p gaming, boasting an increased boost clock of 1340MHz over its predecessor. Pros highlighted include exceptional value for money and strong performance in titles like The Witcher 3. Conversely, the review notes high power...Read more

K
kitguru.net
14/09/2018
Sapphire RX 580 Comparison – Pulse vs Nitro+!

The KitGuru review by Dominic Moass provides a detailed head-to-head comparison of two aftermarket 8GB graphics cards: the Sapphire RX 580 Pulse priced at £260 and the Sapphire RX 580 Nitro+ priced at £299. While both cards feature virtually identical core specifications with 2304 stream processors and 8GB GDDR5 VRAM, the Nitro+ offers a slightly higher factory boost clock of...Read more

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