In the realm of mid-range graphics solutions, the AMD Radeon RX 470 has etched its name as a reliable performer, catering to gamers seeking a balance between price and performance. Now, AMD brings that power to the laptop arena with the AMD Radeon RX 470 Mobile (RX 470M), a graphics card designed to provide capable gaming experiences on the go. In this review, we delve into the features, specifications, and performance of the RX 470M, exploring its capabilities and recommended gaming experiences.

Introduction to AMD Radeon RX 470 Mobile

The AMD Radeon RX 470 Mobile (RX 470M) marks AMD’s entry into the mid-range laptop gaming market. Built on the Polaris 10 architecture, this graphics card aims to deliver a balance between gaming performance and power efficiency. Leveraging the same design principles as its desktop counterpart, the RX 470M brings familiar features and capabilities to gaming laptops.

Specifications and Architecture

The RX 470M boasts a specifications lineup that ensures a balanced gaming experience, bringing the power of Polaris 10 architecture to laptops. Key specifications include:

Architecture

Built on the Polaris 10 chip, offering 32 Compute Units (CUs) for efficient performance.

Shader Units

Equipped with 2048 Shader units for rendering graphics with precision.

Texture Mapping Units (TMUs)

Features 128 TMUs for optimized texture rendering.

Clock Speeds

Operates at a base clock frequency of 926 MHz, with a boost frequency of 1206 MHz for dynamic performance.

Memory Configuration

4GB of GDDR5 memory running at 7000 MHz, delivering a peak memory bandwidth of over 211 GB/s.

The RX 470M’s architecture and specifications blend to provide a capable mid-range gaming solution for laptops, catering to a range of gaming experiences.

Performance and Gaming

The RX 470M’s performance aligns closely with its desktop sibling, the Radeon RX 470. While the laptop variant falls slightly behind its desktop counterpart due to power and thermal constraints, it still provides commendable mid-range gaming performance. The RX 470M offers a balance between power efficiency and gameplay fluidity, making it well-suited for laptops with larger form factors.

Recommended Games

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Experience the rich landscapes and immersive storytelling of this critically acclaimed RPG.

DOOM (2016)

Enjoy high-octane first-person shooter action with impressive visuals and fast-paced gameplay.

Overwatch

Engage in competitive team-based battles with the fluid gameplay that this hero shooter offers.

Grand Theft Auto V

Immerse yourself in the open-world environment of Los Santos and experience the narrative-driven gameplay.

Total War: Warhammer

Dive into epic battles in the fantasy world of Warhammer, commanding armies to victory.

Cooler Design and Form Factor

The RX 470M, as implemented by various laptop manufacturers, showcases different cooling solutions and form factors. The design varies across laptops, with some featuring custom coolers and others adhering to AMD’s reference design. Users can expect a balance between efficient heat dissipation and performance, ensuring that thermal management remains robust even during extended gaming sessions.

Connectivity and Display Outputs

The RX 470M offers a range of display outputs, including dual-link DVI, HDMI 2.0b, and DisplayPort 1.3 (HBR3/1.4 HDR-ready). While it lacks a second DisplayPort output, it still provides support for high refresh rates and resolutions, making it suitable for gaming on external monitors or displays.

Pros

1. Competitive mid-range gaming performance for laptops.
2. Familiar with Polaris 10 architecture with balanced specifications.
3. Suitable for Full HD gaming experiences.
4. Diverse display outputs for versatile connectivity.

Cons

1. Performance constrained by laptop power and thermal limitations.

Recommended for

Gamers seeking a mid-range graphics solution for laptops, aiming to strike a balance between gaming performance and portability. The RX 470M offers smooth gameplay in popular titles and a range of connectivity options for versatile use.

Not recommended for

Users looking for high-end gaming performance or aiming to game at 4K resolutions on laptops. For such users, higher-tier graphics solutions would be more suitable.

FAQs about AMD Radeon RX 470 Mobile (RX 470M)

Q: What sets the RX 470M apart from other graphics cards in the laptop market?

The RX 470M offers a balance between gaming performance and power efficiency, thanks to its Polaris 10 architecture. It’s an ideal choice for users who value both gaming capability and portability.

Q: How does the RX 470M handle multitasking and non-gaming tasks on laptops?

While its focus is gaming, the RX 470M can handle multitasking and non-gaming activities with ease, making it versatile beyond gaming.

Q: How power-efficient is the RX 470M compared to its desktop counterpart?

Tailored for laptops, the RX 470M prioritizes power efficiency while delivering good gaming performance, making it well-suited for both gameplay and battery life.

Q: Can the RX 470M support virtual reality (VR) gaming on laptops?

While capable of modern gaming at Full HD, the RX 470M might not meet VR gaming demands. For optimal VR experience, consider dedicated VR-ready laptops.

Q: Are there unique software features enhancing the RX 470M’s gaming experience?

AMD’s software suite adds benefits like Radeon Chill, which conserves power during lighter gameplay, and Radeon Anti-Lag, reducing input lag for smoother gaming.

Q: What laptops feature the RX 470M, and what should I consider when choosing one?

Laptops with RX 470M will vary in design and cooling. When choosing, look at cooling efficiency, build quality, display specs, and brand-specific features.

Concluding AMD Radeon RX 470 Mobile

The AMD Radeon RX 470 Mobile (RX 470M) brings mid-range gaming performance to the laptop world. With its Polaris 10 architecture, balanced specifications, and commendable clock speeds, the RX 470M is poised to deliver enjoyable gaming experiences for users seeking portable gaming options. Its ability to handle modern gaming titles at Full HD resolutions makes it a compelling choice for laptop gamers looking to strike a balance between performance and portability. Whether you’re diving into immersive RPGs, competitive shooters, or open-world adventures, the RX 470M holds its own as a solid mid-range option.