Radeon RX 480 "Polaris" Launched at $199

[gerardfraser]

AMD is fighting an uphill battle against Intel and Nvidia with their products for years. Negative comments that build up over the years with respect to Intel and Nvidia fans against AMD is a battle that AMD has never been able to compete with.All I can say AMD do have good products.


AMD needs to do something different to make money and keep the business viable for the next 40 years.Where the hell do they start and how do they accomplish this goal to start to be profitable and get out of debt.

Maybe some nut at AMD suggested a couple years ago it's time to do something.So they mess around for a year or two with meetings and stuff and come up with
a group like Radeon Technologies Group to improve aspects of graphics technologies used in AMD’s APU, discrete GPU, semi-custom, and GPU compute products and dole out responsibility and hire passionate people.

So what's the first thing this Radeon Technologies Group have to do to win back the confidence of the people and start a turn around to make the company to be profitable in the future.

This is the GPU thread on new AMD cards on rumors and unconfirmed articles.

So lets say these nuts come up with an idea to gain back some market share in the GPU market.Crazy I know.

First meeting boss says -*** are we going to do to turn this ship around and get back to profit.

First guy -Be our own biggest supporter.Baffle them with BS this will get us where we need to be.

Second guy-No problem man,lets just make the fastest GPU and charge loads of money for it.Profit all the way to the bank.

Boss-Cut the frigging crap.It time to change things up.we need market share and profitability. Here is what were are going to do.

Get off your behind *****es and make me a bleeping GPU that is fast,low power so I can sell the bleeping thing to everyone.

Team -Boss we got something for ya.
Boss-Puts down cigar and stops making it rain for the strippers.Well this better be bleeping good.
Team-Sure is boss how about the new RX480 4GB @199USD.With Premium features.
Boss-OK you got my attention.
Team-We can make a nice profit ,the card is fast and low power and cool ,we also left some room for overclocking .Will throw in some new tools to get the best out of the card.Improve drivers/liquid VR and BLAH BLAH BLAH.
Boss-Let me get this straight in my head.Your saying we can profit on premium card with premium features and make it desirable to just about everyone and the card kicks butt.F-ya drinks for everyone.
Team-Thanks boss
Boss-Grabs cigar and takes a puff,one thing though,this card is so frigging good,we need to create so buzz .Now we can not let the cat out of the bag.We can not tell everyone how good this card is.To much negativity out there against us at the moment.Bleep it do not tell anyone about the card except price and let the reviewers and internet tell our story of one of the best GPU'S ever. Now get the bleep out of my office ,I am going to make it rain.

I am just messing around but am buying some RX480 cards

 

[drunkenmaster]

Total garbage

You have no idea what the specs of small vega will be and yet you make the above prediction.

As to HBM memory I would caution anyone considering buying a card with it to have a very good look at the reviews before you part with your money.

I don't think it is a coincidence that GDDR5X has become the memory to use instead of HBM.

GDDR5x is used on literally one card... yet has become the memory to use, even though HBM2 is on two cards(two supposedly available.... but no one has actually seen a working GP100).

This is a fact, if 1080 used HBM to achieve it's bandwidth, it would be in the region of 150W instead of 180W and it would be dramatically harder for AMD to beat it's performance/w with a gddr5 RX480.

If Nvidia wanted to give 1080 512GB/s of bandwidth, what with it losing ground to Fury X and 980ti at 4k compared to 1080/1440p, it would have to increase power by likely another 20W or so to achieve it, HBM wouldn take an extra 5W to do that.

Using an older architecture, the reason the Nano could beat Nvidia on performance/w against a newer architecture, was purely by using HBM.

Whatever the power limit on GP102 is, Nvidia will run into the situation where the memory will use a lot more power so the gpu core can use a lot less power within a reasonable single card wattage. Again HBM allowed a Nano to match a newer architecture in performance/w with an older one. Now think Vega, newer than Pascal realistically with HBM vs Pascal with gddr5x which uses significantly more power at any given level of bandwidth. AMD is going to have a HUGE advantage.

We also both have some supposedly leaked specs, it's funny because when you were using GP102/GP104/anything Nvidia leaked specs it's fine, but leaked Vega specs is a no because you say so.

From GP106 > GP104 die size, from most generations gaps in die sizes, from RX480 die size it's incredibly reasonable to presume small Vega will be a bigger die than GP104, and based off supposed architectural efficiency of Polaris without HBM, it's extremely naive to believe a larger Vega core with HBM won't beat a 1080.

Leaks put it as a circa 4000 shader part, it will probably be 350-400mm^2 both because of that shader count, the need to have a decent gap between it and RX480 die size/shader count, the need to have enough shaders to utilise HBM2 bandwidth and because leaks put it at 4000 shaders. All of that is errm... an idea of what Vega's specs are, and all of those ideas would have it comfortably ahead of the 1080 and what's more is if it uses HBM2, it can probably do that in the same power as the 1080, if it uses gddr5(x) it will likely use a bit more power but maybe still have better performance/w.

 

[AllBodies]

If the RX 480 really does do Nano-ish speed at £240-ish, I'm going to seriously consider getting 2.

I've never done 2-gpus before because of compatibility issues and micro-stuttering being a thing.

But the value for money would be excellent, and if DX12 and Vulkan look to fix most of the multi-gpu problems, it's certainly worth thinking about.

 

[five8five]

personally i believe there will be a gddr5x vega11 during Q4 2016.because the faster they release, the more pressure they will put on nvidia to release GP102 to take performance crown back, which would give them a good idea to where vega 10 should be, actualy i think we might just see a 2 thousand dollar GPU from nvidia by 2018 with a GP100 at 600mm² as a response to vega 10.

So do you think Vega 10 is going to be a two thousand dollar GPU as well?

 

[humbug]

Usual amount of salt in these cases but a guy whose brother works in the industry has some info.

Here is a summary followed by the post.

Some AIB's will be releasing Dual Bios parts with a switch for 1266mhz default bios and 1500mhz bios. At 1500mhz it is said to trade blows with a stock 1070 in games while running at ~70-80c with more room for overclocking on the voltage. They are said to run perfectly stable at these clocks and it is easy to push them to 1600mhz and beyond. When run at 1600mhz he mentions they are ahead of a 1070.

Updated Info: I got some more info to share Saturday, I just gotta get my brother to "ok" what i written out. In the mean time, I just wanted to update on a few things i did learn today from my bro and his partners in Seattle. Like i said for my 470 update and Vega 10 update I will be able to share tomorrow after my brother looks over what i written, I already have it typed out and will be posting it here and 3 other sites im affiliated with. In the mean time, here are a few updates i can share tonight to clear things up on the 1500mhz guarantee Rx 480 cards i mentioned before.

Update info on the Rx 480 -----------------------------
Earlier here today i posted some info on two different AIB vendors releasing $300 dollar 1500mhz Rx 480 Editions. There is some clarity i wanted to update on what exactly this means. Its quite simple, There will be some "superclocked" editions (< not the exact name) released with a bios option set at 1500mhz, its as simple as that. As for how many others vendors will release these Rx 480's that have the bios option switch to 1500mhz is unknown outside of the two companies that i am aware of. I cannot share which companies are releasing this but honestly I am told that all 6+8 pin Rx 480's are said to get this 1500mhz mark with software, Let me just quote what they said...this is a C/P from my email that was forwarded to me by my brother just a few hours ago.

This particular $300 Rx 480 OC Edition will have toggle with two bios options - Standard bios of 1266mhz and Extreme bios of 1500mhz - All 6+8 pin models will be able to reach the 1500mhz mark - the only difference is some editions will have a overclock bios setting that will be set at the 1500mhz mark - while other cards will have to be done manually although today its easy to do manually by just a few clicks of a button with software - While running at 1570mhz - the OC edition runs at 72c with 99% gpu load with 65% fan - one impressive feat to say the least - This bodes well for AMD's new Polaris cards as it shows these cards are capable of even more than this impressive 1570mhz mark - In fact, in a closed box setup, we were able to "easily" obtain 1600mhz while running Battlefield 4 for over an hour with zero crashes or artifacts all while keeping below the 75c mark while using 99% gpu load - Even more impressive is the fact that the voltage usage leaves room for even a bit further tweaking to further our overclock past 1600mhz - One has to wonder what AMD has with the entire lineup of Vega right now - we can only imagine pure bliss in terms of performance at the top enthusiast level - AMD really does have something special on their hands. The Rx 480 while running 1500mhz is on par with the stock 1070 in-game, it even beats it on some games at this clock, anything more and the 480 begins to put some distance between the two cards. Keep in mind this is Dx12 games, this is where GCN 4 truly shows off.

Earlier my brother and I were talking and I mentioned to him about how i felt about what AMD is doing and my brother said i literally took the words out of his mouth in what i am about to say below...

...we both are very curious and intrigued at how AMD is targeting these new cards, Its as if they are not even trying to target Nvidia at all but rather setting a new lineup of cards and a completely new lineup of performance targets. In other words, AMD's cards are not really targeting Nvidia's nor any of AMD's previous cards but rather...setting a completely new standard of graphic cards with a whole new identity and vision. I really feel this way and my brother agrees as he said we must be brothers as we had this exact same thoughts in mind. My brother and I are both in the Gaming/Hardware Industry, I work for a game company in Chicago but my brother has been in the industry longer than myself working in a big software/hardware company in Seattle. Anyways, I am very excited at what AMD is doing here. I think they are doing a remarkable job and they should be commended by both Nvidia and AMD fans alike. Forget all the petty fanboy trolling...we are all on the same team here, green or red, we are gamers and computer enthusiasts...we should be excited to see AMD step in new waters. I am, my bro and his colleagues are...so should you.

PS I'll have more info on the Rx 460, Rx 470 and Vega 10 (Rx 490) on saturday as my brother was out for the night so i could only get a few things answered. And yes Rx 490 is the smallest chip of Vega lineup confirmed., I'll explain more tomorrow, its something my brother told me but i gotta be careful with NDA,etc so i gotta check to see how much i can post when i get more time to talk with him, when i do, i'll post it for any interested for that info.

yum

 

[Nutella33]

and Vega 10 update

ooooohhhhh aaaaahhhhhh

 

[HarryBizzle]

My concern is that if the card is as good as these posts allege then we might be in for quite the price gouge.


Also I would take all of these leaks with a Dead Sea sized pinch of salt but that Sapphire FB post does make you think twice. Why else would they do that?

 

[AlamoX]

So do you think Vega 10 is going to be a two thousand dollar GPU as well?

nop i believe vega 10 will be Titan/Ti competition around 700-1000$ range, if it outperforms Titan, Nvidia might push with a new branding and much bigger chip like GP100(gaming version) which i would guess could come at much higher price than a 1000-2000$.
god forbid if vega 10 outperforms Titan, what do you think Nvidia will do ? just ride the rest of 2017 with lower performing card ? or vega outperforming titan is that much of inachievable goal ?

 

[JediFragger]

All I can say AMD do have good products.

I honestly believe that AMD have 'ok' products, nothing more really (overall at least, although the gfx hardware itself is bloody good!). They have to step it up if they don't want to be bought out by the end of the decade (or God forbid, liquidation)

 

[five8five]

The chances of a 1080 selling more than a 970 is highly unlikely yet we have fanboys claiming that here . Amazing if all of a sudden £600 cards are mainstream.

1080 has already outsold 970 on the same time period. Not bad considering it cost double.

Don't take my word for it, read the threads of customers stating their position in the queue it is quite easy to see we have pre-sold 1000's of custom cards, then add on top the sales of the FE editions and you can very quickly see that already we have sold close to 5000 1080 cards.

1070 is slower yes, due to customers being shocked at the price, most were expecting it cost less, even I was but the cost unfortunately increased days prior to launch. However 1070 is now beginning to accelerate, but is still behind 970 sales.

But 1080 sales are incredible!

I suppose this must make Gibbo the biggest Nvidia fanboy on the forum

 

[drunkenmaster]

My concern is that if the card is as good as these posts allege then we might be in for quite the price gouge.


Also I would take all of these leaks with a Dead Sea sized pinch of salt but that Sapphire FB post does make you think twice. Why else would they do that?

Again my advice on gouging, see it, don't buy into it. The more people just give in the more they'll do it.

Aside from that, everything suggests extremely healthy stock and this certainly isn't a paper/soft launch but has been in full production for some time and will be very widely available. ALl of which means gouging will be more difficult and if you have to buy elsewhere for the right price or even wait it out.

Don't panic over stock not being in and paying extortionate pre-order prices. the only minor issue in terms of stock is while OEMs aren't particularly interested in $600+ cards because it's a tiny tiny fraction of their systems they would ship in, $100-250 cards is OEMs bread and butter. It would seem like OEMs are well on board the Polaris 10/11 ship and they want lots for back to school season which coincidentally starts end of June and runs through to Sept. So even with AMD shipping likely shipping several hundred thousand, many will go to OEMs. I would suspect there is still plenty for early buyers in the retail channel.

 

[five8five]

Yup, this is the issue. I'm honestly expecting small Vega to give the 1080 a bit of a pasting and I wouldn't be surprised if big vega beat GP102 comfortably as well.

If small vega has HBM2, it will destroy 1080 in overall performance and performance/watt.

When will it be released? I thought it was definitely 2017 (AMD launch) which means the 1080 has got many months with no direct competition.

 

[gerardfraser]

Hype 1607

Spoiler

 

[adam98150]

If this lives up to the hype which card are people going for? So far I've only seen XFX and Sapphire. Will they be the only cards available on release or will there be others? Are Sapphire and XFX reputable?

 

[JediFragger]

Sapphire are VERY reputable, pretty much AMD's goto Guys

 

[drunkenmaster]

I suppose this must make Gibbo the biggest Nvidia fanboy on the forum

I think counting pre-order sales as the several thousand enthusiasts who will pay anything for the fastest card against real sales of a card that people don't want to preorder is pretty much meaningless.

I think Gibbo has relationships with Nvidia themselves and Nvidia partners and publicly saying "stock levels stick, this was a joke launch and Nvidia clearly can't come remotely close to supply demand".... is something that would get him fired.

Not the least, they've presold thousands of cards, questioning stock or Nvidia's ability to supply in the short term will mean a lot of refunds.

Lastly, every salesman everywhere always claims everything is the best selling product.... it's like salesman spiel 101.

 

[adam98150]

Sapphire are VERY reputable, pretty much AMD's goto Guys

Awesome, thanks!

 

[five8five]

I think counting pre-order sales as the several thousand enthusiasts who will pay anything for the fastest card against real sales of a card that people don't want to preorder is pretty much meaningless.

I think Gibbo has relationships with Nvidia themselves and Nvidia partners and publicly saying "stock levels stick, this was a joke launch and Nvidia clearly can't come remotely close to supply demand".... is something that would get him fired.

Not the least, they've presold thousands of cards, questioning stock or Nvidia's ability to supply in the short term will mean a lot of refunds.

Lastly, every salesman everywhere always claims everything is the best selling product.... it's like salesman spiel 101.

I think what you're saying about Gibbo is very disingenuous. He doesn't seem to be a "typical salesman" as he is very upfront and posts more information on the forum than he actually needs to.

I remember he was asked how the 980Ti and Fury sales compared. Surprisingly he gave actual figures, can't remember them exactly, but as you'll know they were not very flattering from an AMD point of view.

I won't say you're calling him a liar but reading between the lines you seem to be hinting he is.

 

[.Trooper.]

The thing that makes me double back on the rumour is that NVIDIA aren't a bunch of dumdums sitting in a factory making 10 GPUs per week - if they knew AMD had a $300 AIB card coming out that can OC to match or overtake a 1070 (and I'm fairly sure they have the resources to gain this information about AMD), I just don't see why they'd price the 1070 and 1080 so high. Perhaps to mug off early adopters before the 480 comes, but I see that as unlikely as it'd be a massive **** you to all the pascal buyers in the past three weeks.

 

[AlamoX]

I suppose this must make Gibbo the biggest Nvidia fanboy on the forum

it's beyond me how ppl can be in denial, you have no context and you project into thing to come up with the conclusion you like, 970 was a good seller on the long run who told you it had a good launch sale ?
he can always come and drop the numbers of the 2 last enthusiast card for the 2 couple weeks between 980ti and 1080, and i am sure 980ti would outsell(not pre-sell) 1080 2 or 3 to 1.
and just the fact that most of the sales numbers are pre-sales shows you the stock issue you are denying in the first place, lack of AIBs cards clear cut to the state of the stock.
and again Gibbo can't say whatever he like, he have a business to run with these ppl.