September 20, 2024
1 Solar System Way, Planet Earth, USA
Computer Hardware

Biostar's updated RX 580 should be cheap, because modern entry-level GPUs easily outperform it

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Biostar has recently reintroduced its RX 580 GPUnow in white, a seemingly nostalgic nod to one of AMD’s most popular offerings of the past decade. While the original RX 580, released in 2017, was a powerhouse in its day for Team Red, the 2024 iteration faces a lot more competition. Back then, it debuted at $229, but we don’t yet know how much Biostar’s refresh will cost.

The RX 580, equipped with the Polaris 20 XT GPU, initially made a splash with its impressive price-to-performance ratio. Its 2304 Stream Processors and 8GB of VRAM made it a go-to choice for gamers back in the day (unless you were Team Green, of course). However, Biostar’s 2024 model is a slightly different SKU. It features the Polaris 20 XL GPU, a variant with 2048 Stream Processors. While this may seem like a minor tweak, it’s actually quite indicative of the card’s age.

Image source: Biostar

Surpassed by modern GPUs

In today's market, the RX 580's capabilities are significantly outperformed by modern GPUs. Its 150W processing power and roughly 40% faster performance than the integrated Radeon 780M pale in comparison to the power and efficiency offered by newer GPUs. The lack of support for cutting-edge technologies such as ray tracing, AFMF2and other advanced video features further limit its appeal.

For gamers looking to build a new system in 2024, the RX 580 probably isn't the best choice. The age of the card and its limited capabilities make it a less than ideal choice, especially for larger, more demanding titles. If you're on a tight budget, it might be worth considering newer entry-level AMD 8GB GPUs like the RX 6600 ($199.99), RX 6650 XT ($235)either RX 7600 ($250)Prices are correct at the time of writing.

These cards offer better performance and support for modern features, making them a more attractive proposition for gamers on a budget. While it's commendable that Biostar continues to release older Radeon GPUs, the RX 580's place in the market is undeniably niche.