Quick Answer
The Radeon RX 590 and Radeon RX 580 are both Polaris-based graphics cards from AMD. The RX 590 is a refreshed version, offering higher clock speeds and slightly improved performance, typically around 10-15%, over the RX 580. However, this performance gain generally comes with increased power consumption.
Radeon RX 590 vs Radeon RX 580: Full Comparison
Introduction
When considering graphics cards from the same architectural family, understanding the nuances between models is key. The AMD Radeon RX 590 and RX 580 represent two closely related options that were prominent in the mid-range market. This comparison breaks down their specifications, performance, and features to clarify their differences and help identify which card might align better with specific needs, focusing purely on technical and practical aspects.
Architecture and Manufacturing Process
The core difference between these two GPUs lies in their manufacturing process, which directly impacts their performance and efficiency.
- Radeon RX 580: Built on the “Polaris 20” GPU using a 14nm FinFET process. It was the performance-oriented variant of the second-generation Polaris architecture.
- Radeon RX 590: Utilizes the refined “Polaris 30” GPU. Its primary advancement is the shift to a more efficient 12nm FinFET process, which allowed for higher stable clock speeds within the same power envelope.
While both are based on the same fundamental Polaris design, the die shrink for the RX 590 is its defining characteristic.
Performance and Clock Speeds
The shift to a 12nm process enabled the RX 590 to operate at significantly higher frequencies, which is the main source of its performance uplift.
- Clock Speeds: The RX 590 features notably higher base and boost clock speeds compared to the RX 580. This translates to a measurable performance increase in games and applications.
- Real-World Gain: In most gaming benchmarks, the performance difference is typically in the range of 10% to 15% at 1080p resolution, with the RX 590 holding the advantage. The gap may vary depending on the specific game and system configuration.
- VRAM: Both cards were commonly available with 8GB of GDDR5 memory, connected via a 256-bit bus, offering similar memory bandwidth.
Power Consumption and Thermals
The performance increase of the RX 590 comes with a trade-off in power draw.
- TDP (Thermal Design Power): The RX 590 has a higher TDP, generally around 225 watts, compared to approximately 185 watts for the RX 580. This means it consumes more power under load.
- Power Connector: Due to the higher power requirement, the RX 590 typically uses a single 8-pin PCIe power connector, while many RX 580 models use a 6-pin connector, though 8-pin versions also exist.
- Thermal Output: The increased power consumption can result in higher heat output. The effectiveness of the cooling solution on a specific card model becomes an important factor for noise levels and sustained boost clocks.
Features and Software Support
As products from the same generation and vendor, they share nearly identical software and feature sets.
- API Support: Both fully support DirectX 12, Vulkan, and OpenGL APIs.
- AMD Technologies: Features like Radeon FreeSync (for variable refresh rate monitors), Radeon Image Sharpening (RIS), and Radeon Anti-Lag are available on both through driver updates.
- Outputs: The display outputs (like DisplayPort and HDMI) are similar and depend on the specific design chosen by the board partner who manufactured the card.
Comparison Table: Radeon RX 590 vs RX 580
| Feature | Radeon RX 590 | Radeon RX 580 |
|---|---|---|
| GPU Architecture | Polaris 30 (12nm) | Polaris 20 (14nm) |
| Stream Processors | 2304 | 2304 |
| Base Clock Speed | ~1469 MHz | ~1257 MHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | ~1545 MHz | ~1340 MHz |
| Memory | 8GB GDDR5 | 8GB GDDR5 (4GB also existed) |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory Speed | 8 Gbps | 8 Gbps |
| TDP (Typical) | ~225W | ~185W |
| Typical Power Connector | 1x 8-pin | 1x 6-pin or 1x 8-pin |
| Performance Level | Higher (approx. 10-15% faster) | Standard |
| Key Advantage | Higher out-of-the-box performance | Lower power consumption |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the RX 590 and RX 580?
The primary difference is the manufacturing process. The RX 590 uses a more refined 12nm process (Polaris 30) compared to the 14nm process (Polaris 20) of the RX 580. This allows the RX 590 to run at higher clock speeds, yielding better performance, but with increased power consumption.
Is the performance difference between the RX 590 and RX 580 significant?
The performance uplift is generally noticeable but not dramatic. In many games at 1080p resolution, the RX 590 typically provides a 10-15% frame rate advantage over the RX 580. The significance depends on the user’s sensitivity to frame rates and the specific applications being used.
Does the RX 590 require a more powerful power supply than the RX 580?
Yes, due to its higher TDP, a system with an RX 590 generally requires a power supply with a higher wattage rating and a robust single 8-pin PCIe power connector. It’s important to check the specific power requirements of the card model and ensure the power supply has adequate capacity.
Do both cards support the same features like FreeSync?
Yes. As AMD graphics cards from the same product family, they support identical feature sets through driver software, including Radeon FreeSync, Radeon Image Sharpening, and other technologies available for the Polaris architecture.
Final Thoughts
The Radeon RX 590 and RX 580 offer a clear example of a GPU refresh within the same architecture. The RX 590 provides a straightforward performance upgrade through higher clock speeds, making it the more capable card for gaming. Conversely, the RX 580 operates with lower power consumption, which can be a consideration for system efficiency, thermals, and noise. The choice between them often comes down to the availability in a specific market and the value placed on that performance increment relative to the associated increase in power draw. Both were solid contenders for 1080p gaming in their time, with their differences being more about refinement and clock speeds than a fundamental architectural change.