The Radeon RX 580 graphics card from AMD might seem dated, having originally launched way back in 2017. However, there are still plenty of great reasons why buying an RX 580 can make sense in 2023. This article will explore 10 reasons why the RX 580 represents a smart purchase right now for gamers, content creators, and general users alike.
Introduction to the RX 580
First, let‘s briefly recap what exactly the RX 580 is and why it continues to deliver solid performance in 2023.
The RX 580 utilizes AMD‘s Polaris GPU architecture which debuted in 2016. It sports 2,304 streaming processors and can be outfitted with either 4GB or 8GB of GDDR5 memory. The RX 580 delivered excellent 1080p gaming performance upon launch, competing directly with Nvidia‘s popular GTX 1060 6GB.
Thanks to driver updates and optimizations over the years, the RX 580 continues to handle the latest games surprisingly well at 1080p resolution. It‘s not going to hit 144Hz refresh rates, but 60+ fps is certainly achievable in most titles. The RX 580 also remains VR ready and can even handle 1440p gaming in esports and less demanding games.
Now let‘s get into the top 10 reasons why purchasing an RX 580 graphics card still makes great sense right now!
1. Delivers Great 1080p Gaming
The primary reason to consider an RX 580 is for smooth 1080p gaming. In 2023, the RX 580 continues to hit 60+ fps in the vast majority of games at max or high settings when playing at 1920 x 1080 resolution.
According to benchmarks, it averages 102fps in GTA V, 75fps in Horizon Zero Dawn, and 89fps in God of War – very solid results. Of course, some newer titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 will require a few settings turned down, but overall performance remains impressive.
As 1080p remains the most popular gaming resolution, an RX 580 is well equipped to provide an excellent experience here. 60Hz 1080p gaming is where the RX 580 continues to shine brightest.
2. Good Value for Performance
With a launch price of $200-$230, the RX 580 always offered tremendous bang for the buck. In 2023, it‘s an even better value proposition.
Used RX 580 4GB models can routinely be found for under $100. At that price, nothing new even comes close in terms of performance. The RX 580 at this point competes favorably against newer budget cards like the RX 6500 XT.
For those willing to spend up to $150, the RX 580 8GB represents a great value – offering double the VRAM compared to the budget RTX 3050. All in all, it‘s hard to beat the RX 580 in terms of value right now.
3. Plenty of VRAM
Speaking of VRAM, the RX 580 is equipped with either 4GB or 8GB of GDDR5 memory. This gives it an edge over cheaper new cards like the GTX 1630 (4GB DDR4) and RX 6400 (4GB GDDR6) that seem to always be running into VRAM limitations.
The 8GB models offer ample breathing room for texture-heavy games and higher resolution texture packs. Even the 4GB variants handle 1080p gaming well enough in most titles. Bottom line – no need to worry about memory constraints.
4. Efficient Power Draw
Despite the aging Polaris architecture, the RX 580 continues to shine when it comes to power efficiency. With a 120W TDP for 4GB models and 150W for 8GB variants, power requirements remain modest.
The RX 580 doesn‘t need supplemental PCIe power cables either – a nice perk. This gives it an advantage in pre-built office PCs and OEM systems compared to cards demanding 6 or 8-pin connectors.
Overall, the RX 580 manages to deliver strong 1080p gameplay while sipping power. This helps minimize noise, heat, and electricity costs too.
5. Supports DX12 and New Games
The RX 580 fully supports DirectX 12 which gives it an advantage over older cards limited to DX11. This ensures compatibility with the latest games and game engines for years to come.
AMD also continues optimizing RX 580 performance through frequent driver updates. Owners can expect regular boosts in both legacy and newly released titles thanks to AMD‘s ongoing efforts.
Rest assured the RX 580 has plenty of life left when it comes to tackling new games hitting the market over the next couple years.
6. Capable 1440p Gaming Option
While the RX 580 is best suited for 1080p gaming, it can still deliver playable frame rates at 1440p resolution. In esports titles like Valorant, DOTA 2, and Rainbow Six Siege, 1440p gameplay over 60fps is certainly achievable.
The RX 580 can hang at 1440p reasonably well in more demanding single player games too. Benchmarks show average fps over 30 in Horizon Zero Dawn and The Witcher 3 with high settings. While not ideal, it remains a viable option for 1440p gaming on a budget.
7. Great for eSports Gamers
More hardcore gamers and eSports participants will appreciate the RX 580‘s fast 1080p performance across popular competitive titles. As mentioned earlier, achieving 100+ fps in games like CS:GO, Overwatch, and DOTA 2 is well within reach.
The RX 580 is also FreeSync compatible. Taking advantage of AMD‘s adaptive sync technology provides silky smooth gameplay by eliminating screen tearing and stuttering. This grants a competitive edge versus similar performing cards lacking variable refresh rate support.
8. Plentiful Used Supply
Considering the RX 500 series debuted way back in 2017, there is no shortage of used RX 580 cards circulating on the secondary market from ex-miners and upgraders. Sites like eBay and /r/hardwareswap routinely have postings at very tempting prices.
Pouncing on a pre-owned RX 580 for $100 or less represents outstanding bang for buck – just be smart and ask questions about usage, cooling and conditions. Also try to seek out 8GB variants which command only a small premium typically.
9. Aftermarket Coolers Available
The reference RX 580 cooler does an adequate job, but leaves something to be desired from a temperatures and acoustics standpoint. Luckily, the RX 580 enjoys broad compatibility with aftermarket air and liquid cooling upgrades.
Top-rated third party air coolers from Arctic, Raijintek and be quiet! help tame thermals and noise for improved performance and longevity. Aftermarket all-in-one liquid coolers can push the RX 580 even further.
So while the stock RX 580 cooler is merely average, aftermarket alternatives make a worthwhile upgrade for enthusiasts.
10. Expected to Remain Supported
How much longer can RX 500 series owners expect support in the form of software updates and game compatibility? While AMD has not stated an exact timeframe, expectations based on historical precedents point to at least 2-3 more years of solid support on the driver front.
Given the RX 580 sits two generations behind RDNA2 and one behind RDNA, it should avoid the fate of abruptly deprecated cards in the near future. Owners can bank on smooth 1080p gaming for several more years minus any major hardware failure.
Of course, there will come a time when the RX 500 series enters legacy support status – but that timeframe has not yet arrived.
Over 5 years since release, the Radeon RX 580 holds up remarkably well as a high value 1080p gaming solution with years of life still ahead. If your target resolution and refresh rate is 1920 x 1080 @ 60Hz, few cards can match the RX 580‘s combination of strong FPS, copious memory capacity, efficiency, and value proposition right now.
Used 4GB models dipping under $100 make the RX 580 almost an impulse buy. But even brand new cards around $150-$180 deserve consideration from savvy shoppers. Assuming reasonable power supply headroom exists, dropping an RX 580 into an older system breathes new life for very little cash.
While far from flawless and lagging bigger brother the RX 590 overall, the RX 580 remains a budget gamer‘s dream five years later after appreciating like a fine wine. Here‘s to extracting every last drop of juice from AMD’s Polaris 20 masterpiece!
