The AMD Radeon RX 460 is a popular graphics card among budget-conscious gamers and PC enthusiasts. Released in 2016, it was one of the first Polaris-based GPUs from AMD, offering an impressive combination of performance, power efficiency, and affordability.

Architecture and Performance

The RX 460 is built on AMD’s GCN 4 architecture, featuring 896 stream processors, 14 compute units (CUs), and a clock speed of up to 1244 MHz. In terms of memory, the card comes with 2GB or 4GB of GDDR5 RAM, depending on the model.

In terms of performance, the RX 460 is capable of delivering smooth frame rates in modern games at resolutions up to 1080p (1920×1080). It’s particularly well-suited for titles like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Overwatch, which are popular among esports enthusiasts. However, demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey or The Witcher 3 may require some compromises on graphics settings.

Power Consumption

One of the RX 460’s strengths is its power efficiency. It’s designed to run at a relatively low TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 80W, making it an attractive option for small form factor builds or systems with limited power delivery. This also means that the card can be cooled using a standard case fan or even a passive heatsink.

Competitors and Comparison

The RX 460 was initially priced around $100-$150, making it a compelling alternative to NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 1050 and GTX 1050 Ti. However, with the release of newer GPUs like AMD’s Radeon RX 560 and NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 1660, the RX 460 has become somewhat outdated.

Technical Specifications:

• GPU: AMD Polaris (GCN 4)
• Stream processors: 896
• Compute units: 14
• Clock speed: up to 1244 MHz
• Memory: 2GB or 4GB GDDR5 RAM
• Memory bandwidth: 112 GB/s
• Power consumption: 80W TDP
• Display support: HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.3
• DirectX support: 12

Conclusion

The AMD Radeon RX 460 is a budget-friendly graphics card that offers impressive performance for its price. While it may not be the most powerful GPU on the market, it’s an excellent option for mainstream gamers who want to play popular titles at high frame rates without breaking the bank.

If you’re building a gaming PC or upgrading your existing system on a tight budget, the RX 460 is definitely worth considering. Just keep in mind that newer GPUs have since surpassed its performance, and prices may vary depending on the region and availability.

Upgrade Path

If you’ve already got an RX 460, there are several upgrade options to consider:

• Upgrade to the Radeon RX 560 or RX 580 for improved performance
• Consider a more recent NVIDIA GPU like the GeForce GTX 1660 or GTX 1660 Super
• If budget allows, invest in a mid-range to high-end graphics card from AMD’s current lineup

Remember that upgrading your GPU may require additional power delivery, so be sure to check your system’s specifications before making any changes.