The AMD Radeon RX 460 4GB is a popular mid-range graphics card that has been a favorite among budget-conscious gamers for several years. Released in 2016, this GPU was designed to provide a balance between performance and power efficiency, making it an attractive option for those who want to play games without breaking the bank. But is the RX 460 4GB still good for gaming in today’s market? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at its performance, features, and compatibility to help you decide.
Performance Overview
The RX 460 4GB is based on the Polaris 11 GPU architecture, which was a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Tonga architecture. This GPU features 896 stream processors, 56 texture mapping units, and 16 raster operators. It also has a 128-bit memory bus and 4GB of GDDR5 memory, which provides a decent amount of bandwidth for 1080p gaming.
In terms of performance, the RX 460 4GB is capable of delivering smooth frame rates in many modern games at 1080p resolution. However, its performance can vary greatly depending on the game and the level of graphics quality. For example, in games like Fortnite and League of Legends, the RX 460 4GB can easily deliver over 60 FPS at high graphics settings. However, in more demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and The Witcher 3, the frame rate may drop to around 30-40 FPS at medium to high graphics settings.
Benchmark Results
To give you a better idea of the RX 460 4GB’s performance, here are some benchmark results in popular games:
| Game | Resolution | Graphics Settings | Frame Rate |
| — | — | — | — |
| Fortnite | 1080p | Epic | 70-80 FPS |
| League of Legends | 1080p | High | 80-90 FPS |
| Overwatch | 1080p | Ultra | 60-70 FPS |
| Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | 1080p | Medium | 30-40 FPS |
| The Witcher 3 | 1080p | Medium | 30-40 FPS |
As you can see, the RX 460 4GB’s performance is quite good in less demanding games, but it can struggle in more demanding titles.
Features and Technologies
The RX 460 4GB supports many of the latest graphics technologies, including:
DirectX 12 and Vulkan
The RX 460 4GB supports DirectX 12 and Vulkan, which are the latest graphics APIs. These APIs provide a number of benefits, including improved performance, reduced power consumption, and better multi-threading.
AMD FreeSync
The RX 460 4GB also supports AMD FreeSync, which is a technology that helps to reduce screen tearing and stuttering. FreeSync works by synchronizing the frame rate of the GPU with the refresh rate of the monitor, which provides a much smoother gaming experience.
AMD WattMan
AMD WattMan is a utility that allows you to customize the performance and power consumption of your GPU. With WattMan, you can adjust the clock speed, voltage, and fan speed of your GPU to achieve the perfect balance between performance and power efficiency.
Compatibility and System Requirements
The RX 460 4GB is a relatively old GPU, but it’s still compatible with many modern systems. Here are the minimum system requirements:
Operating System
The RX 460 4GB supports Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7.
Processor
The RX 460 4GB requires a relatively modern processor to function properly. We recommend a processor with at least 4 cores and a clock speed of at least 3.5 GHz.
Memory
The RX 460 4GB requires at least 8GB of system memory to function properly. However, we recommend 16GB or more for optimal performance.
Power Supply
The RX 460 4GB requires a power supply with at least 300W of power. However, we recommend a power supply with at least 500W of power to ensure stable operation.
Conclusion
The RX 460 4GB is still a good GPU for gaming, but its performance can vary greatly depending on the game and the level of graphics quality. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly GPU that can deliver smooth frame rates in less demanding games, the RX 460 4GB may be a good option. However, if you’re looking for a GPU that can handle more demanding games, you may want to consider a more modern GPU like the RX 5600 XT or the GTX 1660 Super.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for alternatives to the RX 460 4GB, here are a few options to consider:
- RX 5600 XT: This GPU offers significantly better performance than the RX 460 4GB and is available for around $300.
- GTX 1660 Super: This GPU offers similar performance to the RX 5600 XT and is available for around $250.
- RX 5500 XT: This GPU offers slightly better performance than the RX 460 4GB and is available for around $200.
Ultimately, the RX 460 4GB is still a good GPU for gaming, but it’s not the best option available. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly GPU that can deliver smooth frame rates in less demanding games, the RX 460 4GB may be a good option. However, if you’re looking for a GPU that can handle more demanding games, you may want to consider a more modern GPU.
Is the RX 460 4GB suitable for 1080p gaming?
The RX 460 4GB can handle 1080p gaming, but its performance may vary depending on the game and graphics settings. In general, it can provide smooth frame rates in less demanding games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Overwatch. However, more demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, The Witcher 3, and Cyberpunk 2077 may require reduced graphics settings to achieve playable frame rates.
For a better gaming experience, it’s recommended to adjust the graphics settings to balance performance and visual quality. This may include reducing the resolution, turning off anti-aliasing, or lowering the texture quality. Additionally, the RX 460 4GB may not be able to handle the latest games at high frame rates, so it’s essential to check the system requirements before purchasing a new game.
How does the RX 460 4GB compare to the GTX 1050 4GB?
The RX 460 4GB and GTX 1050 4GB are both entry-level graphics cards, but they have some differences in terms of performance. The GTX 1050 4GB generally outperforms the RX 460 4GB in most games, especially at higher graphics settings. However, the RX 460 4GB may have an advantage in games that utilize asynchronous compute, such as AMD’s own titles like Ashes of the Singularity.
In terms of power consumption, the RX 460 4GB has a slightly lower TDP than the GTX 1050 4GB, which may be beneficial for users with lower-wattage power supplies. Additionally, the RX 460 4GB may be more affordable than the GTX 1050 4GB, depending on the region and retailer. Ultimately, the choice between the two cards depends on individual preferences and system configurations.
Can the RX 460 4GB handle 144Hz monitors?
The RX 460 4GB may struggle to handle 144Hz monitors, especially in demanding games. To achieve high frame rates, the graphics card needs to render at least 144 frames per second, which can be challenging for the RX 460 4GB. In less demanding games, it may be possible to achieve high frame rates, but in more demanding titles, the frame rate may drop below 60 FPS.
To take full advantage of a 144Hz monitor, a more powerful graphics card is recommended. However, if you already have an RX 460 4GB and a 144Hz monitor, you can try reducing the graphics settings or using a lower resolution to achieve higher frame rates. Additionally, some games may have a frame rate cap or a variable refresh rate feature that can help reduce screen tearing and improve the overall gaming experience.
Is the RX 460 4GB compatible with DirectX 12?
Yes, the RX 460 4GB is compatible with DirectX 12. In fact, it was one of the first graphics cards to support DirectX 12 when it was released. DirectX 12 is a low-level API that allows developers to optimize their games for specific hardware configurations, which can result in improved performance and reduced power consumption.
However, the RX 460 4GB may not be able to take full advantage of DirectX 12 features like multi-threading and asynchronous compute. More powerful graphics cards like the RX 470 or RX 480 may be better suited for DirectX 12 games. Nevertheless, the RX 460 4GB can still provide a good gaming experience in DirectX 12 titles, especially at lower graphics settings.
Can the RX 460 4GB be overclocked?
Yes, the RX 460 4GB can be overclocked, but the results may vary depending on the specific model and cooling system. Overclocking can help improve the graphics card’s performance, but it also increases the risk of overheating and reducing the card’s lifespan.
To overclock the RX 460 4GB, you’ll need to use software like AMD’s WattMan or third-party tools like MSI Afterburner. It’s essential to monitor the card’s temperature and adjust the overclocking settings accordingly. Additionally, overclocking may void the warranty, so it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and take necessary precautions to avoid damaging the card.
Is the RX 460 4GB still a good option for gaming in 2023?
The RX 460 4GB is an older graphics card, and its performance may not be comparable to newer models. While it can still handle less demanding games, it may struggle with more recent titles that require more powerful hardware. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for gaming, there may be better alternatives available.
However, if you already have an RX 460 4GB and are looking to upgrade your system, it’s worth considering other components like the CPU, RAM, and storage. Upgrading these components can help improve the overall system performance and provide a better gaming experience. Additionally, the RX 460 4GB can still be used for general computing tasks like browsing, office work, and streaming.
What are some alternatives to the RX 460 4GB?
Some alternatives to the RX 460 4GB include the GTX 1050 4GB, GTX 1050 Ti, and RX 560 4GB. These graphics cards offer similar or better performance than the RX 460 4GB and may be more suitable for gaming. Additionally, newer graphics cards like the RX 5500 XT, RX 5600 XT, and GTX 1650 Super offer even better performance and features.
When choosing an alternative, consider factors like power consumption, noise levels, and compatibility with your system. It’s also essential to check the prices and availability of these graphics cards in your region. Ultimately, the best alternative will depend on your specific needs and budget.