What To Know
- In terms of performance, the Vega 8 has a clear advantage over the Radeon 520.
- The Vega 8 is a better choice for competitive gaming in esports titles that require higher frame rates.
- The Vega 8 has a larger memory size of 4GB compared to the Radeon 520’s 2GB.
For budget-minded PC builders and gamers, choosing the right graphics card is essential for achieving a balance between performance and affordability. AMD’s Radeon 520 and Vega 8 are two popular options within the entry-level segment. This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specifications, performance, and suitability for various use cases, helping you make an informed decision.
Specifications: AMD Radeon 520 vs Vega 8
| Feature | AMD Radeon 520 | AMD Vega 8 |
| — | — | — |
| Architecture | Polaris | Vega |
| Process Size | 14nm | 14nm |
| Core Count | 320 | 512 |
| Clock Speed | 1124 MHz | 1100 MHz |
| Memory Bandwidth | 64 GB/s | 108 GB/s |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | HBM2 |
| Memory Size | 2GB | 4GB |
| TDP | 25W | 65W |
Performance: AMD Radeon 520 vs Vega 8
In terms of performance, the Vega 8 has a clear advantage over the Radeon 520. Its higher core count, wider memory bandwidth, and larger memory size result in significantly better frame rates in both synthetic benchmarks and real-world games.
- 3DMark Fire Strike: Vega 8: 2800 points, Radeon 520: 1600 points
- Unigine Heaven 4.0: Vega 8: 1200 points, Radeon 520: 800 points
- Overwatch (1080p, Low settings): Vega 8: 60 FPS, Radeon 520: 45 FPS
- Fortnite (1080p, Low settings): Vega 8: 50 FPS, Radeon 520: 35 FPS
Power Consumption and Heat Generation: AMD Radeon 520 vs Vega 8
The Radeon 520 consumes significantly less power than the Vega 8, with a TDP of only 25W compared to 65W. This makes it a more energy-efficient option for budget-friendly builds. Additionally, the Radeon 520 generates less heat, which can be beneficial in compact systems or for users who prefer quiet operation.
Price and Value: AMD Radeon 520 vs Vega 8
The Radeon 520 is typically priced between $50-$70, while the Vega 8 is priced around $70-$90. Both cards offer good value for their respective price ranges. However, the Vega 8 provides a better overall experience with its superior performance, larger memory size, and higher memory bandwidth.
Suitability: AMD Radeon 520 vs Vega 8
- Casual Gaming: The Radeon 520 is suitable for casual gaming at low resolutions and low graphical settings.
- eSports: The Vega 8 is a better choice for competitive gaming in esports titles that require higher frame rates.
- Basic Multimedia: Both cards are capable of handling basic multimedia tasks such as video playback and web browsing.
- Video Editing: The Vega 8 with its larger memory size is better suited for basic video editing tasks.
- System Building: The Radeon 520’s low power consumption and compact size make it ideal for compact builds or systems with limited power supplies.
Verdict: AMD Radeon 520 vs Vega 8
For budget-minded users who prioritize low power consumption and affordability, the Radeon 520 is a solid option. However, for users who want better gaming performance, larger memory size, and higher memory bandwidth, the Vega 8 is the better choice.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which card is better for gaming?
A: The Vega 8 offers significantly better gaming performance than the Radeon 520.
Q: Which card consumes less power?
A: The Radeon 520 has a lower TDP of 25W compared to the Vega 8’s 65W.
Q: Which card has a larger memory size?
A: The Vega 8 has a larger memory size of 4GB compared to the Radeon 520’s 2GB.
Q: Which card is better for video editing?
A: The Vega 8 with its larger memory size is better suited for basic video editing tasks.
Q: Which card is better for compact builds?
A: The Radeon 520’s low power consumption and compact size make it ideal for compact builds.
