What happens when you release an entry-level card at the worst time for graphics card launches?
You’re either the hero or the villain for even trying.
That’s kinda what’s going on with the latest graphics card from AMD, the Radeon
RX 6400.
After so long, builders are getting a GPU that isn’t bulky, overly expensive, and
doesn’t require extra power.
This makes it an interesting option for those on older APU systems, folks wanting to upgrade
one of big box prebuilt computers, or even budget new builders..
But is it really a good option and what are folks saying about the little GPU that came
to save the entry-level gamer?
In this video I’ll round up the reviews so far.
So before I discuss what the internet is saying about the Radeon RX 6400, it kinda helps to
know what it is.
We’re talking entry-level here so no massive coolers, no crazy overclocked models, just
a simple graphics card trying to do its thing.
The RX 6400 is based on the Navi 24 die and made by TSMC on the 6nm node.
We’re looking at 768 Stream Processors operating at a game clock of 2039MHz.
4GB of GDDR6 are on board running at an effective 16Gbps by way of a 64bit bus that results
in a modest 128GB/s of memory bandwidth.
That’ll be aided slightly by the 16MB of infinity cache.
No external power requirements because of the 53w TDP and locked overclocking, so expect
quiet, cool, and single slot cards aplenty.
And at a starting MSRP of $159, it’s at least in reach of many.
But a word of caution as this is running a PCIe Gen4 with only 4 lanes, meaning if you
run it on a PCIe Gen3 system you’re going to severely cut into your bandwidth potential.
With that out of the way, specs mean nothing if they’re not throwing down some sweet
and fast pixels for games at the intended target resolution.
So, what are folks saying about the RX 6400?
Honestly?
Not a whole lot to write home about here.
According to Hardware Unboxed, the overall average performance is, at best, on par with
the older GTX 1650 and faster than the now ancient GTX 1050 Ti.
And if you’re running PCIe Gen 3 then expect an average of 10% performance drop over a
Gen4 system.
But it’s not all bad, though.
For example, ETA Prime found that this card does indeed fit into a small form factor system
quite well, especially if you’re target use is going to be older games or emulation.
Both of which the GPU handled without issue.
So there’s a place for it even if it’s not blowing anyone’s socks off with benchmark
numbers.
I think OZ talks hardware sums it up the best for how we feel about this graphics card PAUSE
FOR DRAMATIC EFFECT He does caveat by saying that if you can find a GTX 1650 within $10
from the 6400, the 1650 is the better option, and he’s right.
It’s a weird time to be trying to recommend entry level discrete GPUs, with so many factors
to consider, but it’s at least great to have another option out there.
So what should you do?
Well, it really depends on your budget and expectations.
If you’re just going to be playing mostly free-to-play titles at 1080p or upgrading
an aging system that doesn’t have supplemental power for a PCIe 6-pin, then you might find
this one acceptable.
It is a great option if you are looking for a low profile card though, as there aren’t
too many options already in the market for new ones..
But with prices coming back around and the RX 6500XT only being about $50 more then I
would highly recommend stepping up to that range of graphics cards.
What about you?
What are your thoughts on the Radeon RX 6400?
Right on the money, or too little too late?
Let us know down in the comment section and while you’re there hit that like button
and make sure you’re subscribed here at PCWorld for even more PC hardware and software
goodness.