ASUS TUF Gaming Radeon RX 5700 Review

September 25, 2019 0 By Reyjon Oregas
AMD Radeon RX 5700

AMD recently released its latest GPU offering in the form of the RX 5700 and RX 5700XT. Both of the new AMD graphics cards have their share of strengths and weaknesses. In our review of the Reference Radeon RX 5700, we stated that one thing is for sure, it’s smolderingly hot. But, as most of us know, high-temperature readings are acceptable especially when the graphics card in question has a blower-type cooling system.

These kinds of issues are commonly addressed by AIB partners of AMD, and ASUS being an AIB partner has its own renditions of the Radeon RX 5700 and RX 5700 XT. ASUS opted to release TUF Gaming versions of the Radeon RX 5700 and RX 5700 XT. Riding on a 144 hours validation program, the TUF Gaming graphics cards boast stable top-notch performance out of the box.

In this one, we’ll be testing out the ASUS TUF Gaming Radeon RX 5700 graphics card. Would it outperform its origin and solidly justify the brow furrowing price difference from its origin?

ASUS TUF Gaming Radeon RX 5700 Specification:


GPU: Navi 10

Steam Processors: 2304

Clock Speed (OC Mode): P Mode : 1610 MHz (Base clock), Up to 1725 MHz (Game clock), ~ 1750 MHz (Boost clock)

Clock Speed (Gaming Mode)P Mode : 1565 MHz (Base clock), Up to 1720 MHz (Game clock), ~ 1750 MHz (Boost clock)

Video Memory: 8GB GDDR6

Memory Clock: 14Gbps

Memory Interface: 256-bit

Build & Design:

All of the graphics cards under TUF Gaming have one distinct feature that sets them apart from other offerings in the market, and that is its build quality which is the product of over 144 hours of quality enhancement process before they are released into the market.

The TUF Gaming RX 5700 prides itself with a cooling system that is equipped with a three-fan setup. Each fan utilizing a sleeve bearing that is complemented by a space-grade lubricant, ensuring that the fans will run as pristine as brand new in the long run. It also boasts an IP5X rating that ensures the fan system will be free of dust build-ups, which most of the time is the cause of failing fans.

It’s a thick graphics solution, with its entirety taking up about 3 PCI slots. However, its size allows for a beefy heatsink, which runs from the GPU all throughout the other vital components on its black PCB.

ASUS TUF Gamimng X3 RX 5700 backplate

Completing its tank-like protection is its black backplate with unique diagonal TUF patterns running on it. The aluminum backplate isn’t just for show, it also increases the overall rigidity of the card.

What you need to know:

Those who are looking for a graphics card that can add up or sync with their RGB system need to look away now. But, if you’re someone who’s alright or prefers subtle lighting in their PC, then the TUF Gaming’s illuminated strip would surely entice your eyes.
And just like the reference Radeon RX 5700, the ASUS TUF Gaming RX 5700 requires one 8-pin and one 6-pin PCIe power connectors from the PSU.
For its output options, the TUF Gaming RX 5700 features four options in the form of three DisplayPort 1.4 and one HDMI 2.0b. With this, the ASUS TUF Gaming RX 5700 allows for a quad display setup that can even extend to six.

Benchmarks:

Below, our system specifications for this review:
TEST SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
PROCESSOR Ryzen 7 1700X
MOTHERBOARD ASUS ROG Crosshair VI 
COOLER AMD Wraith Spire
MEMORY HyperX Predator DDR4 4266MHZ 2x8GB running @ 3200MHz 
GRAPHICS ASUS TUF Gaming Radeon RX 5700
STORAGE  Seagate FireCuda 2TB | Seagate Barracuda 8TB
CASE Corsair Carbide Spec-05
POWER Thermaltake Smart Series 700W
DISPLAY AOPEN 27ML1U
OS Microsoft Windows 10 Pro

Game tests

Temperature on Load and Idle:

What we think:

The ASUS TUF Gaming Radeon RX 5700 offers an obviously far better cooling solution than the reference card from AMD.
By default, the TUF Gaming cooling system easily slashes 10* less from the reference card’s loaded temperature, and 5* less on idle. The decrease in temperature lets the ASUS TUF Gaming Radeon RX 5700 pull out more performance from its Navi GPU straight out of the box and even further it through pre-loaded clock speed configurations.
Looking at it, we see the ASUS TUF Gaming Radeon RX 5700 as a graphics solution for systems that revolve around performance and longevity. Its lack of RGB might be unappealing for some, but the subtle lighting strip would surely blend in any themed builds.

Pricing and Availability

The ASUS TUF Gaming Radeon RX 5700 is now available at ASUS partner stores and retails at PHP 28,000.