The Radeon RX 470 Mobile is a high-performance graphics processing unit (GPU) designed for laptops and other mobile devices. Released in 2016, it is part of the AMD Polaris architecture, which marked a significant improvement in performance and power efficiency compared to its predecessors. The RX 470 Mobile is positioned as a mid-to-high-end GPU, targeting gamers and graphics professionals who require a balance between performance and mobility.
In terms of specifications, the Radeon RX 470 Mobile features 2048 stream processors, 128 texture mapping units (TMUs), and 32 render outputs (ROPs). It has a base clock speed of 926 MHz and can boost up to 1206 MHz, depending on the system's cooling capabilities and power consumption limits. The GPU is paired with 4 GB or 8 GB of GDDR5 memory, which provides a bandwidth of up to 224 GB/s. This configuration allows for smooth performance in modern games and graphics-intensive applications at high settings.
Performance Comparison and Benchmarks
To assess the performance of the Radeon RX 470 Mobile, it's essential to compare it with other GPUs in its class. Benchmarks from 3DMark, Unigine Heaven, and Valley, as well as real-world gaming tests, show that the RX 470 Mobile can deliver frame rates above 60 FPS in many modern titles at 1080p resolution, with medium to high graphics settings. For example, in games like Assassin's Creed Odyssey and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the RX 470 Mobile can maintain frame rates around 50-60 FPS at 1080p with high settings, making for a smooth gaming experience.
Gaming Performance at Different Resolutions
At 1080p (1920x1080), the Radeon RX 470 Mobile is well-suited for playing the latest games at high settings, with frame rates often exceeding 60 FPS. Moving to 1440p (2560x1440), the performance is still respectable, with many games achieving frame rates between 40-50 FPS at high settings. However, at 4K (3840x2160), the GPU may struggle to maintain high frame rates, especially in very demanding titles, requiring a reduction in graphics settings to achieve playable performance.
| Game Title | 1080p Frame Rate | 1440p Frame Rate | 4K Frame Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assassin's Creed Odyssey | 55-65 FPS | 40-50 FPS | 25-35 FPS |
| The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | 60-70 FPS | 45-55 FPS | 30-40 FPS |
| Fortnite | 70-80 FPS | 55-65 FPS | 40-50 FPS |
Power Consumption and Thermal Performance
The Radeon RX 470 Mobile is designed to offer a balance between performance and power efficiency. With a typical board power of around 85 watts, it is relatively power-hungry but still within the realm of what most high-end laptops can handle. The power consumption can lead to heat generation, and the cooling solution of the laptop plays a crucial role in maintaining the GPU's performance. Laptops with advanced cooling systems, such as dual fans or liquid cooling, can help keep the RX 470 Mobile at optimal temperatures, ensuring consistent performance during extended gaming sessions.
Key Points
- The Radeon RX 470 Mobile offers high-performance graphics capabilities for laptops, targeting mid-to-high-end gaming and graphics applications.
- It features 2048 stream processors, 128 TMUs, and 32 ROPs, with a base clock speed of 926 MHz and a boost clock up to 1206 MHz.
- Performance varies by game and settings, but it can deliver frame rates above 60 FPS at 1080p and around 40-50 FPS at 1440p in many modern titles.
- Power consumption is around 85 watts, necessitating a good cooling system to maintain optimal performance and prevent thermal throttling.
- Real-world performance can be influenced by the laptop's cooling solution, power management, and the specific implementation of the GPU.
Evolution of Mobile Graphics and Future Outlook
The release of the Radeon RX 470 Mobile marked an important step in the evolution of mobile graphics, offering a significant boost in performance and efficiency. Since then, AMD and NVIDIA have continued to push the boundaries of what is possible in laptop GPUs, with newer architectures like RDNA 2 and Ampere providing even better performance and power efficiency. As laptops become increasingly popular for gaming and content creation, the demand for high-performance mobile GPUs like the RX 470 Mobile and its successors will continue to drive innovation in the field.
Looking forward, the future of mobile graphics is exciting, with advancements in areas like ray tracing, artificial intelligence, and variable rate shading promising to further enhance the visual fidelity and performance of laptop graphics. Moreover, the integration of GPUs with other components, such as CPUs and storage, will play a critical role in defining the overall performance and capabilities of future laptops.
What is the primary advantage of the Radeon RX 470 Mobile over its predecessors?
+The primary advantage of the Radeon RX 470 Mobile is its significant improvement in performance and power efficiency, thanks to the AMD Polaris architecture, making it more suitable for high-end gaming and graphics applications in laptops.
How does the cooling system of a laptop impact the performance of the RX 470 Mobile?
+A good cooling system is crucial for maintaining the optimal performance of the RX 470 Mobile. It helps in keeping the GPU at lower temperatures, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring that the GPU can operate at its highest clock speeds for longer periods, thus providing consistent gaming performance.
What are the future prospects for mobile graphics, especially considering the Radeon RX 470 Mobile's performance and efficiency?
+The future of mobile graphics looks promising, with ongoing advancements in technology expected to bring about even more powerful and efficient GPUs. The integration of newer technologies like ray tracing and AI into mobile GPUs will further enhance gaming and content creation capabilities in laptops, offering users more immersive and interactive experiences.
In conclusion, the Radeon RX 470 Mobile represents a significant milestone in the development of high-performance mobile graphics. Its balance of performance, power efficiency, and feature set makes it an attractive option for those seeking a powerful laptop GPU. As technology continues to evolve, the lessons learned from the RX 470 Mobile will contribute to the development of even more capable and efficient mobile GPUs, further blurring the lines between laptop and desktop gaming performance.
