AMD unveils Radeon RX 560 with fewer computing devices

AMD released the graphics architecture Polaris in 2016 with the sights set on large volumes in the middle class. The top model Radeon RX 480 was based on the Polaris 10, where the pristine circuit contained 2,304 stream processors. Later in the autumn, the family was expanded with the Radeon RX 460, where the graphics circuit’s total 1,024 stream processors were scaled down to 896 for the model.

Later, the model was replaced by the Radeon RX 560, which was equipped with full-scale Polaris 11. Now Tomshardware reports that AMD has again started selling the scaled-down graphics circuit to partner manufacturers, without a name change. Thus, there will be two RX 560s, with different specifications and performance.

Having a graphics card name for two different models is not an unproven tactic, where both Nvidia and AMD have previously been guilty. For Nvidia, this includes the Geforce GTX 1060, which comes with different numbers of CUDA cores depending on whether the model has 3 or 6 GB of graphics memory.

End users will definitely need to double check specs on variants. Typically the RX560 14cu version will sell lower than 16cu version, [and the] 14cu version will have lower power consumption. This allows our GPU partners to offer differentiation between different SKUs for different power and pricing segments.

According to a statement from AMD, this is an attempt to create greater freedom of choice for consumers, where the scaled-down model is expected to have a lower price tag, while performance and power consumption fall. The company also believes that it is entirely up to consumers and partner manufacturers to distinguish the models, even though they have the same name.

When the Radeon RX 560 with 896 stream processors will go on sale at Swedish dealers is currently unknown and the same applies to the price.