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Early Batches of Radeon RX 480 4GB cards actually do have 8GB memory
For reviewers AMD has been circulating a BIOS that would allow 8GB versions to be tested at 4 GB. However it was stated that all 4GB retail cards do physically have 4GB and not 8GB. That it seems was not true for some batches. Some users have reported purchasing a 4GB RX 480, that in fact physically holds 8GB of memory.
A user called bertieX over at Dutch website Tweakers.net reported that he purchased a 4GB PowerColor RX 480. The card has 8 memory chips and when he watched the GDDR5 ICs closely, he noticed Samsung K4G80325FBHC25 chips, these are confirmed 8Gbit. With eight of them that does make a total of 64 Gbit and thus indeed there is 8 GB of GDDR5 memory present on the PCB.
The card however is recognized and utilizing 4GB as model, this means that the remaining 4 GB is disabled in the BIOS. In theory it would be possible and very simple to activate the remaining 4GB to 8GB with an 8GB SKU BIOS update. It is very doubtful that AMD will keep delivering 4GB models with physical 8GB on the cards, likely this was a snap decision or quantity discount to get the cards out fast. At this time it is uncertain if all 4GB cards sold in fact carry 8 GB of memory, according to more rumors the XFX cards also have 8GB present on the 4GB models.
The 4GB Radeon RX 480 costs 219 euro whereas a 8GB model will cost 269 Euro. Currently you'll be hard-pressed to spot a store selling 4 GB models as they are out of stock everywhere.
LimitbreakOr
Senior Member
Posts: 377
Joined: 2015-04-02
Senior Member
Posts: 377
Joined: 2015-04-02
#5300804 Posted on: 07/04/2016 10:25 PM
That's a lie, I love all hardware regardless of brand. I actually own way more NVidia stuff than AMD. If you look at my posts closely, you'll notice that I actually recommended NVidia hardware to certain individuals. But I guess it's easy for you to assume that just because I don't have an Nvidia logo like you do that I must hate Nvidia.
I find it funny all your post are attacking individual Nvidia owners with every post you have made lately.
That's a lie, I love all hardware regardless of brand. I actually own way more NVidia stuff than AMD. If you look at my posts closely, you'll notice that I actually recommended NVidia hardware to certain individuals. But I guess it's easy for you to assume that just because I don't have an Nvidia logo like you do that I must hate Nvidia.
HeavyHemi
Senior Member
Posts: 6890
Joined: 2008-10-27
Senior Member
Posts: 6890
Joined: 2008-10-27
#5300806 Posted on: 07/04/2016 10:30 PM
why is it a hardware issue to disable half of the RAM via bios if production cost for a 4GB version would be higher due to the need of a second production line?
do you know what those memory chips cost in procurement? 50 cent per 8gbit, x4 makes 2$ per 4gbyte.
now if switching production line costs same or more than 2$ per card. why not just produce all as 8GB version and limit via BIOS.
2$? Where did you get that number? I believe it's at least 10 times that.
why is it a hardware issue to disable half of the RAM via bios if production cost for a 4GB version would be higher due to the need of a second production line?
do you know what those memory chips cost in procurement? 50 cent per 8gbit, x4 makes 2$ per 4gbyte.
now if switching production line costs same or more than 2$ per card. why not just produce all as 8GB version and limit via BIOS.
2$? Where did you get that number? I believe it's at least 10 times that.
LimitbreakOr
Senior Member
Posts: 377
Joined: 2015-04-02
Senior Member
Posts: 377
Joined: 2015-04-02
#5300807 Posted on: 07/04/2016 10:30 PM
I almost never take part into arguments but if someone told me to stop getting excited about hardware, well, I can't find a word for it.
Its like saying a painter to stop painting, a race driver to stop racing. Hell its like wishing/keeping a bird from flying.
I get excited just by thinking of buying a new hardware or reading about it.
IMO as long as its a non offensive, non-misleading and misinformed comment/post, guys get as excited about hardware as you wish.
After all, that is mostly if not the main reason we are all here and part of this great community.
I agree with that as I am the same, I Love all hardware regardless of brand and love to talk about it too. Unfortunately, I have to filter through people who are blindly bias to a particular brand who turn the conversation volatile.
I almost never take part into arguments but if someone told me to stop getting excited about hardware, well, I can't find a word for it.
Its like saying a painter to stop painting, a race driver to stop racing. Hell its like wishing/keeping a bird from flying.
I get excited just by thinking of buying a new hardware or reading about it.
IMO as long as its a non offensive, non-misleading and misinformed comment/post, guys get as excited about hardware as you wish.
After all, that is mostly if not the main reason we are all here and part of this great community.
I agree with that as I am the same, I Love all hardware regardless of brand and love to talk about it too. Unfortunately, I have to filter through people who are blindly bias to a particular brand who turn the conversation volatile.
Koniakki
Senior Member
Posts: 2843
Joined: 2009-09-15
Senior Member
Posts: 2843
Joined: 2009-09-15
#5300810 Posted on: 07/04/2016 10:42 PM
I understand you completely because lately I had to read 100+ comments on the AMD PCIE situation thread which 70% of those should be, well lets say, filtered.
People's opinion will clash. Its unavoidable. Actually its kinda desirable as its enlightening sometimes.
As long as we do it respectfully, IMO of course, we'll all gel along. Somehow.
I agree with that as I am the same, I Love all hardware regardless of brand and love to talk about it too. Unfortunately, I have to filter through people who are blindly bias to a particular brand who turn the conversation volatile.
I understand you completely because lately I had to read 100+ comments on the AMD PCIE situation thread which 70% of those should be, well lets say, filtered.
People's opinion will clash. Its unavoidable. Actually its kinda desirable as its enlightening sometimes.
As long as we do it respectfully, IMO of course, we'll all gel along. Somehow.
Back on topic before someone calls us hypocrites since we're basically doing the same. lol
Click here to post a comment for this news story on the message forum.
Senior Member
Posts: 1653
Joined: 2015-03-20
Sell 8Gb as 4Gb... nice!
Am I the only one, who thinks AMD might be hiding some hardware issue with these "first batch" GPUs?
Or they made another blunder. Which one is better?
Update: sudden appearance of RX 4x5 rumors also doesn't help.
why is it a hardware issue to disable half of the RAM via bios if production cost for a 4GB version would be higher due to the need of a second production line?
do you know what those memory chips cost in procurement? 50 cent per 8gbit, x4 makes 2$ per 4gbyte.
now if switching production line costs same or more than 2$ per card. why not just produce all as 8GB version and limit via BIOS.