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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.
Loophole35
Senior Member
Posts: 9339
Joined: 2011-09-21
Senior Member
Posts: 9339
Joined: 2011-09-21
#5300888 Posted on: 07/05/2016 03:42 AM
OCUK apparently sold 1k on launch day, thats shipped as they had thousands in stock due to having an exclusivity deal on 4 gig cards for the uk
oh and don't be so quick to jump down others throats no one is perfect all the time, you threw your toys out of the pram at AMD before in a string of posts
I shall leave with your last statement, which of course you edited lol
Don't enter the prediction business ;-)
Have I been wrong about AMD though. They **** the bed again. Over draw power from the PCI and sell 8GB cards to people with 4GB.
Look I wanted this to be a smooth launch. And honestly in the end this is still a great performing card and after AIB cards will address the power issue this will end that debacle. This looks like a rushed product with sloppy yields. Similar to the first run of Tahiti.
Okay so the 1060 will be out a week and a half after the 480. I was wrong there. But if you could not tell that was tongue and cheek.......
Edit: by the way that edit you pointed out was not removing anything it was adding the tounge and cheek prediction.
OCUK apparently sold 1k on launch day, thats shipped as they had thousands in stock due to having an exclusivity deal on 4 gig cards for the uk
oh and don't be so quick to jump down others throats no one is perfect all the time, you threw your toys out of the pram at AMD before in a string of posts
I shall leave with your last statement, which of course you edited lol
Don't enter the prediction business ;-)
Have I been wrong about AMD though. They **** the bed again. Over draw power from the PCI and sell 8GB cards to people with 4GB.
Look I wanted this to be a smooth launch. And honestly in the end this is still a great performing card and after AIB cards will address the power issue this will end that debacle. This looks like a rushed product with sloppy yields. Similar to the first run of Tahiti.
Okay so the 1060 will be out a week and a half after the 480. I was wrong there. But if you could not tell that was tongue and cheek.......
Edit: by the way that edit you pointed out was not removing anything it was adding the tounge and cheek prediction.
LimitbreakOr
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Posts: 374
Joined: 2015-04-02
Senior Member
Posts: 374
Joined: 2015-04-02
#5300903 Posted on: 07/05/2016 06:40 AM
so, your logo is a green troll face with "Nvidia" written at the bottom... I guess that sums you up lol
Oh and btw, I my self am an "NVidia user".
Your last five posts have been you attacking Nvidia or nvidia users just because. No reason. Just like your attack on me over my avatar which isn't what you think it is. Look close at it and see if you can figure it out.
so, your logo is a green troll face with "Nvidia" written at the bottom... I guess that sums you up lol
Oh and btw, I my self am an "NVidia user".
Loophole35
Senior Member
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Joined: 2011-09-21
Senior Member
Posts: 9339
Joined: 2011-09-21
#5300905 Posted on: 07/05/2016 06:52 AM
so, your logo is a green troll face with "Nvidia" written at the bottom... I guess that sums you up lol
Oh and btw, I my self am an "NVidia user".
It is a troll face Nvidia logo yes. If you still only see it as short sighted as you are acting I can't help you.
so, your logo is a green troll face with "Nvidia" written at the bottom... I guess that sums you up lol
Oh and btw, I my self am an "NVidia user".
It is a troll face Nvidia logo yes. If you still only see it as short sighted as you are acting I can't help you.
fantaskarsef
Senior Member
Posts: 10716
Joined: 2014-07-21
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Posts: 10716
Joined: 2014-07-21
#5300936 Posted on: 07/05/2016 09:13 AM
Apparently you have been wrong though, considering you thought Nvidia would get the 1060 out first. If you were correct, no way you'd say that was tongue in cheek.
More seriously though lol, what is wrong about customers buying a 4gig card that can be flashed to be 8 gig? how exactly is that a negative towards AMD?. The only thing wrong with this launch is the powergate, which funnily enough has happened before with Nvidia cards.
"rushed product with sloppy yields"????
I won't even get started on that. Not saying you always or only bash on AMD, saying it can be easy to see 1 or another by looking at a couple of posts
I think they just could have saved in production / earned more in sales if they sold 8GB for 8GB. But it's good for those who get one of the first batches, pretty much the same as with unlockable shaders etc. They have just left out on sales in such a scenario, which usually isn't the way to make profit.
If I may ask, with which cards did Nvidia draw too much over PCIe? I'm afraid I can't remember / haven't bothered at that time.
Apparently you have been wrong though, considering you thought Nvidia would get the 1060 out first. If you were correct, no way you'd say that was tongue in cheek.
More seriously though lol, what is wrong about customers buying a 4gig card that can be flashed to be 8 gig? how exactly is that a negative towards AMD?. The only thing wrong with this launch is the powergate, which funnily enough has happened before with Nvidia cards.
"rushed product with sloppy yields"????
I won't even get started on that. Not saying you always or only bash on AMD, saying it can be easy to see 1 or another by looking at a couple of posts
I think they just could have saved in production / earned more in sales if they sold 8GB for 8GB. But it's good for those who get one of the first batches, pretty much the same as with unlockable shaders etc. They have just left out on sales in such a scenario, which usually isn't the way to make profit.
If I may ask, with which cards did Nvidia draw too much over PCIe? I'm afraid I can't remember / haven't bothered at that time.
Glottiz
Senior Member
Posts: 469
Joined: 2006-11-18
Senior Member
Posts: 469
Joined: 2006-11-18
#5300939 Posted on: 07/05/2016 09:18 AM
?
1.) the outrage about the case you mention was directed against asus/msi trying to improve their benchmark placings in the first reviews the aib cards.
2.) there is nothing to rage against when a company gives you (in case you take the risk of biosmodding/-flashing) a free +4GB VRAM
or how do you imagine an outrage to look like in that case??!?!
being curious!
1.) users just need to use OC software provided and they'll get same clocks as review BIOS.
2.) yes there is something to rage about, what is reviewed should have same identical BIOS that I get when I buy the GPU. but no one cares because it's their precious AMD that can't possibly do anything shady. another evidence is PCIE fiasco that was quickly swept under the rug and even defended by some hardcore fanboys like it's not a big deal. you are a hypocrite, either reviews are allowed to have non retail bios or they aren't. you don't get to cherry pick which GPUs can and which can not have different bios from retail products.
?
1.) the outrage about the case you mention was directed against asus/msi trying to improve their benchmark placings in the first reviews the aib cards.
2.) there is nothing to rage against when a company gives you (in case you take the risk of biosmodding/-flashing) a free +4GB VRAM
or how do you imagine an outrage to look like in that case??!?!
being curious!
1.) users just need to use OC software provided and they'll get same clocks as review BIOS.
2.) yes there is something to rage about, what is reviewed should have same identical BIOS that I get when I buy the GPU. but no one cares because it's their precious AMD that can't possibly do anything shady. another evidence is PCIE fiasco that was quickly swept under the rug and even defended by some hardcore fanboys like it's not a big deal. you are a hypocrite, either reviews are allowed to have non retail bios or they aren't. you don't get to cherry pick which GPUs can and which can not have different bios from retail products.
Anarion
Senior Member
Posts: 13515
Joined: 2005-08-13
Senior Member
Posts: 13515
Joined: 2005-08-13
#5300940 Posted on: 07/05/2016 09:24 AM
Not that surprising since they don't even sell 4GB cards here in Finland.
Not that surprising since they don't even sell 4GB cards here in Finland.
Tripkebab
Senior Member
Posts: 138
Joined: 2011-01-30
Senior Member
Posts: 138
Joined: 2011-01-30
#5300962 Posted on: 07/05/2016 11:56 AM
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.
Brings back memories of the days you could unlock the disabled shader cores on the old AMD cards to get a nice 40% performance increase.
That being said any idea if the CUDA cores between the 1070/1080 are disabled via hardware or the bios?
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.
Brings back memories of the days you could unlock the disabled shader cores on the old AMD cards to get a nice 40% performance increase.
That being said any idea if the CUDA cores between the 1070/1080 are disabled via hardware or the bios?
Loophole35
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Posts: 9339
Joined: 2011-09-21
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Posts: 9339
Joined: 2011-09-21
#5300969 Posted on: 07/05/2016 12:21 PM
Brings back memories of the days you could unlock the disabled shader cores on the old AMD cards to get a nice 40% performance increase.
That being said any idea if the CUDA cores between the 1070/1080 are disabled via hardware or the bios?
No Nvidia likes to laser cut the SMX clusters not disable in BIOS. I remember getting a 15% bump on my 6950's with a simple modded BIOS.
Brings back memories of the days you could unlock the disabled shader cores on the old AMD cards to get a nice 40% performance increase.
That being said any idea if the CUDA cores between the 1070/1080 are disabled via hardware or the bios?
No Nvidia likes to laser cut the SMX clusters not disable in BIOS. I remember getting a 15% bump on my 6950's with a simple modded BIOS.
TheDeeGee
Senior Member
Posts: 6137
Joined: 2010-08-28
Senior Member
Posts: 6137
Joined: 2010-08-28
#5300973 Posted on: 07/05/2016 12:23 PM
In Europe they sold 26.000+ RX 480 4/8GB GPUs already !
LOL That's amazing IMO.
Hmm Hot Cakes?
Do they include a coupon code for a new motherboard as well?
In Europe they sold 26.000+ RX 480 4/8GB GPUs already !
LOL That's amazing IMO.
Hmm Hot Cakes?
Do they include a coupon code for a new motherboard as well?
Fox2232
Senior Member
Posts: 9737
Joined: 2012-07-20
Senior Member
Posts: 9737
Joined: 2012-07-20
#5300975 Posted on: 07/05/2016 12:42 PM
Maybe he is tired of forums where you see people, who used to be decent, on mindless rampage.
I am yet to see damage which I would confirm as being caused by GPU. Yet people repeat same nonsensical thing around.
There are not that many people who claimed MB damage in 1st place. Because there are not that many people with already defective MB who kept it in closet.
But if some respectable site made joke about GTX 1070 burning system memory, you would see all those dead memory turned into trinkets suddenly reverting its status. And being burned by GTX 1070.
I find it funny all your post are attacking individual Nvidia owners with every post you have made lately.
Maybe he is tired of forums where you see people, who used to be decent, on mindless rampage.
Do they include a coupon code for a new motherboard as well?
I am yet to see damage which I would confirm as being caused by GPU. Yet people repeat same nonsensical thing around.
There are not that many people who claimed MB damage in 1st place. Because there are not that many people with already defective MB who kept it in closet.
But if some respectable site made joke about GTX 1070 burning system memory, you would see all those dead memory turned into trinkets suddenly reverting its status. And being burned by GTX 1070.
TheDeeGee
Senior Member
Posts: 6137
Joined: 2010-08-28
Senior Member
Posts: 6137
Joined: 2010-08-28
#5300979 Posted on: 07/05/2016 01:01 PM
Maybe he is tired of forums where you see people, who used to be decent, on mindless rampage.
I am yet to see damage which I would confirm as being caused by GPU. Yet people repeat same nonsensical thing around.
There are not that many people who claimed MB damage in 1st place. Because there are not that many people with already defective MB who kept it in closet.
But if some respectable site made joke about GTX 1070 burning system memory, you would see all those dead memory turned into trinkets suddenly reverting its status. And being burned by GTX 1070.
Same with the GTX 970 people are still hammering upon.."Oh it has 3,5 GB VRam". Nope it has 4GB with 500MB just working slower.
Maybe he is tired of forums where you see people, who used to be decent, on mindless rampage.
I am yet to see damage which I would confirm as being caused by GPU. Yet people repeat same nonsensical thing around.
There are not that many people who claimed MB damage in 1st place. Because there are not that many people with already defective MB who kept it in closet.
But if some respectable site made joke about GTX 1070 burning system memory, you would see all those dead memory turned into trinkets suddenly reverting its status. And being burned by GTX 1070.
Same with the GTX 970 people are still hammering upon.."Oh it has 3,5 GB VRam". Nope it has 4GB with 500MB just working slower.
vbetts
Moderator
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Moderator
Posts: 14678
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#5300990 Posted on: 07/05/2016 01:50 PM
I'm going to say this once and only once.
If you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all.
This is a warning for EVERYONE. Let's get back on topic.
I'm going to say this once and only once.
If you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all.
This is a warning for EVERYONE. Let's get back on topic.
Loophole35
Senior Member
Posts: 9339
Joined: 2011-09-21
Senior Member
Posts: 9339
Joined: 2011-09-21
#5300992 Posted on: 07/05/2016 01:57 PM
I think they just could have saved in production / earned more in sales if they sold 8GB for 8GB. But it's good for those who get one of the first batches, pretty much the same as with unlockable shaders etc. They have just left out on sales in such a scenario, which usually isn't the way to make profit.
If I may ask, with which cards did Nvidia draw too much over PCIe? I'm afraid I can't remember / haven't bothered at that time.
Honestly I feel they should have just done a 8GB only reference card like the 6950 was and let the AIB partners make 4GB custom cards. It's great for people that buy the 4GB card IF they can unlock the "free" VRAM with a BIOS flash, but I wonder it having the buffer cut in half artificially could cause any performance issues?
I think they just could have saved in production / earned more in sales if they sold 8GB for 8GB. But it's good for those who get one of the first batches, pretty much the same as with unlockable shaders etc. They have just left out on sales in such a scenario, which usually isn't the way to make profit.
If I may ask, with which cards did Nvidia draw too much over PCIe? I'm afraid I can't remember / haven't bothered at that time.
Honestly I feel they should have just done a 8GB only reference card like the 6950 was and let the AIB partners make 4GB custom cards. It's great for people that buy the 4GB card IF they can unlock the "free" VRAM with a BIOS flash, but I wonder it having the buffer cut in half artificially could cause any performance issues?
moeppel
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Senior Member
Posts: 149
Joined: 2015-06-30
#5301014 Posted on: 07/05/2016 03:06 PM
Well, AMD cards tend to be flashable in one way or the other in about every release cycle so that's nothing particularly surprising.
Though I think that last generation they at least opted for laser cutting stuff off, so that won't happen.
At the end of the day, while it's something like 'free $50', it doesn't make the reference any more appealing of a card to me.
AIBs are where it's at.
Of course I hope that everyone who has picked up a 4 GB card has won their silicon lottery
The true value, perhaps, is the meme-value:
Nvidia: 3.5/4
AMD: 8/4
Well, AMD cards tend to be flashable in one way or the other in about every release cycle so that's nothing particularly surprising.
Though I think that last generation they at least opted for laser cutting stuff off, so that won't happen.
At the end of the day, while it's something like 'free $50', it doesn't make the reference any more appealing of a card to me.
AIBs are where it's at.
Of course I hope that everyone who has picked up a 4 GB card has won their silicon lottery
The true value, perhaps, is the meme-value:
Nvidia: 3.5/4
AMD: 8/4
Click here to post a comment for this news story on the message forum.
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You know actually, this doesn't surprise me. When I was with Philips Semi, the mistakes that were made would alarm the average person. Sometimes you wonder how they make a profit. I remember once having to manually rework thousands of BGA devices because the tool they used to separate the copper lid from its carrier was the wrong size and left tiny slivers of copper attached to the sides of the lid. Each one was over $300 cost to the customer. It would have been a complete loss to Philips because these parts were completely assembled and tested but the customer could not board mount them because of the copper slivers.