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Thread: AMD Radeon RX 480 4GB is BIOS unlockable to 8GB says report

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    AMD Radeon RX 480 4GB is BIOS unlockable to 8GB says report

    Furthermore, the BIOS upgraded card will perform on a par with the 8GB retail one.
    Read more.

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    Re: AMD Radeon RX 480 4GB is BIOS unlockable to 8GB says report

    Why would they bother to install 8GB of VRAM and then configure it as a 4GB card?
    Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes; after that, who cares?! He's a mile away and you've got his shoes!

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    Re: AMD Radeon RX 480 4GB is BIOS unlockable to 8GB says report

    Quote Originally Posted by Spreadie View Post
    Why would they bother to install 8GB of VRAM and then configure it as a 4GB card?
    The same reason the first R290's were just flashed R290X's. Because when you're launching a new line and struggling to meet production targets it's easier to focus production on just one card.

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    Re: AMD Radeon RX 480 4GB is BIOS unlockable to 8GB says report

    Quote Originally Posted by ubersonic View Post
    The same reason the first R290's were just flashed R290X's. Because when you're launching a new line and struggling to meet production targets it's easier to focus production on just one card.
    We're not talking about performance binning GPU dies - a simple instruction to the production line not to add the extra RAM chips wouldn't affect output volume.
    Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes; after that, who cares?! He's a mile away and you've got his shoes!

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    Re: AMD Radeon RX 480 4GB is BIOS unlockable to 8GB says report

    probably because they can decide after to flash whichever version is selling faster to keep up with demand?

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    Re: AMD Radeon RX 480 4GB is BIOS unlockable to 8GB says report

    Quote Originally Posted by Spreadie View Post
    We're not talking about performance binning GPU dies - a simple instruction to the production line not to add the extra RAM chips wouldn't affect output volume.
    For 256-bit they needed 8 chips either way. Seems the chips meant for that were EOL so they just used the 8GB ones instead of waiting. That way they also only need to test one PCB design too.

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    Re: AMD Radeon RX 480 4GB is BIOS unlockable to 8GB says report

    Quote Originally Posted by Spreadie View Post
    We're not talking about performance binning GPU dies - a simple instruction to the production line not to add the extra RAM chips wouldn't affect output volume.
    It would increase the costs though - the way they are manufactured you don't want your staff to have to think about what they are doing, and producing 2 variants would mean either introducing a decision (slower to manufacture) or an additional line/split line, which is additional cost.

    It's often cheaper for manufacturers to make near identical parts and sell them as different grades, especially in IT. There are many examples apart from CPU/GPU dies

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    Re: AMD Radeon RX 480 4GB is BIOS unlockable to 8GB says report

    It would explain why the 4gb model has been almost non-existent. I guess they didn't have time to set up a new product line for launch. I bet the next release of 4gb cards won't be like this though...
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    Re: AMD Radeon RX 480 4GB is BIOS unlockable to 8GB says report

    Quote Originally Posted by cheesemp View Post
    I bet the next release of 4gb cards won't be like this though...
    No, but they will probably have custom coolers and with a factory overclock will go like the clappers in which case most people won't much care

    http://wccftech.com/amd-rx-480-overclocked-air-water/

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    Re: AMD Radeon RX 480 4GB is BIOS unlockable to 8GB says report

    Good source, good article. Anyone tried this? Thinking of a side-grade
    hexus trust : n(baby):n(lover):n(sky)|>P(Name)>>nopes

    how do you spend your time online? (Hexus link)

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    Re: AMD Radeon RX 480 4GB is BIOS unlockable to 8GB says report

    Quote Originally Posted by DanceswithUnix View Post
    No, but they will probably have custom coolers and with a factory overclock will go like the clappers in which case most people won't much care

    http://wccftech.com/amd-rx-480-overclocked-air-water/
    Yep. I have a sapphire nitro+ on pre order... (My 580 is beginning to creak and the small premium (~12%) on the stock price is worth it with the pound dropping so much...)
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    Re: AMD Radeon RX 480 4GB is BIOS unlockable to 8GB says report

    Yeah, apparently there is a shortage of the 4Gbit memory chips that are needed for a 4GB card with 256-bit bus. I wonder who took the hit - AMD or Samsung?

    Alternative unlikely suggestion - AMD sucking up an extra $40 profit on the 8GB cards which they could happily sell for $199 at a profit still. AMD therefore might have pricing flexibility to compete with the 1060 if it needs.

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    Re: AMD Radeon RX 480 4GB is BIOS unlockable to 8GB says report

    Quote Originally Posted by sykobee View Post
    ... Alternative unlikely suggestion - AMD sucking up an extra $40 profit on the 8GB cards which they could happily sell for $199 at a profit still. ...
    I think it's pretty much guaranteed that AMD will still be making a profit on the cards that are being sold as 4GB. And they've sold in large numbers, AFAIK, so whilst their margins will be lower, they'll be making some of that up in volume. If the 4Gbit chips come back into supply I imagine there'll be a production run of 4GB cards again, since they seem to be pretty popular....

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    Re: AMD Radeon RX 480 4GB is BIOS unlockable to 8GB says report

    AMD "give" things away.
    nVidia screw up what you paid for and deny it as a problem.
    I cannot wait for the RX 490X so I can replace my piece of sh*t Asus GTX970 OC. I feel so cheated with that card.

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