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Radeon RX 500X was an OEM-focused 2018 refresh of AMD’s RX 500 graphics family, not a new set of retail GPUs with different hardware. PCWorld reported on April 11, 2018, that an AMD spokesperson said the X models had no hardware differences from their non-X counterparts and that discrete RX 500X cards were not expected in stores. AMD’s published specification pages confirm figures for the RX 550X and RX 570X, but do not provide a complete official spec table for every model in the family.
What is the Radeon RX 500X series?
AMD used the RX 500X name for an OEM platform refresh in 2018. In a report published April 11, 2018, PCWorld quoted an unnamed AMD spokesperson describing the series as a brand refresh for 2018 OEM platforms and saying there were no hardware differences from non-X RX 500 GPUs. The spokesperson also tied the refresh to current Polaris-based hardware and Radeon Software Adrenalin Edition driver revisions at the time. PCWorld’s report is the source for AMD’s explanation; the speaker was not identified by name or title.
That distinction matters when searching for a card to buy: the RX 500X designation was aimed at OEM systems, not a separate retail card lineup. For a retail counterpart, look for the non-X RX 500 model—for example, the Radeon RX 570—rather than treating an RX 570X as a separately marketed retail product. AMD’s 2017 RX 500 launch announcement identifies the RX 570 as a retail RX 500 product; PCWorld reported discrete RX 500X cards were not expected on store shelves.
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AMD’s model pages publish specifications for these two RX 500X GPUs. “Up to” values below retain AMD’s qualification; they should not be read as guaranteed clocks or performance in every OEM computer.
#1 Best Overall
- RX 550 4GB LP Version: 4GB/GDDR5/128bit/DP+HDMI/PCIe 3.0*16/ Core Clock 1100-1183 MHz/ TDP 35W.
- Short/Small Form Factor (SFF) design fits in today’s Low-Profile desktops and workstations via the short bracket mounted on card. This LP card can fir easily fit in almost all mini-ITX cases.
- Less Power Consuming: Because of their small size and lesser components, low-profile graphics cards consume less power than regular-sized graphics cards. The 51Risc RX550 low-profile graphics card does not need an external power connector from the PSU, and it works only on the power supplied by the PCI Express x16 slot. Also, you do not need a high Wattage power supply for them, as a budget PSU of 300W is enough for them, given that it is an average PC build.
- Less Noisy: This low-profile graphics card is generally less noisy, because it comes with a single cooling fan, and uses a heatsink for cooling. it is almost silent in operation.
- What you get: 1x RX550 low profile graphics card, 1x User manual, professional after-sale service.
| Specification | Radeon RX 550X | Radeon RX 570X |
|---|---|---|
| Launch date | April 3, 2018 | April 3, 2018 |
| Board types listed | Desktop and notebook | Desktop and notebook |
| Compute units | 8 / 10 | 32 |
| Stream processors | 512 / 640 | 2,048 |
| Base clock | Not stated on AMD’s RX 550X specification page | 1168 MHz |
| Boost clock | Up to 1287 MHz | Up to 1244 MHz |
| Peak performance | Up to 1.65 TFLOPs | Up to 5.1 TFLOPs |
| Memory | Up to 4 GB GDDR5 | Up to 8 GB GDDR5 |
| Memory interface | 128-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory bandwidth | Up to 112 GB/s | Up to 224 GB/s |
See AMD’s RX 550X specifications and RX 570X specifications for the published model details. Both pages list capabilities including HDMI 4K, H.264 and HEVC encode/decode, DisplayPort 1.4 HDR, DirectX 12 and Vulkan. Check the relevant model page for each capability rather than assuming every RX 500X variant has the same feature list.
What about RX 540X, RX 560X and RX 580X?
Complete official AMD specification entries for the RX 540X, RX 560X and RX 580X are not established here. Do not fill those gaps by copying specifications from the similarly named non-X card: exact OEM configurations need model-specific documentation. If you are checking a computer listing or support page, use the full system model and GPU designation to find the applicable specifications.
Rank #2
- Dual Display Productivity - Enhance your workspace with support for up to two high-resolution 4K DisplayPort displays. Perfect for multitasking, digital signage, and immersive visual setups. Compatible with Windows 11
- High-Speed GDDR5 Memory - Equipped with 4GB of GDDR5 memory, this card ensures lag-free operation for video walls, data visualization, multitasking, and even light gaming
- Flexible Fit - Designed for versatility, the RX 550 comes with both low-profile (SFF) and full-height (ATX) brackets, making it easy to install in small desktops or standard towers without compromising performance
- Energy Efficient - Consumes just 50 watts and draws power directly from the system, eliminating the need for additional power cables. Designed for systems with limited power supply capacity, 350W recommended
- Smart Tek. Real Support. Package includes RX 550 4GB 2xDP Graphics Card. Designed with purpose; functionality, durability and compatibility with the tools you already use. Backed by an expert Tek support team who’s always ready to help.
How to interpret performance and choose an OEM system
AMD’s 2017 RX 500 launch announcement included performance claims for the non-X RX 500 family. Those are launch-era AMD comparisons, not independent RX 500X benchmarks or evidence of performance in a particular laptop or desktop:
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- For the RX 580, AMD claimed up to an average 57% better performance than the Radeon R9 380X, based on five 1440p game tests with specified hardware and settings.
- For the RX 570, AMD claimed up to an average 2.3X better performance than the Radeon R7 370, based on five 1080p game tests.
- For the RX 560, AMD claimed up to an average 57% higher performance than the Radeon R7 360, based on six 1080p game tests.
- For the RX 550, AMD claimed up to an average 4X higher performance than competing integrated graphics, with its footnote naming Intel HD 530 and five 1080p game tests. This is not a comparison with all integrated GPUs or current hardware.
For an RX 500X-equipped computer, the GPU name alone does not establish system performance. Compare the exact GPU model and memory configuration, then account for the OEM implementation, cooling, power limits, driver source and the rest of the system.
Rank #3
- 【Ultimate Triple Display Connectivity】: Features a versatile output array including HDMI, DisplayPort (DP), and DVI. Whether you're connecting a high-refresh-rate gaming monitor via DP or a standard office screen via HDMI, this card supports triple-monitor setups for maximum productivity.
- 【Compact Size & Wide Compatibility】: Measuring 240x135x45mm (9.45x5.31x1.77 inches), this dual-fan RX 580 fits perfectly into standard ATX Mid-Towers, Micro-ATX (M-ATX), ideal for compact desktop PC upgrades and space-saving gaming builds.
- 【Optimized Gaming Performance】: With 2048 Stream Processors and a 1206 MHz core clock, this card delivers solid frame rates in popular titles like Fortnite, GTA V, Apex Legends, and Valorant. It’s the ideal budget-friendly GPU for entry-level to mid-range gaming rigs.
- 【Advanced Thermal Management】: Engineered with a dual-fan cooling system and high-efficiency heat pipes to ensure stable performance under heavy loads. The intelligent fan control keeps your system quiet during light office work and provides maximum airflow during intense gaming sessions.
- 【Ready for Content Creation】: Supports DirectX 12, Vulkan, and OpenGL 4.6, making it more than just a gaming card. It provides hardware acceleration for video editing in Premiere Pro, 3D rendering in Blender, and smooth streaming for aspiring creators.
Drivers and compatibility
AMD’s Adrenalin 22.3.1 release notes, dated March 2022, include Radeon RX 500 / Radeon 500X Series Graphics in the compatible products list. AMD’s notes also advise laptop and all-in-one owners to use OEM-provided drivers when system-specific features and optimizations matter. This dated compatibility listing does not establish the newest driver available today or guarantee support for every OEM computer. AMD Adrenalin 22.3.1 release notes
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