Radeon R5 Graphics Review: A Complete Guide Written by Experts

This article is the best Radeon R5 graphics review you can find because our experts provide all the specifications and details. Looking for amazing integrated graphics cards can sometimes be difficult, especially if you are not into computers and technology.

Fortunately, in this article, you will find all the details, including pros and cons tables, product highlights, and thorough features breakdown.

So, keep reading our ultimate guide to learn everything about the AMD Radeon R5 integrated graphics card.

Pros and Cons Table

Pros	Cons
The AMD Radeon R5 video card design is from the ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES series.	It has a low quantity of mind available for video games.
It is an ideal graphics processor if you do not need heavy gambling applications.	The amount of random-access memory available for video games is scarce.
It has a decent memory acceleration.	It is not powerful enough for modern games.
The performance is consistent.
The clock speed is decent.

Product Highlights

The Advanced Micro Devices series design is not this card’s only important feature. So, keep reading the following bullet list to learn more about the various AMD Radeon R5 graphics specs:

• Architecture and improved features
• AMD power play
• Better performance
• Low power consumption
• Visual AMD HD3D technology
• Futuristic visual support
• Gaming abilities
• Affordable price

Radeon R5 Graphics Review

AMD Radeon R5 GPUs are older models from the Bristol-Bridge series, and they are primarily designed for light gaming, web browsing, video streaming, and basic editing. You can find these cards in most low-end laptops and some smartphones, which proves their lack of power. So, it would be best not to purchase this card if you are looking for a powerful unit capable of handling modern high-end games. As a result, the final score for the performance criterion is 6.5 out of 10.

On the other hand, the compatibility criterion is this card’s best feature, which is why it stands out from similar products. Namely, this card is compatible with all mid-range laptops, including the Acer Aspire 3 A315-21-927W 15.6″ LCD Notebook and the Lenovo V145-15AST 81MT002PUS 15.6″ Notebook. Additionally, although it is not the most potent product, it is enough by some parameters. Henceforth, the final score is 8.5 out of 10 for the compatibility criterion, the highest in our guide.

Next, we have to discuss memory, but unfortunately, the AMD Radeon R5 does not have the best memory specifications and features. A simple proof that the memory support is not great is that this card cannot support high-end games requiring tons of RAM. Namely, all this product has is 4 GB RAM, 497 GHz of core clock speed, and 720 GHz of boost clock speed. Consequently, the final verdict for the memory criterion is 6.5 out of 10, which is inconsiderable by today’s standards.

Finally, the last criterion to rate is bandwidth, getting a final score of 7 out of 10. Namely, the memory bandwidth refers to the data transfer speed between the GPU and the system across a bus, and this card’s bandwidth is not incredibly fast. Additionally, the AMD Radeon R5 graphics card works with low resolutions, so it cannot be compared to the GeForce and HD graphics. However, we must note these GPUs are much cheaper than similar high-end products.

So, casual gamers and streamers will benefit the most from the Raden R5 graphics because it is cheap, but it is enough for mid-range laptops.

How Has This Product Evolved?

This product has evolved significantly in the core count, core clock speed, memory bandwidth, and API support. This is an ordinary course of events for new GPUs because they must offer something different from their predecessors. For example, previous versions of Radeon R5 graphics offered a lower core clock speed, an essential aspect in gaming, streaming, and editing. Although the Radeon R5’s core clock speed is not enough for high-end games by today’s standards, it was a decent choice nearly a decade ago.

Next, the latest generation Radeon R5 graphics offer improved core count and video output ports. For example, this card includes various HDMI and Display ports, a crucial aspect of any decent graphics unit. However, a head-to-head core count comparison is not an ideal method of telling the difference because you must consider other aspects, such as power connectors and compute performance. In addition, however, you must understand clock speed is not constant because the core and boost clock speed is always different.

Additionally, the Radeon R5 series saw a great increase in memory bandwidth, which is important for the overall performance assessment. The memory bandwidth includes the following three variables:

• Memory speed
• Memory bus width
• Transfer-per-clock

The Radeon R5 graphics improved in all three variables shown in this list, resulting in an improved VRAM speed when accessing or utilizing the card. However, we must note that the following GPUs are significantly enhanced identically and will continue to do so.

Radeon R5 Graphics Features Breakdown 

Now let’s discuss this product’s features and highlights in more detail. Read further to find out more information.  

– Stunning Architecture and Improved Features

All Radeon R5 graphics consist of the 3rd generation GCN architecture, also known as GCN 1.2, found in the standard Tonga chip. The common GCN architecture supports DirectX 12, including the advanced color compression technology. Henceforth, this is best-experienced playing games because customers reported up to seven percent gaming and streaming improvement. So, if you are looking for a GPU with great architecture at a reasonable price, consider the AMD Radeon R5 graphics.

Furthermore, you can use the 320 shade units with Mantle, OpenGL, OpenCL, and Vulkan because the HSA 1.0 supports the running code on CPU and GPU cores simultaneously. Furthermore, customers can now use the improved Unified Video Decoder 6 to decode HVAC or H.265 in 4K hardware, which significantly benefits many customers. Additionally, the R5 graphics features another vital engine.

Namely, customers can use the VCE (Video Codec Engine) to transcode H.264, an essential feature of any mid-range device. So, not only do customers receive an improved UVD, but they can explore the improved VCE. Hence, our experts believe the architecture and performance are this card’s most significant features, especially when compared to the previous versions.

– The Almighty AMD Power Play

The AMD Power Play feature allows the R5 graphics to manage power efficiency dynamically. Additionally, this feature is used to control the performance via the Power Play management technology, delivering high-performance specs when necessary. Simultaneously, the GPU will save power when the graphic processor’s low demand.

So, your GPU acts as a balancer between performance and power for ideal energy efficiency during heavy use. The AMD Power Play is the leading technology feature in all Radeon R5 graphics, making them better than similar products. So, customers not wanting to bother themselves with power consumption and performance will benefit the most from the AMD Power Play feature.

– Better Overall Performance

Although R5 graphics were released in 2014, they are equipped with advanced-level specifications and components. For example, this card performs incredibly well with numerous creative solutions, such as 3D visual effects, lifelike imagery, and realistic lighting. However, we have explained previously that this product struggles with modern high-end games, but if you need creative solutions, you are at the right place.

Of course, this does not mean you cannot use AMD Radeon R5 graphics for games, but you will get average performance with mid-range games. Additionally, the R5 card performs incredibly well with applications such as 3D Photo Edits on any 3D monitor or TV. So, 3D projections, animations, and edits are rendered thanks to the fantastic visual performance correctly.

However, no matter how well Radeon R5 graphics performs, it is impossible to compare it with the GeForce and HD series. Namely, R5 graphics are on the low-end, as they are predecessors to some GeForce and HD models. So, if you are a customer looking for a budget GPU capable of handling visual solutions well, this is the ideal choice. In addition, you will be happy to have saved money.

– Incredibly Low Power Consumption

Today’s standards make power consumption essential, especially in modern gaming setups or streaming platforms. Fortunately, this GPU features the 28 nm manufacturing chipset, a feature that allows for several applications. For example, this chip can be used in thin and light laptops, ranging from 12 to 20 Watts. Additionally, manufacturers include the 28 nm chip in standard-sized laptops, such as the 35 Watts series.

However, compatibility depends on the TDP’s configuration, so particular thin and light laptops may not be big enough for this chipset. All things considered, this is a highly power-saving device thanks to its specifications and features. As a result, many customers worldwide are happy with the product because it is one of the more efficient R5 cards.

Thus, much older GPU series still use the Radeon R5 graphics. In addition, manufacturers include the Radeon R5 graphics in some mid-range computers, tablets, and certain smartphones. This is an incredibly low power consumption card, so it is ideal for customers looking for efficient units on a budget.

– Outstanding Visual AMD HD3D Technology

We have previously stated the Radeon R5 graphics include the latest stereoscopic 3D content and display technologies. These features provide a completely immersed high-definition audio experience with the newest Blu-ray movies. However, this is not the only visual feature because Radeon R5 graphics support the visual AMD HD3D technology. This technology opens more room for manipulation and visualizations, perfect for casual editing or programming.

Therefore, the AMD graphics unit creates an adjacent processing environment. This environment is used to execute the compute processing potential in the card GPUs working together with the computer system’s CPU. Consequently, users experience an improved performance of everyday tasks such as video rendering, programming, web browsing, and Office applications. It is an ideal feature for a GPU at this price.

Although many enthusiasts doubt this video card’s ability, our experts prove that the card can fit everyone’s needs. For example, the AMD HD3D visual technology is ideal for beginners because they do not have to spend much money on processing units. So, our experts recommend exploring this feature, although not ideal for gaming.

– Futuristic Visual Support

The AMD R5 card was released nearly a decade ago, but it does not mean it is not compatible with most modern operating systems. Namely, the GPU is your computer’s brain and does all the thinking, processing, and executing of the information. As a result, the more operating systems your GPU is compatible with, the better the overall performance and data execution. Fortunately, this card supports all earlier Windows versions, including OS and Linux.

However, the Radeon R5 card is with being used on Windows 10 OS and supports all desktop and laptop environments. Additionally, this GPU supports hardware and software peripherals of modern machines used regularly. So, customers with modern computers and machines do not have to fear the R5 card’s compatibility and support thanks to this futuristic feature.

Additionally, we must note this feature is included in all modern cards, but their cost is significantly higher, especially the latest Radeon series. So, not only will you save some cash, but you do not have to change anything on your modern setup.

– Decent Gaming Abilities

We mentioned several times that the Radeon R5 graphics is not the best card for gaming, especially in modern high-end games. However, our experts concluded this graphics series could be decent for some games in certain settings. As a result, you can experience certain games that do not include a lot of action, utilizing less memory. Keep reading the following bullet list for more:

• You can play Counter-Strike: Global Offensive with the AMD Radeon R5 graphics, but you will be limited to 720p. Additionally, you can experience the game at 30 frames per second on average, which might not be enough by some standards.
• This Radeon R5 M430 performs better and provides better results with its onboard graphics. Consequently, gamers can reach around 40 frames per second with the onboard graphics settings. Depending on the game, you can set a resolution of 720p and adjust the settings to medium or low.
• It will be impossible to play games such as Overwatch, Hitman 3, or Forza Horizon 5 because they require more memory. The Radeon R5 integrated graphics and the Radeon R5 GPU are not powerful enough to match the game’s minimal requirements.
• On the flip side, you can play Fortnite, but it will be of lower quality than Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. However, it would help if you used the Radeon R5 GPU because it will not work with the integrated model.

As you can see, this GPU can provide average support with mid-range games, although you cannot experience most high-end titles. So, this is an ideal product if you consider playing casual games that do not require tons of memory support. But, of course, you can always sell the card and opt for something else.

– Affordable Price With Excellent Specs

Lastly, this card’s most important feature is the affordable price, including the excellent specs and performance abilities. Computer enthusiasts were amazed by the Radeon R5 graphics when it was first released in 2014 due to the affordable price and the futuristic features. No product at the time could have matched all this card’s benefits, so it was easy for users to purchase this product.

Fortunately, this product aged well over time because it offers partial support for modern games, although experts do not recommend it for high-end titles. However, this GPU’s most crucial feature is affordability since the price difference with similar products is enormous. All the specs this guide covered are proof of this product’s actual abilities, and although many do not trust its power, our experts prove you wrong.

Conclusion

Customers looking for the ideal Radeon R5 graphics unit are usually not sure whether the products are worth the money because they were released nearly a decade ago. Henceforth, our experts created this comprehensive guide featuring all the specs and features, pros and cons, and a detailed review of all critical criteria. As a result, you no longer have to search for the ultimate guide regarding Radeon R5 graphics. So, if you are looking for an ideal GPU at an affordable price and you are not sure what to get, the R5 series is the best choice.

Although you cannot experience the latest high-end games, this card is enough to play certain mid-range games at decent settings. Additionally, this card is perfect for any visual work because the AMD Radeon R5 graphics support the visual AMD HD3D technology. You will enjoy the perks of casual editing, streaming, and gaming at a low price. So, it would be best to opt for this product if you do not have high expectations and do not plan on playing the latest games, as confirmed by our experts.