SweClockers tests AMD Radeon RX 480 with Radeon Software 16.7.1

The AMD Radeon RX 480 was launched on June 29, and immediately came into focus for hot discussions on the internet. The main reason was that the reference model of the graphics card turned out to exceed the PCI Express specification for power outlets, which created concerns about instability or, in the worst case, component damage.

AMD itself confirmed the problem, and promised a solution soon. The result was the driver Radeon Software 16.7.1, which rebalances the power output to reduce the load on the PCI Express port. The software also introduces a compatibility mode to reduce the overall power output of the graphics card.

Radeon Software 16.7.1 is working around the issue

The new driver Radeon Software 16.7.1 briefly recodes the power control of the Radeon RX 480 at each boot, without permanently changing the card’s VBIOS. The purpose is to get a better division between the PCI Express port and the separate 6-pin connector.

With the fresh software out in the open, PC Perspective takes the opportunity to check what AMD has really changed. The editorial office behind has equipment for measuring power consumption and power outlets very accurately, and is divided for the PCI Express port and the extra 6-pin connector, respectively.

The title that gave the clearest result in the original test was Metro: Last Light at 4K UHD. With the original driver Radeon Software 16.6.2, it is clear how both the PCI Express port and the 6-pin connector deliver in round slings 80 watts each over the 12 V line, evenly distributed over both. The specification for the PCI Express port says that the maximum ceiling is 66 watts continuous consumption for the 12 V part.

With the new Radeon Software 16.7.1 driver, the difference is clear. AMD is rebalancing the power consumption, so that a larger part ends up on the 6-pin connector. The result is an average of 70 watts for the PCI Express port – still above specification, but much closer.

The downside is that the extra 6-pin connector lands closer to 90 watts on average, still well above the formal specification. However, this is a connection directly connected to the mains part, where each conductor has significantly higher tolerances. In other words, it should be a practical non-problem.

Last but not least, with Compatibility Mode activated, the total power consumption is pressed further. The socket over the PCI Express port decreases to just over 65 watts for the 12 V line, in other words according to specification. For the extra 6-pin connector, it is a matter of throwing 85 watts over the 12 V line.

SweClockers tests performance impact

The Radeon Software 16.7.1 driver not only includes redistribution of the power output of the Radeon RX 480. The software also introduces some performance improvements as well as new compatibility modes. The latter works, among other things, by keeping clock frequencies down, which AMD believes can give slightly lower FPS values.

According to the company, the result should be the same or slightly higher performance in standard mode compared to the older driver Radeon Software 16.6.2. With the compatibility mode active, the frequencies are held back, something which, however, must to some extent be offset by new optimizations.

SweClocker’s tests show that in practice the differences in performance are minimal. The new driver generally offers an extra frame per second, while the compatibility mode means that a bit of power disappears.

A notable exception is the Grand Theft Auto V, where the Radeon RX 480 had major problems with annoying freezes at launch. For the new driver, AMD has optimized, which provides a much smoother experience.

In terms of power, the changes AMD made with Radeon Software 16.7.1 mean that the total power consumption increases a bit, which is in line with other websites’ measurements. When the compatibility mode is activated, however, the numbers drop, and the average for the system lands 10 watts lower.

A look at the frequencies under load reveals no world-changing differences. Directly compared to Radeon Software 16.6.2, the new 16.7.1 means basically the same frequencies, without variances worth pointing out.

With Compatibility Mode activated, the frequencies are held back a bit, which puts the line just below the other two. It rhymes well with the measurements of frame rate which end up a bit lower compared to the standard mode.

AMD Radeon RX 480 gets back “Good product”

With the numbers in hand, SweClocker’s editorial staff chooses to once again give the Radeon RX 480 the “Good Product” award – albeit in the weaker part of the scale. Even if the measured values ​​are still at the limit of or outside the specification, it is in a way that is unlikely to affect the rest of the system – the new power distribution should remove the risk of interference or damage.

AMD’s solution is not perfect, among other things because the balancing requires that the right driver is loaded to work. However, the software is probably the best company can do at the moment, a decent patch on the wound – at least for Windows users.

With that said, most enthusiasts are probably right in waiting for models from partner manufacturers. The reference type has undersized cooling and is not suitable for operation beyond the standard frequencies. Overclocking also risks pushing power output to new levels – something that in practice counteracts AMD’s recent solution.

More information and detailed measurements can be found at PC Perspective and Tom’s Hardware, among others.