RADEON

AMD Radeon 520 OEM

AMD graphics card specifications and benchmark scores

2 GB
VRAM
MHz Boost
50W
TDP
64
Bus Width

AMD Radeon 520 OEM Specifications

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Radeon 520 OEM GPU Core

Shader units and compute resources

The AMD Radeon 520 OEM GPU core specifications define its raw processing power for graphics and compute workloads. Shading units (also called CUDA cores, stream processors, or execution units depending on manufacturer) handle the parallel calculations required for rendering. TMUs (Texture Mapping Units) process texture data, while ROPs (Render Output Units) handle final pixel output. Higher shader counts generally translate to better GPU benchmark performance, especially in demanding games and 3D applications.

Shading Units
320
Shaders
320
TMUs
20
ROPs
8
Compute Units
5
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520 OEM Clock Speeds

GPU and memory frequencies

Clock speeds directly impact the Radeon 520 OEM's performance in GPU benchmarks and real-world gaming. The base clock represents the minimum guaranteed frequency, while the boost clock indicates peak performance under optimal thermal conditions. Memory clock speed affects texture loading and frame buffer operations. The Radeon 520 OEM by AMD dynamically adjusts frequencies based on workload, temperature, and power limits to maximize performance while maintaining stability.

GPU Clock
1030 MHz
Memory Clock
1125 MHz 4.5 Gbps effective
GDDR GDDR 6X 6X

AMD's Radeon 520 OEM Memory

VRAM capacity and bandwidth

VRAM (Video RAM) is dedicated memory for storing textures, frame buffers, and shader data. The Radeon 520 OEM's memory capacity determines how well it handles high-resolution textures and multiple displays. Memory bandwidth, measured in GB/s, affects how quickly data moves between the GPU and VRAM. Higher bandwidth improves performance in memory-intensive scenarios like 4K gaming. The memory bus width and type (GDDR6, GDDR6X, HBM) significantly influence overall GPU benchmark scores.

Memory Size
2 GB
VRAM
2,048 MB
Memory Type
GDDR5
VRAM Type
GDDR5
Memory Bus
64 bit
Bus Width
64-bit
Bandwidth
36.00 GB/s
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Radeon 520 OEM by AMD Cache

On-chip cache hierarchy

On-chip cache provides ultra-fast data access for the 520 OEM, reducing the need to fetch data from slower VRAM. L1 and L2 caches store frequently accessed data close to the compute units. AMD's Infinity Cache (L3) dramatically increases effective bandwidth, improving GPU benchmark performance without requiring wider memory buses. Larger cache sizes help maintain high frame rates in memory-bound scenarios and reduce power consumption by minimizing VRAM accesses.

L1 Cache
16 KB (per CU)
L2 Cache
128 KB
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520 OEM Theoretical Performance

Compute and fill rates

Theoretical performance metrics provide a baseline for comparing the AMD Radeon 520 OEM against other graphics cards. FP32 (single-precision) performance, measured in TFLOPS, indicates compute capability for gaming and general GPU workloads. FP64 (double-precision) matters for scientific computing. Pixel and texture fill rates determine how quickly the GPU can render complex scenes. While real-world GPU benchmark results depend on many factors, these specifications help predict relative performance levels.

FP32 (Float)
659.2 GFLOPS
FP64 (Double)
41.20 GFLOPS (1:16)
Pixel Rate
8.240 GPixel/s
Texture Rate
20.60 GTexel/s
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GCN 1.0 Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The AMD Radeon 520 OEM is built on AMD's GCN 1.0 architecture, which defines how the GPU processes graphics and compute workloads. The manufacturing process node affects power efficiency, thermal characteristics, and maximum clock speeds. Smaller process nodes pack more transistors into the same die area, enabling higher performance per watt. Understanding the architecture helps predict how the 520 OEM will perform in GPU benchmarks compared to previous generations.

Architecture
GCN 1.0
GPU Name
Banks
Process Node
28 nm
Foundry
TSMC
Transistors
690 million
Die Size
56 mm²
Density
12.3M / mm²
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AMD's Radeon 520 OEM Power & Thermal

TDP and power requirements

Power specifications for the AMD Radeon 520 OEM determine PSU requirements and thermal management needs. TDP (Thermal Design Power) indicates the heat output under typical loads, guiding cooler selection. Power connector requirements ensure adequate power delivery for stable operation during demanding GPU benchmarks. The suggested PSU wattage accounts for the entire system, not just the graphics card. Efficient power delivery enables the Radeon 520 OEM to maintain boost clocks without throttling.

TDP
50 W
TDP
50W
Power Connectors
None
Suggested PSU
250 W
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Radeon 520 OEM by AMD Physical & Connectivity

Dimensions and outputs

Physical dimensions of the AMD Radeon 520 OEM are critical for case compatibility. Card length, height, and slot width determine whether it fits in your chassis. The PCIe interface version affects bandwidth for communication with the CPU. Display outputs define monitor connectivity options, with modern cards supporting multiple high-resolution displays simultaneously. Verify these specifications against your case and motherboard before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.

Slot Width
IGP
Bus Interface
PCIe 3.0 x8
Display Outputs
No outputs
Display Outputs
No outputs
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AMD API Support

Graphics and compute APIs

API support determines which games and applications can fully utilize the AMD Radeon 520 OEM. DirectX 12 Ultimate enables advanced features like ray tracing and variable rate shading. Vulkan provides cross-platform graphics capabilities with low-level hardware access. OpenGL remains important for professional applications and older games. CUDA (NVIDIA) and OpenCL enable GPU compute for video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific applications. Higher API versions unlock newer graphical features in GPU benchmarks and games.

DirectX
12 (11_1)
DirectX
12 (11_1)
OpenGL
4.6
OpenGL
4.6
Vulkan
1.2.170
Vulkan
1.2.170
OpenCL
2.1 (1.2)
Shader Model
6.5 (5.1)
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Radeon 520 OEM Product Information

Release and pricing details

The AMD Radeon 520 OEM is manufactured by AMD as part of their graphics card lineup. Release date and launch pricing provide context for comparing GPU benchmark results with competing products from the same era. Understanding the product lifecycle helps evaluate whether the Radeon 520 OEM by AMD represents good value at current market prices. Predecessor and successor information aids in tracking generational improvements and planning future upgrades.

Manufacturer
AMD
Release Date
Apr 2017
Production
End-of-life
Predecessor
Arctic Islands
Successor
Vega

Radeon 520 OEM Benchmark Scores

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No benchmark data available for this GPU.

About AMD Radeon 520 OEM

The AMD Radeon 520 OEM (AMD) occupies a modest position in the entry-level discrete GPU market, targeting budget-conscious users seeking marginal performance improvements over integrated graphics. Released on April 18, 2017, it leverages the older GCN 1.0 architecture built on a 28 nm process, which limits its efficiency and performance scalability by modern standards. With 2 GB of GDDR5 memory and a PCIe 3.0 x8 interface, the card provides basic graphical throughput suitable for light gaming and multimedia tasks at lower resolutions. However, the absence of benchmark data makes it difficult to assess its precise performance tier, though its 50W TDP suggests minimal power demands and passive cooling in many OEM configurations. The AMD Radeon 520 OEM (AMD) delivers acceptable frame rates in older titles or less demanding applications but struggles with modern games and productivity software requiring GPU acceleration. Its market positioning is primarily as an OEM upgrade for prebuilt desktops lacking dedicated graphics, rather than a standalone retail product. As such, it appeals to users needing reliable display output across multiple monitors or basic video rendering. While not designed for high-performance computing, the card serves its niche by offering a low-cost bridge above integrated graphics solutions. The AMD Radeon 520 OEM (AMD) is best viewed as a functional, rather than aspirational, component in cost-sensitive systems. In terms of price-to-performance ratio, the AMD Radeon 520 OEM (AMD) offers limited value for users seeking noticeable gains in graphical fidelity or frame rates. Since it was typically bundled in OEM systems rather than sold at retail, pricing data is scarce, but its capabilities suggest it delivers only incremental improvements over integrated Radeon graphics of the era. It performs adequately in office environments requiring dual or triple monitor setups, video playback, and light graphical workloads, making it suitable for business or educational deployments. However, for users expecting smooth gameplay or creative application support, the card falls short due to its aging architecture and memory constraints. The 2 GB VRAM buffer, while sufficient for basic tasks, becomes a bottleneck in applications that leverage texture-heavy assets or GPU memory caching. Given its release date and technical foundation, the price-to-performance proposition is most favorable when acquired as part of a complete system at a minimal premium over integrated graphics. The AMD Radeon 520 OEM (AMD) does not compete with modern entry-level cards in efficiency or features, such as support for DirectX 12 Ultimate or hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Its value lies in system stability and compatibility rather than performance leaps. In current market conditions, it is rarely available new, limiting its relevance for new purchases. Consequently, buyers should evaluate it strictly within the context of legacy system maintenance or low-intensity usage scenarios. From an investment standpoint, the AMD Radeon 520 OEM (AMD) holds little long-term value due to its outdated architecture and limited upgrade path. It serves best in environments where reliability and compatibility are prioritized over performance, such as point-of-sale systems, digital signage, or basic office workstations. Users seeking to extend the life of an older machine may find it useful, but it is not a future-proof solution for evolving software demands. Pairing the AMD Radeon 520 OEM (AMD) with a mid-tier CPU from the same era ensures balanced system performance without bottlenecks, particularly in multitasking or light virtualization. It pairs well with systems using AMD’s A-series or early Ryzen APUs where discrete graphics are needed for specific workloads. The 50W TDP allows installation in compact or low-power chassis without requiring enhanced cooling or higher-capacity power supplies. While not suited for gaming rigs or content creation setups, it integrates smoothly into small business environments needing dependable graphical output. The AMD Radeon 520 OEM (AMD) remains relevant only in niche, cost-driven applications where replacement of the entire system is less economical than a component-level upgrade. Buyers should approach it as a functional stopgap rather than a performance investment. Its practical lifespan is nearing conclusion, and replacement options should be considered proactively.

The NVIDIA Equivalent of Radeon 520 OEM

Looking for a similar graphics card from NVIDIA? The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 offers comparable performance and features in the NVIDIA lineup.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080

NVIDIA • 8 GB VRAM

View Specs Compare

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