Is the RX 550 still relevant in 2025?
No, the RX 550 is not very relevant in 2025 except for basic uses either very tight budgetsAMD's RX 550, released in 2017 as part of the Polaris family, is an entry-level graphics card that still generates interest today. With options like the RX 550 2GB and RX 550 4GB, and variants such as the PowerColor Radeon RX 550 wave Red Dragon RX 550 4GBThis Radeon RX 550 graphics card remains a budget-friendly option for certain situations. But is an RX 550 4GB DDR5 or RX 550 2GB DDR5 graphics card worth buying in 2025? In this article, we'll explore their specs, gaming and productivity performance, and my opinion on whether they're still a good buy, comparing them to modern alternatives. From my perspective, the AMD RX 550 is a card that's at its limit in 2025. It can handle 1080p games at low settings, especially older or indie titles, and is viable for low-budget PCs, such as office PCs or basic setups for kids.However, its performance isn't sufficient for modern gaming or intensive graphics design, making it less competitive compared to current options.
Technical specifications of the AMD Radeon RX 550
The RX 550 comes in several versions, including the RX 550 2GB PowerColor, the RX 550 4GB ASUS, and the AFOX Radeon RX 550 4GB. Here are their key specifications:
| Specification | RX 550 |
|---|---|
| Architecture | Polaris (GCN 4.0) |
| CUDA Cores / Stream Processors | 512 |
| VRAM | 2GB or 4GB GDDR5 |
| Bandwidth | 128 bits (112 GB/s) |
| Boost frequency | ~1183 MHz |
| TDP | 50W |
| Video entries | HDMI 2.0b, DP 1.4, DVI-D |
The AMD Radeon RX 550 2GB and RX 550 4GB DDR5 graphics cards are known for their low energy consumption, making them ideal for setups without powerful power supplies. Models like the Sapphire Radeon RX 550 Pulse 4GB GDDR5 wave XFX Radeon RX 550 4GB DDR5 They offer a compact and efficient design, but their limited VRAM and older technology restrict them in modern applications.
RX 550 performance in gaming and creation
1080p Gaming: What Can You Expect?
The RX 550 graphics card, whether the RX 550 2GB Radeon or the RX 550 4GB, is designed for entry-level gaming. Here are some realistic performance examples in 2025:
| Game | Resolution | Configuration | FPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortnite | 1080p | Low | 40-60 FPS |
| Minecraft | 1080p | Average | 60-80 FPS |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 1080p | Low | 15-25 FPS |
| Valorant | 1080p | Average | 70-90 FPS |
In my opinion, the RX 550 4GB or RX 550 2GB may be enough for light or older games at 1080p, like Valorant or Minecraft, but for modern titles like Cyberpunk 2077, the performance is poor even at minimum settings.. The PowerColor Red Dragon Radeon RX 550 or the RaDeon RX 550 AFOX They are not designed for 1440p or 4K, and lack technologies like DLSS or Ray Tracing, which leaves them behind current GPUs.
Productivity and creation: Is it useful?
With only 2GB or 4GB GDDR5, the RX 550 2GB GDDR5 and RX 550 4GB graphics cards are not ideal for graphic design or video editing in 2025. They can handle basic tasks such as photo editing light In Photoshop, 1080p video playback, or office use with the RX 550 PCI or RX 550 ASUS 4GB. However, for 3D rendering in Blender or 4K video editing with Premiere, its power is insufficient. Personally, I wouldn't recommend it for professional design; it's more of an RX 550 graphics card for casual use or as a temporary solution.
Is the RX 550 good for mining in 2025?
The AFOX Radeon RX 550 4GB GDDR5 graphics card and other variants were once popular for cryptocurrency mining due to their low cost and power efficiency. However, in 2025, with more demanding algorithms and competition from modern GPUs, the RX 550 PowerColor or the Red Dragon RX 550 2GB They are not profitable for miningIts low computing power and limited VRAM make it obsolete for this use.
Comparison: RX 550 vs. competitors in 2025
| Feature | RX 550 | GTX 1650 | RX 6400 | GT 1030 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VRAM | 2GB/4GB GDDR5 | 4GB GDDR6 | 4GB GDDR6 | 2GB GDDR5 |
| TDP | 50W | 75W | 53W | 30W |
| FPS at 1080p (Medium) | 30-50 FPS | 70-90 FPS | 60-80 FPS | 25-40 FPS |
| Price in 2025 (approx) | $50-$80 USD (used) | $150 USD | $120 USD | $60 USD |
- RX 550: Cheap and efficient, like the RX 550 2GB graphics card, but limited for modern games.
- GTX 1650: More powerful and with GDDR6, ideal for 1080p.
- RX 6400: A modern AMD alternative with better performance.
- GT 1030: Similar in price, but less powerful than the RX 550 4G DDR5.
What PSU do you need for the RX 550 in 2025?
With a TDP of only 50W, the RX 550 Radeon 2GB or RX 550 DDR5 4GB is a low-power graphics card. Let's look at a typical setup to calculate the required power supply:
- CPU: Ryzen 3 5300G (65W, low-end).
- GPU: RX 550 (50W, base GPU).
- Motherboard: Standard Micro ATX (30W).
- Storage: 1 SATA SSD (25W).
- RAM: 8GB (10W).
- Fans: 2 basic fans (10W).
- Estimated total: 65W + 50W + 30W + 25W + 10W + 10W = 190W.
- With margin of 20%: 190W * 1.2 = 228W, rounded up 230W.
Recommendation: A PSU of at least 300W is sufficient for the RX550 graphics card. A reliable option would be the Corsair CV450 (450W, 80 PLUS Bronze, ~$40), which offers extra headroom for stability. If you're looking for something more affordable for a basic setup with the RX 550 4GB or the RX 550 2GB PowerColor, the Thermaltake Smart 500W (500W, 80 PLUS Bronze, ~$45) is also suitable.
Best RX 550 Models
| Model | Refrigeration | Overclocking | Build quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sapphire RX 550 4GB DDR5 Pulse | A fan | Moderate | Compact and reliable |
| PowerColor Red Dragon RX 550 | A fan | Standard | Silent and efficient |
| ASUS RX 550 4GB | A fan | Mild | Durable and simple |
| AFOX RX 550 4GB | A fan | Standard | Basic and economical |
Conclusion: Is the RX 550 worth it in 2025?
The AMD Radeon RX 550, whether the RX 550 2GB AMD or the RX 550 4GB DDR5, is a graphics card that in 2025 has a clear niche: Low-budget PCs. With an estimated price of $14T50-$14T80 USD (used), models like the Sapphire Radeon RX 550 Pulse 4GB GDDR5 or the RX 550 Red Dragon 4GB are ideal for light 1080p gaming, office work, or as a kid's first computer. However, in my opinion, it is not a recommended option for modern gaming or intensive graphic design, since its power does not keep up with current requirements.If you're looking for something affordable and reliable for simple projects, the RX 550 graphics card is still a good choice; otherwise, alternatives like the GTX 1650 or RX 6400 offer better performance for a bit more.
RX 550 FAQ
Yes, but only for light gaming. The RX 550 4GB or 2GB GDDR5 achieves 30-50 FPS at 1080p with low to medium settings in titles like Valorant or Minecraft.
It depends on the model: the Radeon RX 550 2GB has 2GB GDDR5, while the RX 550 4GB offers 4GB GDDR5.
With a TDP of 50W, a 300W PSU is sufficient, such as the EVGA 300W 80 PLUS. For more components, a 400W PSU like the Corsair CX400 is ideal.
Yes, slightly. The RX 550 4GB outperforms the GT 1030 in performance (30-50 FPS vs. 25-40 FPS at 1080p) and is a better option for a similar price.
No, it's not suitable. Its 2GB or 4GB VRAM and limited power make it insufficient for professional design in 2025, such as 3D rendering or 4K editing.
