At first, we would like to thank AMD for sending out the ASUS ROG Strix RX Vega 64 OC Edition 8GB Video Card in order to check out its performance and features.

 

 

About AMD:

 

“Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) is an American multinational semiconductor company based in Sunnyvale, California, United States, that develops computer processors and related technologies for business and consumer markets. While initially it manufactured its own processors, the company became fabless after GlobalFoundries was spun off in 2009. AMD's main products include microprocessors, motherboard chipsets, embedded processors and graphics processors for servers, workstations and personal computers, and embedded systems applications.

 

AMD is the second-largest supplier and only significant rival to Intel in the market for x86-based microprocessors. Since acquiring ATI in 2006, AMD and its competitor Nvidia have dominated the discrete Graphics Processor Unit (GPU) market.”

 

OUTSHINE THE COMPETITION

 

ROG Strix RX VEGA64 gaming graphics cards are packed with exclusive ASUS technologies, including all-new MaxContact Technology that is 2X more contact with GPU for improved thermal transfer, and Patented Wing-Blade IP5X-Certified Fans for maximum airflow and longer fan lifespan.

While ASUS FanConnect II features 4-pin, hybrid-controlled headers connected to system fans for optimal system cooling. ASUS Aura Sync RGB LED synchronization enables a gaming system personalization and VR-friendly HDMI ports let gamers easily enjoy immersive virtual reality experiences. ROG Strix RX VEGA64 also has GPU Tweak II with XSplit Gamecaster that provides intuitive performance tweaking and instant gameplay streaming.

 

PERSONALIZED GAMING STYLE

 

ASUS Aura Sync -> Outshine The Competition

Featuring Aura RGB Lighting on both the shroud and backplate, ROG Strix graphics cards are capable of displaying millions of colors and six different effects for a personalized gaming system. ROG Strix graphics cards also feature ASUS Aura Sync, RGB LED synchronization technology that enables complete gaming system personalization when the graphics card is paired with an Aura-enabled gaming motherboard.

 

GAME COOL AND PLAY SILENT

 

40% More Heat Dissipation Area

20% Cooler and 3X Quieter Gaming Performance

New ROG Strix graphics are constructed with a 2.5-slot width, providing 40% more heat sink surface area for heat dissipation compared to previous 2-slot designs for dramatically cooler and quieter performance.

 

MaxContact Technology

2X More Contact with GPU for Improved Thermal Transfer

MaxContact is an industry-first GPU cooling technology, featuring an enhanced copper heat spreader that directly contacts the GPU. MaxContact utilizes precision machining to provide a surface that makes up to 2X more contact with the GPU than traditional heat spreaders, resulting in improved thermal transfer.

Patented Wing-Blade Design

Max Air Flow with 105% More Air Pressure

Patented wing-blade fans delivers maximum air flow and 105% greater static pressure over the heat sink, while operating at an up to 3X quieter volume than reference cards.

 

0dB Technology

Game in Complete Silence

Innovative 0dB technology stops the fan completely when the GPU temperature remains below a set level, letting you enjoy light gaming in complete silence.

 

IP5X-Certified Dust Resistance

Longer Fan Lifespan

The fans in ROG Strix graphics cards are certified under the International Protection Marking (IP code) as IP5X dust resistant for improved reliability and a longer lifespan. This stringent certification process ensures ROG Strix graphics cards provide optimal fan performance, even under severe conditions.

 

ASUS FanConnect II

Optimal System Cooling

ASUS FanConnect II features two 4-pin, hybrid-controlled headers that can be connected to both PWM and DC system fans for optimal system cooling. The connected fans reference both the GPU and CPU, operating automatically based on the one with the higher temperature. A comprehensive set of tuning options allow you to tune fan speeds for efficient cooling.

 

PREMIUM QUALITY AND BEST RELIABILITY

 

Auto-Extreme Technology

Industry-only 100% Automated Production Process

All ASUS graphics cards are now produced using Auto-Extreme Technology, an industry-exclusive, 100% automated production process that incorporates premium materials to set a new standard of quality. Auto-Extreme Technology ensures consistent graphics card quality as well as improved performance and longevity. Since the introduction of Auto-Extreme technology, reliability has improved by 30%. This new manufacturing process is also environmentally friendly, eliminating harsh chemicals and reducing power consumption by 50%.

 

12+1 Phase Super Alloy Power II

Enhanced Durability and Efficiency

ASUS engineers have integrated premium alloy components into their graphics card designs to reinforce overall reliability. Super Alloy Power II components greatly enhance efficiency, reduce power loss and achieve thermal levels that are approximately 50% cooler than previous designs.

GEAR UP FOR ULTIMATE GAMING EXPERIENCE

 

VR-friendly HDMI Ports

Easily Enjoy Immersive Virtual Reality Experience

ROG Strix graphics cards have two HDMI ports for connecting a VR device and display at the same time, so you can enjoy immersive virtual reality experiences anytime without having to swap cables.

 

Your Need for Speed, Fulfilled

The Best Combo Ultra-smooth Gameplay

AMD FreeSync™ technology resolves the communication issues between processor and monitor, eliminating image tears and choppiness for effortlessly smooth gameplay. With ROG Strix gaming graphics cards and ASUS MG gaming monitors, scenes appear instantly, objects look sharper, and gameplay is super smooth, giving you a stunning visual experience and a serious competitive edge.

 

GAME YOUR WAY

 

GPU Tweak II with XSplit Gamecaster

Intuitive Performance Tweaking

Redesigned with an intuitive, all-new UI, GPU Tweak II makes overclocking easier and more visual than ever, while still retaining advanced options for seasoned overclockers. With one click, the new Gaming Booster function maximizes system performance by removing redundant processes and allocating all available resources automatically.

 

Gaming Booster

One-click Performance Up

Visual effects:

Boost your performance by turning off windows visual effects.

System Services:

Automatically or manually turn off windows services or process.

Memory Defragmentation:

Re-arrange & free your system memory without closing any processes.

 

XSplit Gamecaster

Instant Gameplay Streaming

An included 1-year XSplit Gamecaster premium license* — a $99 USD value — lets you easily stream or record gameplay via a convenient, in-game overlay. The overlay also displays GPU clock speed, temperature, and VRM usage, and has GPU Tweak II controls, so gamers can choose a gaming profile and boost performance with just one click.

 

Powerful hardware is simply not enough if not paired with the respective software, besides the drivers; with the Radeon Software Andrenalin Edition, AMD has introduced technologies such as Radeon Overlay, for easy access to common driver settings, without the need to exit the running application.

 

 

To be more exact, in the Radeon Overlay Desktop menu we get options for:

 

-Radeon Relive

-Radeon FRTC (Frame Rate Target Control)

-Radeon FreeSync

-Color

 

Two extra options are available in the In-Game menu:

 

-Performance Monitoring

-Radeon Chill

 

FRTC is one of the Radeon Software features that makes sure the graphics card does not consume extra power, which would not contribute to better gameplay. The user is allowed to specify the maximum framerate a game should not exceed, via the Radeon Software control panel.

 

 

Radeon Chill contributes even more to power saving by monitoring user input in order to understand when action takes place on the screen, but also when the display remains in a static state; when the action in-game is reduced, Radeon Chill does reduce FPS automatically, but without degrading the gaming experience. As soon as a key is pressed or mouse cursor movement is noticed, the Radeon Chill feature will ramp up the frame rate instantaneously, so the gameplay will not be affected. AMD does recommend enabling Chill with some of the well-known eSports titles such as LoL, DOTA 2 or Overwatch.

 

 

 

Radeon WattMan section of the Radeon Software control panel does allow the user to select preset profiles such as Power Saver, Balaced or Turbo. If we do need to tweak even further, AMD has put to our disposal a secondary BIOS (via the on-board switch), which does enable three more power profiles:

 

 

 

 

 

Enhanced Sync is a new Vsync mode, which seeks to combine the optimal display refresh sync behaviors for multiple situations. When a game’s frame rate is exceeding the display’s peak refresh rate, Enhanced Sync does not limit the game performance; instead, Enhanced Sync does show the most recently completed frame on each display interval, reducing input lag without introducing the usual tearing artifacts common when Vsync is disabled. The Enhanced Sync feature does operate well on fixed-refresh displays, but can also operate along with FreeSync variable-refresh monitors to provide even better experiences.

 

 

 

Radeon RX Vega cards do fully support FreeSync, along with compatible displays; FreeSync displays are meant to solve one of the long-lasting performance problems with PC gaming: lack of sync between the game’s animation loop and the display’s update rate. FreeSync does avoid the described issue by synchronizing the display’s update cycle with the GPU; when the GPU has a new frame ready to display, then the monitor will display it, quickly and without the horizontal tearing seams, which are a result of a disabled Vsync. The compatible FreeSync displays do feature variable refresh rates (usually from 30Hz to 90Hz). If the displays do have a broad enough operating range, they incorporate an added benefit; these are capable of supported one of the extended FreeSync features, which is known as low-framerate compensation (LFC). LFC was designed to work in order to reduce stutter when framerates do drop below the monitor’s minimum refresh rate, effectively extending the FreeSync range even further.

 

 

 

Radeon ReLive was first introduced with the Crimson ReLive Edition 16.12.1 and was continuously enhanced until the latest Radeon Software Adrenalin Edition. The software does allow the users to capture, stream and share gameplay videos and screenshots; thanks to the hardware advancements, recording and streaming videos has minimal impact on performance. With the latest software set, we get an in-game overlay for chat on Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, Mixer; at the same time, mouse button hotkeys have been added as well!

 

The latest ReLive does also support recording when playing Vulkan-powered games; Adrenalin Edition does bring Eyefinity support along with borderless capture option, which allows streamers to capture specific screen areas.

 

As we have seen with other professional streaming software, ReLive Adrenalin does come with Chroma Key Support, that streamers are using for creating transparent webcam backgrounds. One other catchy feature is the ability to record game audio on a separate track from the microphone audio.

 

AMD now introduces STAGE TEN, which is allowing streamers to assemble and also distribute shows via a web interface. If the streamer does have over 10K subscribers, STAGE TEN does introduce a fee.

 

The Connect Tab from the Radeon Software GUI does allow users to upload and share ReLive captures on their preferred account, directly from the Settings area.

 

 

Lastly, we’ve got AMD Link, a mobile tool for software update notifications, performance monitoring but also for checking an AMD news feed. After the AMD Link server has been installed, we will be able to link our mobile device via a generated QR code (PIN authentication option is also an option).

The Performance Monitoring feature is able to track average, minimum and maximum FPS for exclusive fullscreen games; we will get to see again ReLive integration here which packs the ability to perform one-touch capture, streaming or instant-replay. We will be also able to browse the Gallery of recorded gameplay videos/screenshots and from this step, share it on social media.

The Notifications area does allow the user to be informed of driver and AMD Link updates; the AMD News from the social media platforms and RSS will be also picked up by the application.

 

On July 30 2017, the Radeon RX Vega series was unveiled, which was considered another huge milestone for the graphics department. At first, AMD launched RX Vega 56 that was followed by the RX Vega 64, while the top of the line RX Vega 64 Liquid did arrive with the highest core clock.

 

 

 

The RX Vega 56 does feature 3585 (56 CUs) stream processors, 224 texture units, 64 ROPs; the stock GPU frequency was set at 1156MHz, while the Boost was set at 1471MHz. In terms of memory, it packs 8GB of HBM2 at 1.6Gbps, on a 2048-bit bus.

 

Moving on to the RX Vega 64, this one features 4096 (64 CUs) stream processors, 256 texture units, 64 ROPs; the stock GPU frequency was set at 1247MHz, while the Boost was set at 1546MHz. Regarding the memory, it does also pack 8GB of HBM2 but at 1.89Gbps, on a 2048-bit bus.

 

RX Vega 64 Liquid could be considered as cherry-picked RX Vega 64, since it features the exact same characteristics, but runs at higher GPU clocks (1406MHz stock, with a Boost of 1677Mhz). As the name says, the board did no longer feature regular air cooling, but a custom liquid solution (pump, 120mm radiator plus fan). It is also worth mentioning that the rated power consumption has gone up from 295W (RX Vega 64) to 345W (RX Vega 64 Liquid).

 

All three variants come with the Vega 10 code name and sport the GCN 5 architecture.

 

Right from the start, Vega 64 was designed as an alternative for Nvidias’ GeForce GTX 1080, while the Vega 56 as a rival for the GeForce GTX 1070.

 

 

 

Judging by the architecture, Vega 10 is clearly a successor of the Fiji, which was seen with the Radeon R9 Fury and Nano cards. The 64 CUs are spread out over four shader engines; each CU is allocated a part of Vega 10’s resources and to be more exact one geometry engine and rasterizer at the front end and 16ROPs at the back end. We can also find closely aligned with the compute engines the command processor frontend, which is a single command processor paired with 4 ACEs and another two hardware schedulers.

 

Moving on further from the core, we can see a larger capacity of the L2 cache (from 2MB on Fiji to 4MB on the Vega 10), but also the switch from the HBM to HBM2; the memory controllers have been also halved from four to two.

 

Vega 10 does now use the AMD-specific Infinity Fabric which features IDLE power optimizations and interconnects the components. AMD mentions that the IF has a dedicated clock domain and is neither linked to the GPU or memory clock domain.

 

As we have seen with the Ryzen CPUs, Vega 10 is built on GlobalFoundries’ 14nm LPP process, measures a total of 486mm2 and contains no less than 12.5 billion transistors.

 

The ROG Strix RX Vega 64 8GB video card from ASUS was built to sustain overclocking, while keeping the temperatures low, thanks to the custom cooling solution with three patented wing-blade 0dB fans, but also the large aluminum heatsink (2.5-slot width) with heatpipes.

 

Compared to the other GPUs on the market, Vega 10 offers the most complete support for DirecX 12:

 

 

 

Since this is a preview article, we will first only cover the physical aspect of the card, while leaving the actual testing results for a later date.

 

The card is shipped in a pretty large cardboard enclosure, with the Strix artwork right on the front; this model does also benefit from a 6-month free WTFast Premium License; this application is meant to handle online gaming traffic via private servers and creates optimal paths in order to reduce your ping, but also minimize dropped connections. ASUS does also remind us that Aura Sync is supported but also the fact that we are dealing with a factory-overclocked card:

 

 

 

On one of the package sides, ASUS did list the recommended system requirements:

 

 

 

 

More product highlights can be observed on the back side of the packaging such as Maxcontact Technology, the patented Wing-Blade IP5X-Certified fans, ASUS FanConnect II, Auto-Extreme Technology and more!

 

 

 

After removing the top packaging layer, we will end up with an all-black cardboard enclosure, which also features a central Strix logo:

 

 

 

Inside the box, foam is present on all sides in order to protect the card and its bundle during transit; the top half does also house an ASUS-branded envelope:

 

 

 

Inside the envelope, we can find an installation guide, but also a disk with drivers:

 

 

 

The installation document is pretty through, in multiple languages and explains which displays we should connect to each output type:

 

 

 

The lower half does contain the board, which is held inside an anti-static bag, but also its bundle:

 

 

 

As a bundle, we will receive an 8-pin to dual 6-pin PCI-e power adapter cable but also a set of cable Velcro ties:

 

 

 

The cable Velcro ties do feature the ROG (Republic of Gamers) branding:

 

 

 

The ASUS RX Vega 64 Strix card is quite massive, with its triple fan design and also the 2.5-slot cooling system; there are quite a bit of areas which are RGB-lit (ASUS Aura Sync):

 

 

 

The Wing-Blade 0dB Fans do feature IP5X-certified dust resistance and the ones at the extremities do have the ASUS ROG logo in the middle:

 

 

 

 

The company logo is present on the middle fan:

 

 

 

Near the PCI-Express connector, the manufacturer did place a sticker with the product code name and serial number, but here we will be also able to spot a small gold-plated ASUS logo:

 

 

 

The massive heatsink can be observed underneath the top plastic shroud; two plates (front/back) are used in order to avoid PCB bending:

 

 

 

In the back, ASUS has conveniently placed the triple-fan header, the RGB header for the card but also an additional ASUS Aura header (red color) for connecting compatible RGB hardware (coolers, fans, LED strips etc…); as another unique feature, the board does also house two dedicated PWM fan connectors, which should go in-sync with the RX Vega 64 Strix fans:

 

 

 

The opposite lateral of the card does also house another Republic of Gamers logo, on the top plastic shroud:

 

 

 

A large, branded backplate is installed on the bottom PCB area; initially, we will find it covered by a transparent plastic film, which must be removed before the first use:

 

 

 

 

The ROG logo on the backplate is also Aura Sync enabled:

 

 

 

Two extra 8-pin PCI-Express headers also power this board; for each one, ASUS has installed SMD LEDs in order to signal power delivery:

 

 

 

For in-depth voltage monitoring, we do have measuring points available nearby:

 

 

 

As the stock Vega 64 board, the RX Vega 64 Strix does come with two BIOSes:

 

 

 

In order to check out the VRM and the Vega 64 GPU + HBM2 memory, we did first remove the small backplate:

 

 

 

Two extra screws need to be removed in order to remove the cooler; these hold the heatsink fixed onto the VRM components:

 

 

 

The large heatsink is traversed by no less than six heatpipes, while the pre-applied thermal compound can be spotted on the copper (nickel-plated) block:

 

 

 

A yellow thermal pad acts as interface between the heatsink and the board VRM:

 

 

 

Besides PCB reinforcement, the top full-contact plate is meant to cool some extra components (several ICs). Thanks to the lack of GDDR RAM around the GPU for the Vega cards, there is plenty of space left on the PCB and features a clean design!

 

 

 

The GPU die is accompanied not by one, but two HBM2 stacks, each having 4GB; as it can be seen from the photo, the pre-applied thermal compound shows optimal contact between the GPU/HBM2 and the heatsink:

 

 

 

RX Vega 64 Strix card does come with a 12+1 phase VRM configuration (12 phases for GPU and one for the HBM2); 10 phases are placed in-line with the HBM2 phase, while the remaining of two are located in the vicinity of the GPU package. ASUS has improved over the stock design by including 60-amp IR3555M MOSFETS from International Rectifier; SAP II (Super Alloy Power II) chokes can be also spotted here:

 

 

 

As soon as we have sent power to the PSU, the SMD LED indicators did light up:

 

 

 

 

The board Aura Sync LED lighting system started up right away, in multiple areas:

 

 

 

 

 

This is just the first part of the article, which we have noted as "preview", the actual testing coming in a separate title.