Is rx580 just a overclocked rx480 and which should I get?

[Wooski223]

I'm choosing between these two. I want to get the sapphire versions, but if the rx580 is just a overclocked 480 as everyone keeps telling me, then I'll get the 480 because its 25 euros cheaper and requires a smaller power supply. The sapphire 480 clock speed is 1342 and the 580 1450 so if I would be able to overclock the 480 to 1450 I don't see why I would pay 25 euros extra.

 

[dontlistentome]

Yes it's basically just an overclocked card. Also, in most situations they are the same, as in if the game is playable on one card, it's equally playable on the other. If the 480 gives you 48fps average in a game, and the 580 gives you 53fps in the same game and settings, is that a difference? Technically yes, but in how the game plays, no there's no difference.

 

[boosted1g]

Correct, a 580 is the exact same architecture as a 480, just a bump in frequency.

Even without overclocking you will likely not notice the difference.

 

[drinkingcola86]

Like others have said mostly yes. there have been some power optimizations that have happened and a couple other little updates but that is about it. Performance is close to each with the 580 about 5-10 fps better pending the game.

 

[rinserofwinds]

Yes, the 580 is basically just an overclocked 480.
BUT if you overclock the 480 on 580 clock speed, there are a number of faults in your logic.

1. It might be possible, that your 480 won't reach 580 clock speed, because since 480 AMD has improved their production technology, so their chips have higher quality and reach higher clocks.
You might get the 580 clock speed on your 480, but there is a really good chance, your 480 won't reach that speed.
Remember that the RX480 is a first generation of a new chip architecture. Those normally don't overclock very well.

2. If you overclock your 480, it will consume more power. If you overclock your 480 on 580 clock speed, it will consume as much or more power, than the 580, so you will still need the bigger power supply.

So the reasons to pay 25€ more are that you get a 480, that will 100% reach those higher clock speeds (1450) and will have a cooling system, that is adequate for the increased amount of heat.
You decide.

 

[toni.muurman]

Ok, lets say that the rx 480 is overclocked 580. But if you overclock 580 its better than 480 am I right?