The Second Generation of Polaris: Introduction to the Radeon RX 570 Using the ASUS ROG Strix Video Card as an Example

Currently, the situation with the total dominance of NVIDIA in the segment of top-end graphics solutions has developed. AMD is unlikely to present its progressive Vega accelerators shortly. But a series of mid-level video cards based on GPU Polaris has already been developed. Their second generation is presented, so let’s start studying the new products.

Polaris 20 Based Video Cards

The updated line of video cards includes four models: Radeon RX 580, Radeon RX 570, Radeon RX 560 and Radeon RX 550. They are direct successors of similar models of the RX400 series; in particular, the Radeon RX 580/570 replaces the Radeon RX 480/470. So, let’s consider the changes in the new video cards in this review.

The Radeon RX 580 and Radeon RX 570 are based on the Polaris 20 graphics processor which has no major changes with respect to Polaris 10. This is the development of the AMD GCN architecture and its fourth implementation. The GPU counts 36 Compute Unit (CU) computational modules, which are organized into four Shader Engine arrays with its own geometry processing block, as well as rasterization blocks. Each CU operates 64 stream processors and four texture modules. General features of the GPU are as follows: 2,304 stream processors, 144 texture units and 32 rasterization blocks.

Not the largest number of computing units, if the GPU Grenada (Hawaii) to be recalled. However, Polaris has a number of advantages: increased are the processing speed of some shaders and the speed of asynchronous calculations, the geometry and tessellation processing blocks have been improved, the processor cache capacity has been increased. The compression of color data is added which increases the efficiency of data exchange with the memory on a 256-bit bus. Due to the transition to a 14-nm process technology, power consumption has been reduced and working frequencies have been seriously increased.

The second generation of Polaris has taken a step forward in its frequencies. At the same time, the 14-nm process technology is preserved, but, perhaps, improvements within the technology itself and an increase in the percentage yield of suitable crystals have provided such acceleration. Also, the power limits of the new video cards are increased as well. Roughly speaking, Radeon RX 580 and Radeon RX 570 the result of ordinary overclocking of the previous models.

The maximum performance of the Polaris 20 is provided by the Radeon RX 580 with full configuration of the computing units. The base frequency of the GPU is set at 1,257 MHz at the highest frequency value up to 1,340 MHz. And this is a good acceleration against the background of 1,120-1,266 MHz for the Radeon RX 480. But the GDDR5 memory still works at an effective data exchange rate of 8 GHz, and the standard memory capacity is 8 GB.

Radeon RX 570 operates a GPU with 2,048 active stream processors. The core frequencies are 1,168-1,244 MHz instead of 926-1,206 MHz for the predecessor Radeon RX 470. It can be equipped with GDDR5 memory modules of 4 or 8 GB of total capacity with an increased frequency of 7 GHz. The predecessor worked with its memory at a frequency of 6.6 GHz.

The increase in frequencies has led to an increase in heat release. For the Radeon RX 580, a TDP of 185 watts is claimed. For Radeon RX 570 official sources do not specify the values, but, most likely, its TDP is close to the level of the higher-end card. At the same time, power consumption is reduced in the modes requiring maximum output. This is due to the third memory state which has previously worked only at the minimum or maximum values. When watching video with hardware acceleration on a GPU or when connecting a second monitor, the memory switches to a productive mode, increasing the total power consumption. Now it will work in the third intermediate mode. For example, when watching streaming video from Youtube at 1080p, the new Radeon RX 580 will consume 14 watts, and the old Radeon RX 480 – as much as 38.8 watts. When you connect two 4K monitors, the consumption of video cards increases only by 1.5 W compared to a single 4K monitor.

Such optimizations save extremely low operating temperatures and noise level in simple operation modes. Also it should be noted that AMD partners have gotten more engineering freedom this time. And instead of reference versions with a weak turbine users will immediately see a wide range of various graphics cards with powerful coolers. Therefore, the temperature-noise characteristics will depend on each particular model.

The video cards are equipped with DisplayPort 1.3 HBR and DisplayPort 1.4 sockets, and support HDR image output. A special encoding/decoding unit provides support for H.264 and HEVC video up to a resolution of 4K. Thanks to this unit, one can record the game process directly or stream without loss in gaming performance. The appropriate video capture and recording functions are built into the AMD ReLive software.

The AMD ReLive package includes the WattMan application, which gives all the opportunities for fine monitoring of the operating parameters of the graphics card and its overclocking. So, all the features are available to users without having to resort to additional utilities.

Among the new software features Radeon Chill should be noted – a special intelligent energy-saving technology for AMD Radeon video cards. Radeon Chill can control frequencies, slightly reducing them when player activity and load on the GPU are low, and at the moments of maximum activity raising them to the highest limit. This reduces the total power consumption as well as heat irradiation allowing the graphics card to work in more comfortable conditions. The Radeon Chill reduces the delay in the frame output as well.

Radeon Chill technology is relevant for cybersport games. For example, in Dota 2 one will not get 200 fps, but a lower value, though with reduced delays and increased response time.

When the quality of the output image is considered, AMD FreeSync 2 is to be mentioned. This new technology provides synchronization of frames output when working with HDR-monitors. Due to the improved conveyor of the image transmission in HDR format, the input-latch is reduced and the smoothness of the image on the screen improves without ripping of frames.

Radeon RX 580 is positioned as an option for smooth HD-gameplay with the ability to use higher resolutions. Radeon RX 570 is positioned as a performance solution for the mass Full HD format.

Let’s start getting acquainted with the new series with the Radeon RX 570 and see what these video cards are capable of, having studied the capabilities of the ASUS ROG Strix model.

ASUS ROG Strix Radeon RX 570 O4G Gaming OC Edition

The ASUS ROG-STRIX-RX570-O4G-GAMING video card is supplied in a medium-sized box.

Externally it is a full copy of the ASUS ROG Strix Radeon RX 470. The card has similar dimensions and uses the same cooling system. The total length is 24 cm.

The cooler is larger than the board, two large fans are used. Every element is sustained in black tones. Strict outlook is complemented by an illuminated logo on the end.

In the corner there is a power socket for eight contacts which is pivoted upwards. One of the screws on the cooler is protected by a warranty seal which prevents parsing.

There are four interface sockets at the rear panel: DisplayPort, HDMI and two DVIs.

There are no changes in the cooler design as related to the ASUS Radeon RX 470. Two thick heat pipes with a diameter of 8 mm pass through the base and thread the radiator fins.

Direct contact of the tubes with the surface of the crystal is realized.

The radiator has no fastening frames and complex structures on the front side. The fan casing clings to the edges of the plates.

The transistors of the power node have a finned radiator of their own.

The entire structure is blown by a pair of Everflow T129215SM fans of 100 size.

But the printed circuit board differs noticeably from the Radeon RX 470. In the new ASUS video card the power node is located to the right of the chip. The number of phases in the GPU power system is increased to six.

The graphic crystal is surrounded by a large frame. The memory is collected by Elpida W4032BABG-70-F microcircuits.

If the average version of the Radeon RX 570 has the core frequency upper bound of 1,244 MHz, the ASUS ROG-STRIX-RX570-O4G-GAMING operates at 1,300 MHz. The effective memory frequency is 7,000 MHz.

Like in all models of the Gaming series, three frequency profiles are supported. The initial settings correspond to the Gaming Mode, there is also OC Mode with a core frequency of 1,310 MHz. Silent Mode offers some reduction in frequencies to lower the noise level.

With any gaming load, ASUS demonstrates a stable core frequency of 1,300 MHz. This is an excellent result, as even the top versions of the old Radeon RX 470/480 sometimes showed floating frequencies. But the temperature-noise characteristics are somehow strange. The ASUS ROG Strix Radeon RX 470 has shown a good combination of low operating temperatures and low fan speeds. In this case, everything is somewhat different. The first gaming tests have shown that the maximum fan speed hardly reaches 1,700 rpm at core temperatures up to 66 °C. But after a good warm-up, the fan speed starts to increase in the same applications. As a result, the ASUS ROG Strix Radeon RX 570 shows 1,900 rpm, and sometimes even 2,000 rpm at peak moments, which is more than 70% of the maximum speed. In this case, the noise can be estimated as moderate. The gradual change in speed and its periodic decrease reduces the overall rumble.

With regards to maximum temperatures, some applications easily heat the core up to 70 °C at a room temperature of 21 °C. That is, against the background of Radeon RX 470 with the same cooling, significantly increased heat dissipation and noise can be seen. And the operating mode of the cooling system depends on each specific application: some games warm up the video card faster and stronger, some – weaker, allowing to work in a quieter mode. Temperatures of 66-70 °C for such a GPU are still low. So with manual settings, one can achieve the optimum balance with a more comfortable noise level and without a serious increase in operating temperatures.

The Polaris second generation gives hope for the growth of the overclocking potential. And ASUS has met all the expectations. The core is able to overclock to 1,445 MHz, which is unattainable for the GTX 470/480 series. In particular, the already mentioned ASUS ROG Strix Radeon RX 470 has overcome only 1,350 MHz. Memory overclocking has also exceeded the performance of its predecessors. The new ASUS model has overcame the limit of 7,800 MHz. Higher core and memory frequencies lead to stability reduction.

It is noteworthy that suchlike overclocking is possible without significant acceleration of the fans. Almost all game tests are passed while fixing the fan speed to 69% of the maximum level (just under 1,900 rpm). The speed stabilization proves to be very effective for improving cooling, as a result, the core heats to 71 °C only. But the general noise background has increased. At variable rotational speeds with its peak values of up to 2,000 rpm and higher, the video card still works quietly.

Characteristics

Core: Polaris 20
Transistors number, mln pcs: 5,700
Process technology, nm: 14
Core size, sq. mm: 232
Number of stream processors: 2,048
Number of texture blocks: 128
Number of rendering blocks: 32
Core frequency, MHz: 1,300
Memory bus, bit: 256
Memory type: GDDR5
Memory frequency, MHz: 7,000
Memory capacity, MB: 4,096
Supported DirectX version: 12
Interface: PCI-E 3.0

Conclusions

New video cards based on Polaris 20 are the result of simple raising the frequencies. At the same time, the overall frequency potential has also increased, which allows higher acceleration and higher performance levels. So the buyers of the new Radeon RX 570/580 will have a certain advantage with respect to the old Radeon RX 470/480 graphics cards, although not very considerable. Such innovations will compete with the GeForce GTX 1060 in versions of 3 and 6 GB more successfully. Now the confrontation in the middle price segment will become fiercer. Even the younger card of the Radeon RX 570 looks quite decent against the background of the more powerful GeForce GTX 1060 and Radeon RX 480, reaching their level after the overclocking. But along with the increase in frequencies, heat generation and power consumption increase as well. Therefore, AMD’s new solutions may be worse than previous models in their temperature-noise characteristics. However, it still depends on the capabilities of each particular video card. Based on overviews and user reviews, one can choose a quiet and cool version of the Radeon RX 570/580.

The ASUS ROG Strix Radeon RX 570 O4G Gaming OC Edition (ROG-STRIX-RX570-O4G-GAMING) videocard is initially operating at higher frequencies, which provides several additional percentages of performance as related to simple versions of the Radeon RX 570 and a more significant separation from the Radeon RX 470. Further overclocking allows reaching the performance level of Radeon RX 480 and the higher-level version of GeForce GTX 1060. ASUS cooling system looks serious, but in reality the card is not the quietest of all possible. High fan speed is associated with a certain noise, although without obvious discomfort. Cooling, which has proved itself to be perfect on the Radeon RX 470 is less effective in combination with the hotter Polaris 20 GPU on the Radeon RX 570. It’s worth noting that the heating and fan speed are highly dependent on each particular application: some games warm up the card quickly and others allow a relatively long time of maintaining a low noise level. In such a situation, the implementation of overclocking will require a delicate approach in selecting the optimal fan speed or it will be necessary to put up with a certain level of noise. As a result, ASUS ROG-STRIX-RX570-O4G-GAMING can be called a worthy candidate for purchase, but overclocking enthusiasts may still look for more interesting options.