RX 480: Which model to choose, the main nuances when buying a used one
Older model with 8 Gigabytes when checked in the program Claymore’s Dual Ethereum AMD+NVIDIA GPU Miner showed the following indicators:
- Video card processor frequency – 1169 MHz.
- RAM frequency – 2050 MHz.
- Hashrate – 30.1 MH / s.
- power usage ~ 130 W.
During Ethereum mining, the value of the processor frequency does not exceed the maximum allowable, since during overclocking it is possible that the video card will issue invalid “balls”.
When mining ether, the changed parameters will not change anything, but if you take into account the work in the mode dual-mining, then these changes will positively affect the work in other algorithms that depend on the memory speed.
The younger model with 4 GB showed the following values:
- Video card processor frequency – 1100 MHz.
- RAM frequency – 1800 MHz.
- Hashrate – 27.5 MH / s.
- power usage ~ 120 W.
The values do not differ much, but much also depends on the manufacturer of the video card and the correct overclocking. For example, a video card MSI, is equipped with two fans and the device stays cold at all times. PowerColor equipped with 3 fans, nevertheless it is the hottest graphics card, despite the large number of coolers. Due to heating PowerColor is the worst suited for mining. Gigabyte in mining has shown itself from the best side and after the correct firmware.
If we take a video card from AMD, then it is better to choose the version with RAM from Samsung. The memory has good overclocking potential.
Of course, it is almost impossible to determine the supplier of memory chips on a new video card in a store. You can only roughly navigate the brand of the manufacturer. When buying on the secondary market, everything is much easier. Run the program you want, for example GPU-Z and all technical information about this graphics adapter will be displayed on the display.
The RX 470 and RX 480 are virtually in the same price range and are nearly identical in performance. But if you compare for mining, then the first will cost more in terms of price, and the second in terms of performance. In any case, it is even more difficult to find 470 on the market than 480, so it is more expedient to pay attention to the second option.
Graphics Cards Series RX 4xx are no longer produced in factories in China, replaced by newer models RX 5xx series. Mining tests show that the difference between old and new models is minimal, so the demand for secondary market very large. It is worth purchasing such video cards for mining with caution. Pay attention to external damage (safety of seals) and the warranty period according to the receipt.
