GPU strength is unlikely to be of concern for most editors and filmmakers, but 3D VFX artists and VR enthusiasts may be pleased with the development of AMD's RX480, a cheaper entry into the next generation of desktop GPUs.

If you're familiar with the growing VR landscape, you'll know that the price of entry to using desktop VR headsets is still prohibitive to most. The Oculus Rift retails for $599 alone, and HTC's Vive goes for $799 (although the Vive will ship with its handheld controllers, while the Rift's controllers will need to be purchased separately). 


AMD's GPU significantly decreases the cost of building a VR-compatible rig.

VR headset prices aside, running the 90HZ 2160 x 1200 (1080 x 1200 per eye) displays will require a capable desktop rig. Both headset manufacturers recommend NVIDIA's GTX 970 or AMD's 280 (but Rift encourages the 290).

Nvidia recently released their new flagship cards, the GTX 1070 and the GTX 1080, but these are priced at $380 and $600, taking aim at the medium to high-end market.

AMD's new RX 480 is intended to take out the lower end of the market at $199, which significantly decreases the cost of building a VR-compatible rig. VR filmmakers will then be able to preview their material on high-end headsets as opposed to the current smartphone adapters like the Samsung Gear ($99) or Google Cardboard.

Aside from being able to run VR headsets, GPU acceleration is vital to VFX work and even Red workflows, so this is a considerably cheaper upgrade for those looking to beef up their editing stations.

Have you been considering a GPU upgrade for VR or editing?

Additional specs here.

Top article photo credit:  / Shutterstock

Source: Engadget