AMD Radeon RX 560 Mobile

AMD Radeon RX 560 Mobile: Review and Capability Analysis in 2025
Introduction
Even in 2025, the AMD Radeon RX 560 Mobile graphics card remains a popular choice for budget laptops. Despite its age, it continues to attract users who do not require cutting-edge performance. In this article, we will explore who this GPU is suitable for, its strengths and weaknesses, and how it compares to competitors.
1. Architecture and Key Features
Polaris Platform: The Foundation of RX 560 Mobile
The RX 560 Mobile is built on the Polaris (4th generation GCN) architecture, released in 2016. The manufacturing process is 14 nm, which is considered outdated by 2025, but ensures a balance between cost and energy efficiency.
Unique Features
- FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR): Support for FSR 2.0 improves image quality in games while boosting FPS.
- FreeSync: A technology for synchronizing the frame rate with the monitor to eliminate screen tearing.
- Lack of Hardware Ray Tracing: Unlike modern GPUs, the RX 560 Mobile does not support RT cores, limiting its use in games with ray tracing.
2. Memory: Type, Capacity, and Performance
Memory Specifications
- Type: GDDR5 (not GDDR6 or HBM).
- Capacity: 4 GB — the minimum standard for games in 2025 at low settings.
- Bus Width: 128-bit.
- Bandwidth: 112 GB/s.
Impact on Performance
For gaming at 1080p, the memory capacity is sufficient, but in projects with high-detailed textures (e.g., Cyberpunk 2077), there may be stuttering. In professional tasks, 4 GB is a significant limitation for rendering complex scenes.
3. Gaming Performance
Average FPS in Popular Games (1080p, Medium Settings):
- CS:GO: 120–140 FPS.
- Fortnite (no RT): 45–55 FPS.
- Apex Legends: 40–50 FPS.
- Red Dead Redemption 2: 25–30 FPS (requires FSR to boost to 35–40 FPS).
Resolution Support
- 1080p: Optimal for most games.
- 1440p and 4K: Not recommended due to lack of power and memory.
Ray Tracing
Hardware ray tracing is not supported. In games with software-based RT emulation (e.g., Minecraft Bedrock), FPS drops to 15–20 frames.
4. Professional Tasks
Video Editing and 3D Modeling
- Premiere Pro/Blender: Basic tasks (rendering short videos, simple models) can be done, but slowly.
- OpenCL/Vulkan: Supported, but performance is lower compared to NVIDIA with CUDA.
Scientific Calculations
For machine learning or simulations, this GPU is weak — it's better to choose cards with higher memory capacity and support for specialized APIs.
5. Power Consumption and Heat Output
TDP and Recommendations
- TDP: 50–75 W (depends on the laptop manufacturer).
- Cooling: An effective ventilation system is required. Thin laptops may experience throttling under prolonged loads.
- Advice: Choose models with additional heat pipes and dual fans.
6. Comparison with Competitors
AMD vs. NVIDIA
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile: Comparable in performance, but the GTX 1050 is more energy-efficient.
- NVIDIA MX450: Lags behind RX 560 in gaming but is better suited for office tasks.
- AMD Radeon RX 5500M: Features a newer architecture (RDNA), is 30–40% faster, but is more expensive.
Conclusion:
The RX 560 Mobile is a choice for those seeking a cheap laptop for casual gaming.
7. Practical Advice
Power Supply and Compatibility
- Laptop PSU: The standard one (65–90 W) is sufficient.
- Platforms: Compatible with both AMD and Intel processors.
- Drivers: Regularly update via AMD Adrenalin Edition. Avoid "custom" builds.
Nuances
- In Linux, there may be issues with proprietary drivers.
- The card is not suitable for VR (Oculus Rift S and similar).
8. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low price ($100–150 for new laptops in 2025).
- Support for FSR 2.0.
- Energy efficiency for basic tasks.
Cons:
- Weak performance in modern AAA games.
- No ray tracing.
- Only 4 GB of memory.
9. Final Conclusion: Who is RX 560 Mobile Suitable For?
This graphics card is an option for:
- Students: Office applications, browsing, light gaming.
- Budget Gamers: Games from 2015–2020 at medium settings.
- Users of Older Laptops: No upgrade needed if the goals are modest.
In 2025, the RX 560 Mobile is no longer relevant for professionals or enthusiasts of new technology, but it remains a reliable and affordable solution for less demanding scenarios.