AMD Radeon RX 470 4GB Graphics Card (Pre Owned)

AMD's Radeon RX 470 card launched in August 2016 and is built on the Polaris 10 (GCN 4.0) architecture—the same chip used in the RX 480. Essentially, the RX 470 is a slightly lower-clocked version of the RX 480, with the GPU's back-end (ROPs, memory bus, L2 cache) kept completely intact, with only the clock speeds slightly reduced to keep both price and power consumption in check.

This card was specifically designed for gamers who wanted the same 256-bit wide memory bus and robust back-end as the RX 480, but at a slightly lower price. The FinFET 14nm process also significantly improved power efficiency, providing cool and silent operation with low system power requirements. AMD LiquidVR technology also allowed the card to be used for basic VR experiences.

Performance and Architecture

The RX 470 features 2048 Stream Processors, slightly fewer than the RX 480 (2304), but both ROPs (32) and L2 cache (2MB) are retained. The base clock is around 926 MHz and the boost clock goes up to 1206 MHz, while factory-overclocked variants (e.g. ASUS Strix OC, MSI Gaming X) even reach 1230-1270 MHz.

Support for DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5, and OpenCL 2.0 makes this card well-suited to modern gaming and compute technologies. AMD FreeSync, G-Sync compatibility, and CrossFire multi-GPU technology are also included, offering the option to increase performance by pairing two cards.

Memory and memory bandwidth

The card features 4GB of GDDR5 video memory, running at an effective speed of 6600-6700 MHz (1650 MHz data rate) over a 256-bit memory interface. This provides memory bandwidth of approximately 211-212 GB/s, which was significantly better than most budget cards of the time. AMD's Delta Color Compression technology also improves effective memory throughput.

Display Output and Connectivity

The RX 470 typically offers a combination of 2-3 DisplayPort 1.4, 1-2 HDMI 2.0b, and a Dual-Link DVI-D output (varying by model). Some models support up to 5 displays. The card supports gaming at up to 4K resolution and integrates seamlessly into any modern motherboard via the PCI Express 3.0 x16 interface.

Cooling and Build

Most variants of the RX 470 come with a dual-fan cooling design, although some budget-focused models (such as the XFX Single Fan Edition) are also available with a single-fan design. Card lengths range from 24cm to 25cm, depending on the model. Certain "Mining Edition" variants (such as the SAPPHIRE) were also released, optimized to run under prolonged 24/7 loads—this is important to know when buying second-hand, as such cards have a different history.

Things to keep in mind during installation

Ensure the card is properly seated in the PCIe x16 slot and the power connector (6-pin or 8-pin, depending on the model) is connected. The recommended PSU is 450W. Download the Adrenalin driver from AMD's official website. When purchasing a second-hand card, be sure to check its mining history, fan bearings, and thermal paste condition.

Who is this graphics card for?

The RX 470 4GB is an excellent choice for users seeking a 1080p high-settings gaming experience on a budget. Thanks to its wide 256-bit memory bus, this card delivers smooth performance even in texture-heavy games. For AAA titles, esports games, and content creation, this card remains a reliable performer for those seeking a similar experience to the RX 480 on a budget.

RX 470 4GB Specifications Table

RX 470 4GB Price (New vs Second-Hand)

Note: This card was also widely used during the crypto mining boom, and some models were even sold specifically as "Mining Edition." When purchasing second-hand, be sure to have the card's condition, fan bearings, and thermal performance tested. This card has been discontinued, so most purchases are made from the second-hand market.