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Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB Review | 118 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£130
  • Avg. price in US: ~$160
  • VRAM: 8 GB
  • Memory bus width: 256 bit
  • Thermal Design Power (TDP): 185 W

Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB review. Compare 118 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among graphics cards and if it is worth buying.

5.3

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%

4.9

Technical Score

10.0%

9.4

User score

Good
4.9

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%

3.0

Performance

24.0%

4.3

Memory

12.0%

8.4

Power & Cooling

11.0%

7.1

Platform & Features

5.0%

8.6

Design

4.0%

7.8

Connectivity & Media

Poor
9.4

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%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(3160)
amazon
4.6
(1481)
amazon
3.6
(49)
amazon
4.4
(42)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(3269)
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(1465)
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(59)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(49)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Exceptional
  • 6.7
    Gaming

    Score components:

    45.0%

    ?

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    2.8

    VRAM

    20.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    10.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 6.0
    Video editing

    Score components:

    35.0%

    7.0

    AV1 encode

    30.0%

    2.8

    VRAM

    20.0%

    ?

    Floating-point performance

    15.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 6.7
    1080p

    Score components:

    55.0%

    ?

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    2.8

    VRAM

    10.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    10.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 6.4
    1440p

    Score components:

    50.0%

    ?

    Floating-point performance

    30.0%

    2.8

    VRAM

    15.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    5.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 6.2
    4K

    Score components:

    40.0%

    ?

    Floating-point performance

    35.0%

    2.8

    VRAM

    20.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    5.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

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Best rankings

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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 8GB is a factory-overclocked graphics card built on AMD's 14nm Polaris 20 architecture, featuring 2,304 stream processors, a boost clock up to 1,366 MHz, and 8GB of GDDR5 memory on a 256-bit bus with an 8,000 MHz effective clock. It is highly regarded for providing solid 1080p gaming performance and features a Dual-X cooling system with quick-connect dual ball bearing fans and a protective metal backplate. Main pros include its excellent price-to-performance ratio for budget builds, robust cooling that remains quiet under moderate loads, and the ample 8GB VRAM buffer which helps in more modern, texture-heavy titles. However, its primary cons are its aging architecture which lacks support for newer driver features, high power consumption compared to modern GPUs with a TDP up to 225W, and fans that can become noticeably loud during intense 1440p workloads.

Technical Specifications of Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB

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%

3.0

Performance

24.0%

4.3

Memory

12.0%

8.4

Power & Cooling

11.0%

7.1

Platform & Features

5.0%

8.6

Design

4.0%

7.8

Connectivity & Media

4.9
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB has a technical score of 4.86 points, which is lower than that of 79.4% 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%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(3160)
amazon
4.6
(1481)
amazon
3.6
(49)
amazon
4.4
(42)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(3269)
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(1465)
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(59)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(49)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

9.4
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB has a user score of 9.42 points, which is higher than that of 90.3% 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.
10
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 77.9% 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%

5.3

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

6.7
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.7 points, which is lower than 52.1% 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

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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

?
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

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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

8 GB
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB has 8 GB of VRAM, which is less than 57.6% of graphics cards and equal to 25.1% of graphics cards.
Memory type
What it is: Type of graphics memory used (GDDR6, HBM2e, etc.)
When it matters: When memory technology is part of the buying decision because it affects bandwidth class, power use, and product positioning.

Importance: LOW

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

Importance: LOW

GDDR5
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB uses GDDR5 memory, which is older than on 85% of graphics cards and equal to 13.2% of graphics cards.
Memory bus width
What it is: Width of the memory interface bus in bits
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance at higher resolutions, heavier texture settings, or ray-traced workloads that stress memory traffic.

Importance: HIGH

256 bit
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB 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

256 GB/s
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB reaches 256 GB/s memory bandwidth, which is lower than that of 80.5% 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 8GB 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 8GB 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

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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 8GB 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 8GB 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 8GB 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

?
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 8GB 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 8GB 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

5.4 Gbps
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB supports DisplayPort link rates up to 5.4 Gbps, which is slower than on 90.9% of graphics cards and equal to 8% of graphics cards.
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Thermal Design Power (TDP)
What it is: Typical power consumption under full load (TDP)
When it matters: When you need a realistic idea of power draw before choosing a PSU or case.

Importance: MEDIUM

185 W
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB 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

225 W
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB draws 225 W under peak load, which is higher than 53.5% of graphics cards and equal to 0.9% of graphics cards.
Recommended PSU wattage
What it is: Recommended wattage of the system power supply
When it matters: When you are checking whether your current power supply is enough.

Importance: LOW

500 W
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB 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

185 W
Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB has a board power limit of 185 W, which is lower than that of 59.1% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.9% of graphics cards.
PCIe power spec
What it is: PCIe power delivery specification followed
When it matters: When you are checking whether the slot and external cables match the card's intended power-delivery standard.

Importance: LOW

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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 8GB 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 8GB 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 8GB 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 8GB vs the average graphics card

  • 1 more displays supported
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB 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 8GB 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 8GB 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 8GB 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 8GB 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 8GB 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
  • 14.3% faster VRAM clock
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (2,000 MHz vs 1,750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1,750 MHz.
    What it is: Speed at which the GPU memory operates
    When it matters: When you want more context on how quickly the card's VRAM can move data.

    Importance: LOW

    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (2,000 MHz vs 1,750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1,750 MHz.2000 MHz vs 1750 MHz
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB 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 8GB has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.1 vs 0
  • 17.8% higher user score
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB has a higher user score than the average graphics card (9.42 vs 8.000).
    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.
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB has a higher user score than the average graphics card (9.42 vs 8.000).9.42 vs 8
  • 4.08x cheaper
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB is cheaper than the average graphics card (£130 vs £530).
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB is cheaper than the average graphics card (£130 vs £530).£130 vs £530
  • Better FP64 ratio
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB 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 8GB has a better FP64 ratio than the average graphics card (1:16 vs 1:64).1:16 vs 1:64
  • Better FP64 ratio
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB has a better FP64 ratio than the average graphics card (1:16 vs 1:64).
  • 14.3% faster VRAM clock
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (2,000 MHz vs 1,750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1,750 MHz.
  • Supports multi-GPU linking
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
  • 1 more displays supported
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB 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 8GB has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
  • 23.1% lower PSU requirement
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB 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 8GB 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
Memory
Platform & Features
Connectivity & Media
Power & Cooling
Design
  • 45.4% lower boost clock speed
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB 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 8GB 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.
  • No CUDA support
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB does not support CUDA, the average graphics card does.
  • 73.5% lower pixel rate
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB 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 8GB 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 8GB 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 8GB has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (144 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
  • 4 fewer compute units
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (36 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
  • 2,048 fewer FP32 units
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB has fewer FP32 units than the average graphics card (2,304 vs 4,352). The average graphics card has 4,352 FP32 units.
  • 57.9% slower memory speed
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB 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.
  • 4 GB less VRAM
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (8 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
  • 42.9% lower memory bandwidth
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB 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.
  • 93.8% smaller L2 cache
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB has fewer L2 cache than the average graphics card (2 MB vs 32 MB). The average graphics card has 32 MB L2 cache.
  • 87.5% smaller L1 cache
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB 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 8GB 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 8GB does not support DLSS, the average graphics card does.
  • Older PCIe version
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB supports an older PCIe version than the average graphics card (3 vs 4.0).
  • 6 older
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB was released earlier than the average graphics card (2,017 vs 2,023).
  • No mesh shaders
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB does not support mesh shaders, the average graphics card does.
  • Older Vulkan version
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB supports an older Vulkan version than the average graphics card (1.3 vs 1.4).
  • Older OpenCL version
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB supports an older OpenCL version than the average graphics card (2.1 vs 3.0).
  • No sampler feedback
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB does not support sampler feedback, the average graphics card does.
  • 100% fewer transistors
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB has fewer transistors than the average graphics card (5 million vs 21,900 million). The average graphics card has 21,900 million transistors.
  • Older shader model
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB supports an older shader model than the average graphics card (6.7 vs 6.8).
  • No AV1 encoding
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB 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 8GB does not support AV1 decoding, the average graphics card does.
  • Older DisplayPort version
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB supports an older DisplayPort version than the average graphics card (1.4 vs 1.4a).
  • Older HDMI version
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB supports an older HDMI version than the average graphics card (2.0b vs 2.1).
  • Older HDCP version
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB supports an older HDCP version than the average graphics card (2.2 vs 2.3).
  • 1 fewer fans
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
  • 45.5% higher idle power draw
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB 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.
  • 8 °C higher load temperature
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB has a higher load temperature than the average graphics card (75 °C vs 67 °C). The average graphics card has a load temperature of 67 °C.
  • 45.4% lower boost clock speed
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB 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 8GB 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 8GB 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 8GB 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
  • 34.5% lower base clock speed
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB 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 8GB 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 8GB 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 8GB has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).2 vs 3
  • No CUDA support
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB does not support CUDA, the average graphics card does.
    What it is: Supports CUDA parallel computing platform
    When it matters: When your apps or AI tools specifically depend on the CUDA software stack.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB does not support CUDA, the average graphics card does.
  • 73.5% lower pixel rate
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB 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 8GB 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.43.7 GPixel/s vs 165.2 GPixel/s
  • 57.9% slower memory speed
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB 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.
    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 8GB 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.8000 MHz vs 19000 MHz
  • No DLSS support
    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB does not support DLSS, the average graphics card does.
    What it is: Supports NVIDIA DLSS upscaling technology
    When it matters: When you play NVIDIA-supported games and want better frame rates at higher settings.

    Importance: LOW

    Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB does not support DLSS, the average graphics card does.
Total
Performance
Memory
Platform & Features
Connectivity & Media
Power & Cooling

Graphic comparison of Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
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4.6
3160 Reviews
amazon
4.6
1481 Reviews
amazon
3.6
49 Reviews
amazon
4.4
42 Reviews
United States
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4.6
3269 Reviews
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4.6
1465 Reviews
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3.6
59 Reviews
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4.4
49 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB?

  • Excellent value for money, often cited as a top budget recommendation
  • Capable of 60+ FPS in most AAA titles at 1080p high/ultra settings
  • Quiet operation with fans that can go idle under light loads
  • Solid build quality featuring a sleek design and protective backplate
  • Easy maintenance with the Quick Connect fan replacement system
  • Good thermal performance, often staying below 70°C during load

What customers dislike about Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 580 8GB?

  • Lacks premium features found in the Nitro+ series, such as RGB lighting and dual BIOS
  • Power consumption is relatively high compared to modern equivalents, though undervolting is a popular fix
  • Can run hot in smaller cases, with some users reporting temperatures over 70°C
  • Software and driver stability can occasionally be problematic compared to competitors
  • Noticeably louder than its Nitro+ counterpart when pushed to extreme loads

Expert reviews

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

The Sapphire RX 580 Nitro+ is a premium, higher-performing graphics card that features a factory boost clock of 1411MHz, dual-BIOS functionality, an RGB logo, and a highly efficient cooling system with thick 8mm heatpipes. Its massive heatsink allows the fans to run much slower and quieter under load while maintaining a peak core temperature of 75°C, making it one of the quietest...Read more

P
pcworld.com
15/05/2017
Sapphire Radeon RX 570 Pulse and RX 580 Pulse review

According to PCWorld's review, the Sapphire Radeon RX 570 and 580 Pulse cards offer excellent value for budget-focused gamers, delivering factory-overclocked speeds and strong 1080p-1440p performance close to the MSRP. The cards feature efficient, quiet Dual-X cooling, although they lack premium extras like RGB lighting, dual-BIOS, and advanced fan features found in higher-end...Read more

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