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

XFX Radeon RX 590 Fatboy review: 117 specs compared

Avg. price:~£260VRAM:8 GBMemory bus width:256 bitThermal Design Power (TDP):225 W

XFX Radeon RX 590 Fatboy Review: Compare 117 technical specifications and 13 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Graphics cards category and whether it is worth buying.

XFX Radeon RX 590 Fatboy
5.7/10

Overall score

Score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components

40%

5.1

Technical score

25%

5.1

Reviews score

25%

?

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

10%

5.1

Sentiment score

▼Worse than 92% of graphics cards
6.8

Value for money

Value for money
6.8/ 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
▼ Worse than 82% of models
Score components

70%

5.7

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

▼Worse than 82%
5.1

Technical score

Technical score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 82% of models
Score components

44%

3.1

Performance

24%

4.9

Memory

12%

8.3

Power

11%

7.5

Features

5%

8.0

Design

4%

8.6

Connectivity

▼Worse than 82%
5.1

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 88% of models

5.1

Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.3

Average grade

20%

8.7

Popularity

Grades by review (13)
7 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 6 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▼Worse than 88%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • xfx-radeon-rx-590-fatboy
  • xfx-radeon-rx-590-fatboy
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the XFX Radeon RX 590 Fatboy

Based on 7 · 6

Reviewers like its solid 1080p speed and handy dual BIOS, but agree it's power-hungry, dated and struggles beyond Full HD.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the XFX Radeon RX 590 Fatboy

Based on 202 owners sharing their experience in online comments

51%positive16%mixed33%negative

Owners like its strong gaming performance, but heat, crashes, driver problems and high power draw are recurring frustrations.

What owners dislike

  • Gets very hot under load, often reaching 80–86°C with fans at full speed, and throttles unless the case has good airflow or a mod is applied.26
  • Some owners report system crashes, black screens and freezes while gaming, especially in certain titles like Arkham Knight, and the card can reset the PC.14
  • Draws around 180–225W under load, which needs a 550W or larger PSU, and can cause shutdowns on weaker power supplies.12
  • Driver problems and crashes are common, and newer driver updates have sometimes been unstable, so owners often roll back or fiddle with fan and wattage settings.9
  • In some demanding or unoptimized games like Forever Winter, it cannot hold 1080p at 60 fps and needs medium or low settings.6
  • Some owners see frequent frame drops and stuttering in games like CS:GO and Zula, with fps falling after a few minutes of play.5

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

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Technical Specifications of graphics card XFX Radeon RX 590 Fatboy

Technical score
Technical score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 82% of models
Score components:

44%

3.1

Performance

24%

4.9

Memory

12%

8.3

Power

11%

7.5

Features

5%

8.0

Design

4%

8.6

Connectivity

5.1
Reviews score
5.1
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.8/ 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
▼ Worse than 82% of models
Score components:

70%

5.7

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

6.8
3DMark Time Spy benchmark score
4,790 points
Market range: <4.1k points – >30.1k points
This graphics card scores 4,790 points in 3DMark Time Spy, which is lower than 86.3% of graphics cards.
3DMark Port Royal score
0 points
Market range: <0 points – >22.4k points
This graphics card scores 0 points in 3DMark Port Royal, which is lower than 83.1% of graphics cards and equal to 16.9% of graphics cards.
PassMark (G3D) result
9,384 points
Market range: <7.7k points – >36k points
This graphics card scores 9,384 points in PassMark G3D, which is lower than 85.8% of graphics cards.
PassMark (DirectCompute) result
3,177 points
Market range: <3.1k points – >26.3k points
This graphics card scores 3,177 points in PassMark DirectCompute, which is lower than 89.3% of graphics cards.
FP32 performance
7.12 TFLOPS
Market range: <3.94 TFLOPS – >56.3 TFLOPS
This graphics card delivers 7.12 TFLOPS FP32 performance, which is lower than that of 79.9% of graphics cards.
Show more
What reviewers say
VRAM
8 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
This graphics card has 8 GB of VRAM, which is less than 56.8% of graphics cards and equal to 25.7% of graphics cards.
Memory type
GDDR5
This graphics card uses GDDR5 memory, which is older than on 85.4% of graphics cards and equal to 13.2% of graphics cards.
Memory bus width
256 bit
Market range: <128 bit – >384 bit
This graphics card uses a 256 bit memory bus, which is wider than that of 50.7% of graphics cards and equal to that of 35.5% of graphics cards.
Maximum memory bandwidth
256 GB/s
Market range: <168 GB/s – >960 GB/s
This graphics card reaches 256 GB/s memory bandwidth, which is lower than that of 80% of graphics cards and equal to that of 2.8% of graphics cards.
Effective memory speed
8,000 MHz
Market range: <7k MHz – >28k MHz
This graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 8,000 MHz, which is slower than that of 86.1% of graphics cards and equal to that of 2.6% of graphics cards.
Show more
PCI Express (PCIe) version
3
This graphics card supports PCIe 3, which is older than on 77.6% of graphics cards and equal to 20.1% of graphics cards.
PCIe lanes
x16
This graphics card uses x16 PCIe lanes, which is more than 24.1% of graphics cards and equal to 75.9% of graphics cards.
DirectX version
12
This graphics card supports DirectX 12, which is older than on 81.8% of graphics cards and equal to 17% of graphics cards.
Vulkan version
1.3
This graphics card supports Vulkan 1.3, which is older than on 79.2% of graphics cards and equal to 15.6% of graphics cards.
OpenGL version
4.6
This graphics card supports OpenGL 4.6, which is more advanced than on 2% of graphics cards and equal to 98% of graphics cards.
Show more
What reviewers say
Max displays supported
6
Market range: <4 – >4
This graphics card supports up to 6 displays, which is more than 98.8% of graphics cards and equal to 1.2% of graphics cards.
Max digital resolution
4096x2160
This graphics card supports a maximum digital resolution of 4096x2160, which is lower than that of 92.4% of graphics cards and equal to that of 4.6% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort outputs
3
Market range: <1 – >3
This graphics card offers 3 DisplayPort outputs, which is more than 21.7% of graphics cards and equal to 76% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort version
1.4
This graphics card supports DisplayPort 1.4, which is older than on 80.8% of graphics cards and equal to 13.1% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort link rates
32.4 Gbps
Market range: <5.4 Gbps – >80 Gbps
This graphics card supports DisplayPort link rates up to 32.4 Gbps, which is faster than on 56.6% of graphics cards and equal to 20.9% of graphics cards.
Show more
What reviewers say
Thermal Design Power (TDP)
225 W
Market range: <86 W – >360 W
This graphics card has a TDP of 225 W, which is higher than that of 55.2% of graphics cards and equal to that of 1.1% of graphics cards.
Power consumption while under peak load
232 W
Market range: <106 W – >365 W
This graphics card draws 232 W under peak load, which is higher than 54.8% of graphics cards and equal to 0.1% of graphics cards.
Recommended PSU wattage
500 W
Market range: <450 W – >850 W
This graphics card recommends a 500 W PSU, which is lower than that of 75.2% of graphics cards and equal to that of 8.8% of graphics cards.
Board power limit
225 W
Market range: <107 W – >400 W
This graphics card has a board power limit of 225 W, which is higher than that of 50.5% of graphics cards and equal to that of 1.3% of graphics cards.
PCIe power spec
75 W
Show more
What reviewers say
Size
270x 124x 53 mm
Length
270 mm
Market range: <200 mm – >337 mm
This graphics card is 270 mm long, which is shorter than 56.5% of graphics cards and equal in length to 0.6% of graphics cards.
Height
124 mm
Market range: <109 mm – >146 mm
This graphics card is 124 mm tall, which is shorter than 51.8% of graphics cards and equal in height to 1.8% of graphics cards.
Slot width
2.5 slot/s
Market range: <2 slot/s – >3.25 slot/s
This graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s, which is slimmer than 35.4% of graphics cards and equal in width to 14.7% of graphics cards.
Weight
863 g
Market range: <541 g – >2k g
This graphics card weighs 863 g, which is lighter than 66% of Graphics cards.
Show more
What reviewers say

XFX Radeon RX 590 Fatboy vs the average graphics card

246810TotalPerformanceMemoryFeaturesConnectivityPowerDesign
  • 64 bit wider memory bus
    This graphics card has a wider memory bus than the average graphics card (256 bit vs 192 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 192 bit.
    256 bit vs 192 bit
  • 2 more displays supported
    This graphics card supports more displays than the average graphics card (6 vs 4). The average graphics card supports 4 displays.
    6 vs 4
  • 23.1% lower PSU requirement
    This graphics card has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (500 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
    500 W vs 650 W
  • 14.3% faster VRAM clock
    This graphics card has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (2000 MHz vs 1,750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1,750 MHz.
    2,000 MHz vs 1,750 MHz
  • 2 more GPUs supported
    This graphics card supports more GPUs in multi-GPU mode than the average graphics card (2 vs 0). The average graphics card supports 0 GPUs in multi-GPU mode.
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    This graphics card has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
    1 vs 0
  • Supports multi-GPU linking
    This graphics card supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
  • More FP64 throughput
    This graphics card has a better FP64 ratio than the average graphics card (1:16 vs 1:64).
    1:16 vs 1:64
  • 2x cheaper
    XFX Radeon RX 590 Fatboy is cheaper than the average graphics card (£260 vs £520).
    £260 vs £520
  • More FP64 throughput
    This graphics card has a better FP64 ratio than the average graphics card (1:16 vs 1:64).
    1:16 vs 1:64
  • 64 bit wider memory bus
    This graphics card has a wider memory bus than the average graphics card (256 bit vs 192 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 192 bit.
    256 bit vs 192 bit
  • 14.3% faster VRAM clock
    This graphics card has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (2000 MHz vs 1,750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1,750 MHz.
    2,000 MHz vs 1,750 MHz
  • 2 more GPUs supported
    This graphics card supports more GPUs in multi-GPU mode than the average graphics card (2 vs 0). The average graphics card supports 0 GPUs in multi-GPU mode.
    2 vs 0
  • Supports multi-GPU linking
    This graphics card supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
  • 2 more displays supported
    This graphics card supports more displays than the average graphics card (6 vs 4). The average graphics card supports 4 displays.
    6 vs 4
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    This graphics card has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
    1 vs 0
  • 23.1% lower PSU requirement
    This graphics card has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (500 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
    500 W vs 650 W
  • 36.9% lower boost clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,580 MHz vs 2,505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,505 MHz.
    1,580 MHz vs 2,505 MHz
  • 40 fewer ray tracing cores
    This graphics card has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.
    0 vs 40
  • Less advanced frame generation
    This graphics card has less advanced frame generation than the average graphics card (no vs multi frame generation).
  • No CUDA support
    This graphics card does not support CUDA, the average graphics card does.
  • 4 GB less VRAM
    This graphics card has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (8 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
    8 GB vs 12 GB
  • 29.2% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 88% of models

    5.1

    Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.3

    Average grade

    20%

    8.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (13)
    7 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 6 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.1 vs 7.2
  • 2.4x larger process node
    This graphics card uses a larger manufacturing process than the average graphics card (12 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a manufacturing process of 5 nm.
    12 nm vs 5 nm
  • 1 fewer fans
    This graphics card has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
    2 vs 3
  • 29.2% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 88% of models

    5.1

    Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.3

    Average grade

    20%

    8.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (13)
    7 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 6 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.1 vs 7.2
  • 34.6% lower sentiment score
    5.1 vs 7.8
  • 9.8% worse value for money
    XFX Radeon RX 590 Fatboy has worse value for money than the average graphics card (6.75 vs 7.4).
    6.75 vs 7.41
  • 36.9% lower boost clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,580 MHz vs 2,505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,505 MHz.
    1,580 MHz vs 2,505 MHz
  • 40 fewer ray tracing cores
    This graphics card has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.
    0 vs 40
  • No CUDA support
    This graphics card does not support CUDA, the average graphics card does.
  • 69.3% lower pixel rate
    This graphics card has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (49.4 GPixel/s vs 161.3 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 161.3 GPixel/s.
    49.44 GPixel/s vs 161.3 GPixel/s
  • 144 fewer AI cores
    This graphics card has fewer AI cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 144). The average graphics card has 144 AI cores.
    0 vs 144
  • 32 fewer ROPs
    This graphics card has fewer ROPs than the average graphics card (32 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
    32 vs 64
  • 23.5% lower base clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,469 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.
    1,469 MHz vs 1,920 MHz
  • 41.1% lower texture rate
    This graphics card has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (222.5 GTexel/s vs 378 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 378 GTexel/s.
    222.5 GTexel/s vs 378 GTexel/s
  • 68.5% lower FP32 performance
    This graphics card has a lower FP32 performance than the average graphics card (7.1 TFLOPS vs 22.6 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP32 performance of 22.6 TFLOPS.
    7.12 TFLOPS vs 22.6 TFLOPS
  • 5 years older
    This graphics card was released earlier than the average graphics card (2018 vs 2023).
    November 2018
    2018 vs 2023
  • 40 fewer TMUs
    This graphics card has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (144 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
    144 vs 184
  • 58.5% lower PassMark score
    This graphics card has a lower PassMark score than the average graphics card (9,384 points vs 22,638 points). The average graphics card has a PassMark score of 22,638 points.
    9,384 points vs 22,638 points
  • 67.6% lower gaming score
    This graphics card has a lower gaming score than the average graphics card (4,790 points vs 14,779 points). The average graphics card has a gaming score of 14,779 points.
    4,790 points vs 14,779 points
  • 4 fewer compute units
    This graphics card has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (36 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
    36 vs 40
  • 73.7% lower compute score
    This graphics card has a lower compute score than the average graphics card (3,177 points vs 12,70.5 points). The average graphics card has a compute score of 12,070.5 points.
    3,177 points vs 12,070.5 points
  • 75.9% lower FP16 performance
    This graphics card has a lower FP16 performance than the average graphics card (7.1 TFLOPS vs 29.5 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP16 performance of 29.5 TFLOPS.
    7.12 TFLOPS vs 29.5 TFLOPS
  • 4 GB less VRAM
    This graphics card has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (8 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
    8 GB vs 12 GB
  • 57.9% slower memory speed
    This graphics card has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (8,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.
    8,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz
  • 42.9% lower memory bandwidth
    This graphics card has a lower memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (256 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
    256 GB/s vs 448 GB/s
  • 91.7% smaller L2 cache
    This graphics card has fewer L2 cache than the average graphics card (2 MB vs 24 MB). The average graphics card has 24 MB L2 cache.
    2 MB vs 24 MB
  • 87.5% smaller L1 cache
    This graphics card has fewer L1 cache than the average graphics card (16 KB vs 128 KB). The average graphics card has 128 KB L1 cache.
    16 KB vs 128 KB
  • Less advanced frame generation
    This graphics card has less advanced frame generation than the average graphics card (no vs multi frame generation).
  • 2.4x larger process node
    This graphics card uses a larger manufacturing process than the average graphics card (12 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a manufacturing process of 5 nm.
    12 nm vs 5 nm
  • No DLSS support
    This graphics card does not support DLSS, the average graphics card does.
  • No ray tracing
    This graphics card does not support ray tracing, the average graphics card does.
  • Older PCIe version
    This graphics card supports an older PCIe version than the average graphics card (3 vs 4).
    3 vs 4
  • No AI upscalers
    This graphics card does not support AI upscalers, the average graphics card does.
  • No mesh shaders
    This graphics card does not support mesh shaders, the average graphics card does.
  • No Resizable BAR
    This graphics card does not support Resizable BAR, while the average graphics card does. 76.4% of Graphics cards support it.
  • Older Vulkan version
    This graphics card supports an older Vulkan version than the average graphics card (1.3 vs 1.4).
    1.3 vs 1.4
  • Older DirectX version
    This graphics card supports an older DirectX version than the average graphics card (12 vs 12 Ultimate).
    12 vs 12 Ultimate
  • Older OpenCL version
    This graphics card supports an older OpenCL version than the average graphics card (2.1 vs 3).
    2.1 vs 3
  • 75.1% fewer transistors
    This graphics card has fewer transistors than the average graphics card (5,700 million vs 22,900 million). The average graphics card has 22,900 million transistors.
    5,700 million vs 22,900 million
  • Older 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
  • No AV1 encoding
    This graphics card does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
  • Older HDMI version
    This graphics card supports an older HDMI version than the average graphics card (2.0b vs 2.1a).
    2.0b vs 2.1a
  • No AV1 decoding
    This graphics card does not support AV1 decoding, the average graphics card does.
  • More basic codec support
    This graphics card encodes more basic formats than the average graphics card (H.264/H.265 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9).
    H.264/H.265 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9
  • Older DisplayPort version
    This graphics card supports an older DisplayPort version than the average graphics card (1.4 vs 1.4a).
    1.4 vs 1.4a
  • Lower display resolution
    This graphics card supports a lower maximum digital resolution than the average graphics card (4096x2160 vs 7680x4320). The average graphics card supports a maximum digital resolution of 7680x4320.
    4096x2160 vs 7680x4320
  • Older HDCP version
    This graphics card supports an older HDCP version than the average graphics card (2.2 vs 2.3).
    2.2 vs 2.3
  • 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
  • 1 fewer fans
    This graphics card has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
    2 vs 3
  • 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
  • 14 °C higher load temperature
    This graphics card has a higher load temperature than the average graphics card (81 °C vs 67 °C). The average graphics card has a load temperature of 67 °C.
    81 °C vs 67 °C
  • 4x higher idle power draw
    This graphics card has a higher idle power draw than the average graphics card (48 W vs 12 W). The average graphics card has an idle power draw of 12 W.
    48 W vs 12 W
  • 4.7% higher TDP
    This graphics card has a higher TDP than the average graphics card (225 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
    225 W vs 215 W

Video reviews

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

8.0
KEVIN KING
≈ estimated
20/10/2023
Hands-on test · benchmarks, temperatures and game performance
Verdict
XFX Radeon RX 590 Fatboy still handles modern games at high settings, but it draws a lot of power and is an aging design.
7.0
Old But Not Obsolete Tech
≈ estimated
05/10/2022
Hands-on review · 1080p game benchmarks and temperatures
Verdict
XFX Radeon RX 590 Fatboy is still fine for budget 1080p gaming if you keep expectations realistic, but not for higher resolutions.
5.0
Gamers Nexus
≈ estimated
05/01/2019
Hands-on review · thermals, gaming benchmarks and cooler design
Verdict
XFX Radeon RX 590 Fatboy is a fine GPU, but its cooler design is not recommended; choose a different RX 590.
6.0
KitGuruTech
≈ estimated
26/11/2018
Hands-on review · thermals, noise, power and overclocking
Verdict
XFX Radeon RX 590 Fatboy is not a bad card, but the Sapphire RX 590 offers a better balance of temperature and noise.
5.0
SerpentX Tech
≈ estimated
18/11/2018
Hands-on review · benchmarks and temperature tests
Verdict
XFX Radeon RX 590 Fatboy is only slightly faster than an RX 580, so it is hard to justify unless you are building a new PC.
9.0
Tech of Tomorrow
≈ estimated
15/11/2018
Benchmark review · performance, temperatures and size
Verdict
XFX Radeon RX 590 Fatboy is a strong 1080p card with good value, despite being only a Polaris refresh.
Overview video
Not graded
Overview video
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
15/01/2019
Hardware review · Mid-range card
Verdict
The XFX Radeon RX 590 Fatboy is a mid-range card that beats the GTX 1060, but its 225W power draw is high for the speed it delivers.
7.0
pcworld.com
✓ explicit
15/11/2018
Lab test · Gaming benchmarks
Verdict
The XFX Radeon RX 590 Fatboy is a strong 1080p card that beats the GTX 1060, but it runs hot and is only slightly faster than the RX 580.
5.0
gamersnexus.net
≈ estimated
05/01/2019
Benchmark review · Thermal focus
Verdict
The XFX Radeon RX 590 Fatboy sits between the GTX 1060 and GTX 1070 in speed, but its cooler is weak and gains over the RX 580 are small.
7.0
guru3d.com
≈ estimated
16/11/2018
Lab test · Cooling and noise
Verdict
The XFX Radeon RX 590 Fatboy is a solid choice for 1080p and 1440p, but its cooler lags behind rival brands and the card runs hot.
8.0
overclockersclub.com
≈ estimated
16/11/2018
Hands-on review · Overclocking
Verdict
The XFX Radeon RX 590 Fatboy is a 12nm refresh of the RX 580 that ships 175MHz faster and reaches about 1600MHz when tuned.
8.0
hardwareinside.de
✓ explicit
12/01/2019
Hardware test · Custom cooler
Verdict
The XFX Radeon RX 590 Fatboy handles Full HD well and has room for 1440p, but it runs hot and its fans get loud under load.
7.5
multiplayer.it
✓ explicit
12/01/2019
Benchmark test · Mid-range gaming
Verdict
The XFX Radeon RX 590 Fatboy handles 1080p well and 1440p reasonably, but runs hot and loud and gains little from overclocking.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about XFX Radeon RX 590 Fatboy

  • Excellent 1080p performance, capable of high/ultra settings in AAA titles
  • Solid entry-level 1440p gaming capabilities
  • Good value for the performance-per-dollar ratio
  • Includes helpful dual BIOS switch for performance or quiet modes
  • Features a wide range of connectivity options, including legacy DVI-D support
  • Comes with a sturdy and aesthetic aluminum backplate

What customers don't like about XFX Radeon RX 590 Fatboy

  • High power draw, often requiring a substantial power supply upgrade
  • Runs significantly hot under load, sometimes reaching 80°C or higher
  • Fans can become very loud and intrusive during intensive gaming sessions
  • Bulky 2.5-slot design (the 'Fatboy' name is literal) may not fit in all cases
  • Limited overclocking headroom as the card is already pushed near its architecture's limits
  • Build quality for the shroud can feel like cheap plastic to some users

Verdict

The XFX Radeon RX 590 Fatboy is a mid-range graphics card based on the 12nm Polaris 30 architecture, featuring 2,304 stream processors and a factory-overclocked boost clock of 1580 MHz. It is equipped with 8GB of GDDR5 memory on a 256-bit bus, delivering 256 GB/s bandwidth, and utilizes a bulky 2.5-slot cooling system with dual 100mm fans and a solid aluminum backplate. Main pros include its exceptional 1080p and capable 1440p gaming performance, outperforming the GTX 1060, along with a dual BIOS switch that offers a choice between high-performance and silent cooling modes. However, the card is notably power-hungry with a 225W TDP requiring both 8-pin and 6-pin connectors, can run quite hot under full load, and its large physical footprint may not fit into smaller PC cases.

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