QTHREE Radeon RX 550 4GB vs QTHREE Radeon RX 560 4GB GDDR5 Video Graphics Card: Spec Comparison
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You are comparing the qthree radeon rx 550 4gb low profile graphics card vs radeon rx 560. Both cards share 4GB GDDR5 memory and run at roughly 6000 MHz effective speed. They both connect via PCIe 3.0 and require no external power. The main difference lies in the GPU core and form factor. The RX 550 uses a low profile design with 512 stream processors. The RX 560 features 896 stream processors and a standard full-height size. This affects their gaming performance and physical compatibility.
Key differences
| Aspect | QTHREE Radeon RX 550 4GB Low Profile | QTHREE Radeon RX 560 4GB GDDR5 |
|---|---|---|
| GPU Model | Radeon RX 550 | Radeon RX 560 |
| Stream Processors | 512 | 896 |
| Form Factor | Low Profile | Standard (Full Height) |
| Memory Size | 4GB | 4GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Output Ports | VGA, DVI-D, HDMI | DVI, HDMI, DP |
Which one should you choose?
Choose QTHREE Radeon RX 550 4GB Low Profile if
- You need a graphics card that fits into small form factor or ITX cases.
- Your system relies on legacy VGA connections for older monitors.
- You require a low profile design for compact PC builds.
Choose QTHREE Radeon RX 560 4GB GDDR5 if
- You want higher gaming performance with more stream processors.
- You need DisplayPort connectivity for modern monitors or displays.
- You are building a standard desktop computer case.
Verdict: Choose the RX 550 if your priority is fitting into a small chassis or using legacy VGA outputs. Select the RX 560 if you need more processing power and standard DisplayPort connectivity for a regular tower case. The RX 560 offers better raw performance, while the RX 550 provides specific physical compatibility advantages.
RX 550 vs RX 560 Specs
Stream processors
The QTHREE Radeon RX 550 4GB Low Profile uses 512 stream processors. This count defines the basic parallel processing power of the GPU. The QTHREE Radeon RX 560 4GB GDDR5 features 896 stream processors. This is a significant increase in computational units. More stream processors generally allow the card to handle more graphical tasks simultaneously. You will notice this difference in rendering speed. The RX 560 has a clear advantage here due to its higher core count. This makes it better suited for heavier graphical workloads compared to the RX 550.
GPU clock speed
The RX 550 runs at a base GPU speed of 1180 MHz. The RX 560 operates at 1176 MHz. These numbers are very close to each other. The difference is only 4 MHz. This minor variation is unlikely to impact real-world performance noticeably. Both cards rely on their stream processor count more than clock speed for their performance tier. You should not choose based on this small gap. The effective memory speed is also identical at 6000 MHz for both. This aspect is essentially a tie between the two models.
Form factor
The RX 550 is explicitly designed as a Low Profile card. This small size allows it to fit into SFF or ITX chassis easily. It saves space and is easy to install in compact systems. The RX 560 data lists its size as 19.4x12.5x4.2 cm. This is a standard full-height card size. It will not fit in low-profile cases without modification. If you are building a small form factor PC, the RX 550 is the only viable option. For standard mid-tower cases, either fits, but the RX 550 has the unique low-profile advantage.
Display outputs
The RX 550 provides VGA, DVI-D, and HDMI outputs. It supports up to three monitors simultaneously. This mix is useful for older monitors or specific office setups. The RX 560 offers DP, HDMI, and DVI outputs. It also supports 4K resolution at 60Hz. DisplayPort is often preferred for modern monitors and higher refresh rates. The RX 560 lacks VGA, which may require an adapter for older displays. However, DisplayPort is generally more versatile for modern gaming setups. The RX 560 edges ahead due to the inclusion of DisplayPort.
PCIe interface
The RX 550 uses a PCI Express x8 3.0 interface. The RX 560 uses a standard PCI Express 3.0 slot. Both interfaces offer sufficient bandwidth for these entry-level cards. The x8 slot on the RX 550 is a specific hardware design choice, likely to reduce cost or size. In practice, both will perform similarly in PCIe 3.0 slots. The bandwidth difference is negligible for this performance class. You will not notice a difference in frame rates due to the bus width. This aspect is a tie for both products.
Which QTHREE Graphics Card Fits Your Build
SFF and ITX system builders
Choose the RX 550 Low Profile if you are building a compact PC. Its small form factor fits easily into SFF or ITX chassis. The design saves space while still providing essential video outputs. You get VGA, DVI, and HDMI ports for multi-screen setups without taking up much room inside your case.
Users needing higher gaming performance
Select the RX 560 for better gaming results. It features 896 stream processors compared to the RX 550's 512. This increase in parallel processing power helps run more games smoothly at 1080p. The extra cores deliver a noticeable boost in performance for titles that require more graphical horsepower.
Creators needing 4K display support
The RX 560 supports 4K resolution at 60Hz via its DisplayPort output. This makes it suitable for video production or high-resolution displays. The RX 550 lists VGA, DVI, and HDMI but does not explicitly mention DisplayPort or 4K capabilities in the provided data, making the RX 560 the safer choice for 4K.
The products compared
QTHREE Radeon RX 550 4GB Low Profile
Best for: Small form factor builds needing basic graphics
- Graphics Processor
- Radeon RX 550
- Memory Size
- 4GB
- Memory Type
- GDDR5
- PCIe Interface
- PCI Express x8 3.0
- Form Factor
- Low Profile
- Use
- Gaming
View on Amazon: QTHREE Radeon RX 550 4GB Low Profile Affiliate link
The QTHREE Radeon RX 550 4GB Low Profile graphics card uses the Polaris architecture on a 14nm process. It features 512 stream processors and 4GB of GDDR5 memory. The card runs at 1180 MHz with 6000 MHz memory speed. It connects via VGA, DVI-D, and HDMI. This low profile design fits small form factor chassis without needing external power.
Pros
- Low profile form factor for SFF chassis
- 4GB GDDR5 memory with 128-bit bus
- Three display outputs: VGA, DVI-D, HDMI
- No external power supply required
- 512 stream processors on Polaris architecture
Cons
- PCIe x8 3.0 interface limits bandwidth
- Lower core count than RX 560
- Only supports up to 3 monitors
Good fit if
- You need a low profile card for a small PC case
- You want a plug-and-play solution without external power cables
- You require multiple display outputs for office or light gaming
Skip if
- You need high performance for modern AAA gaming
- You require PCIe x16 bandwidth for maximum data transfer
- You want the higher core count found in the RX 560
Verdict: QTHREE Radeon RX 550 4GB Low Profile fits users who need a compact, low-power card for basic tasks. It suits small builds that cannot accommodate larger GPUs or external power connectors.
QTHREE Radeon RX 560 4GB GDDR5
Best for: 1080p gaming and multi-display setups
- Graphics Processor
- Radeon RX 560
- Memory Size
- 4GB
- Memory Type
- GDDR5
- Memory Bus Width
- 128 Bit
- PCIe Interface
- PCI Express 3.0
- Form Factor
- ITX
View on Amazon: QTHREE Radeon RX 560 4GB GDDR5 Affiliate link
The QTHREE Radeon RX 560 4GB GDDR5 delivers 1080p gaming with a 1176 MHz GPU clock and 6000 MHz memory speed. It includes 896 stream processors and a 128-bit memory bus. The card features DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort outputs for 4K resolution at 60Hz. It requires no external power and fits mainstream cases.
Pros
- 4GB GDDR5 memory with 6000 MHz speed
- 1176 MHz GPU clock speed
- DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort outputs
- No external power supply required
Cons
- 896 stream processors limit high-end performance
- Larger 19.4x12.5x4.2cm dimensions may not fit small cases
- No external power connector limits power delivery headroom
Good fit if
- You need a plug-and-play card for 1080p gaming
- You want multiple display outputs including DisplayPort
- You have a low-power system without extra cables
Skip if
- You require high-end 4K gaming performance
- You have a small form factor case with size limits
- You need more than 4GB of video memory
Verdict: The QTHREE Radeon RX 560 4GB GDDR5 is a practical entry-level card for 1080p gaming and multi-display setups. It suits users with standard cases and low-power systems who need reliable DirectX 12 support.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | QTHREE Radeon RX 550 4GB Low Profile | QTHREE Radeon RX 560 4GB GDDR5 |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics Processor | Radeon RX 550 | Radeon RX 560 |
| Memory Size | 4GB | 4GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bus Width | not stated | 128 Bit |
| PCIe Interface | PCI Express x8 3.0 | PCI Express 3.0 |
| Memory | not stated | 4GB |
| GPU | Radeon RX 550 | not stated |
| Interface | not stated | PCIe 3.0 |
| Form Factor | Low Profile | ITX |
| Use | Gaming | Gaming |
| Size | not stated | 19.4x12.5x4.2cm |
Frequently asked questions
Which card is better for small form factor builds?
The QTHREE Radeon RX 550 4GB Low Profile is the better choice. It is designed specifically for compact cases. This form factor allows it to fit into small form factor or ITX chassis where larger cards will not fit. You save space while still getting essential graphics performance for basic tasks.
Does the RX 560 support multiple monitors?
Yes, the QTHREE Radeon RX 560 4GB GDDR5 supports multi-display setups. This makes it practical for users who need to connect several screens at once. It provides reliable DirectX 12 support, which helps manage multiple displays effectively in standard cases.
What is the main difference in processing power?
The main difference lies in the stream processor count. The RX 560 features 896 stream processors, while the RX 550 has 512. This higher count defines the basic parallel processing power of the GPU. More processors generally mean better performance for gaming and other graphical workloads.
Do these cards need external power connectors?
No, neither card requires external power connectors. Both models draw sufficient power directly from the PCIe slot. This simplifies installation for low-power systems. You do not need to worry about connecting additional cables from your power supply unit to the graphics card.
Which card is suitable for 1080p gaming?
The QTHREE Radeon RX 560 4GB GDDR5 is suitable for 1080p gaming. It is considered a practical entry-level card for this resolution. The RX 550 is better suited for basic tasks rather than demanding gaming. Choose the RX 560 if you want to play games at 1080p.
What type of memory do both cards use?
Both cards use GDDR5 memory type. The RX 560 explicitly lists 4GB of this memory. The RX 550 also shares this 4GB GDDR5 specification. This memory type runs at roughly 6000 MHz effective speed on both models, providing consistent bandwidth for data access.
Is the RX 550 low profile compatible with all cases?
The RX 550 is designed as a low profile card. This specific form factor fits easily into small form factor or ITX chassis. It is ideal for users who cannot accommodate larger GPUs. It saves space while still providing essential graphics capabilities for your build.