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Radeon Pro 555X vs. 560X

555X or 560X

  • 555X

    Votes: 21 37.5%

  • 560X

    Votes: 35 62.5%
  • Total voters
    56
C

CB98

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jun 6, 2018
278
105
After deciding on a 2018 MBP (base model 2.2, 16, 555X with 1TB SSD), I’m thinking that maybe I should have upgraded the 555X to the 560X. I went for the 555X on the basis that it should run cooler and for my uses (photo and occasional 4K drone video editing) would definitely be powerful enough. However, perhaps I should have upgraded to the 560X?

Will the card run cooler, or will it actually run hotter than the 560X would because it would be trying harder? I’ll have the Mac hooked up to a 32 inch 2K monitor most of the time; will this put more of a strain on it?

It was my understanding that there is little difference between the 560X and the 555X now that both have 4GB of RAM, and that if you really want increased graphical performance then you should move to the Vega cards. I want this machine to last me essentially until it breaks! Should I go for the 560X or will the 555X be cooler and powerful enough for my needs?

Thanks!
 
My understanding from what others have said is that the 560X runs noticeably hotter. If thermals are a consideration for you, the 555X is better. The 560X will deliver a bit more punch but it’s not so significant that I think you’d be losing out for your workload. Interestingly some have mentioned the vega chips actually run even hotter than the 560X if pushed but the cooling has been beefed up a bit to compensate. Under low loads the Vegas do run a bit cooler, but agin, not really worth swapping out what you have already. So yeah, basically I think you’ll be good with what you have :)
 
Falhófnir said:
My understanding from what others have said is that the 560X runs noticeably hotter. If thermals are a consideration for you, the 555X is better. The 560X will deliver a bit more punch but it’s not so significant that I think you’d be losing out for your workload. Interestingly some have mentioned the vega chips actually run even hotter than the 560X if pushed but the cooling has been beefed up a bit to compensate. Under low loads the Vegas do run a bit cooler, but agin, not really worth swapping out what you have already. So yeah, basically I think you’ll be good with what you have :)
Click to expand...
Thank you! As long as it’s cooler and quieter I’m happy.
 
I voted for the 560X because it is a cheap upgrade, but after reading your post I doubt you would be able to tell the difference between the two given your workload. If you already ordered your computer, my advice is to stick with the 555X and enjoy the machine!
 
Patcell said:
I voted for the 560X because it is a cheap upgrade, but after reading your post I doubt you would be able to tell the difference between the two given your workload. If you already ordered your computer, my advice is to stick with the 555X and enjoy the machine!
Click to expand...
In what kind of cases would I be able to notice the difference? And, how hot does yours get?
 
Ploki said:
in cases where you'd be considering a Vega GPU anyway.
Click to expand...
This is probably true. If you are person who has serious GPU needs, then you’d likely know it ahead of time. That being said, my machine with the previous generation 560 does not get (what I would consider to be) hot. I am coming from a mid-2014 15” with the GT750M and the 2017 is WAY cooler that that ever was. Even with the GPU under full load, the die only reaches about 74 degrees; it is the CPU that generates the heat.
 
Patcell said:
This is probably true. If you are person who has serious GPU needs, then you’d likely know it ahead of time. That being said, my machine with the previous generation 560 does not get (what I would consider to be) hot. I am coming from a mid-2014 15” with the GT750M and the 2017 is WAY cooler that that ever was. Even with the GPU under full load, the die only reaches about 74 degrees; it is the CPU that generates the heat.
Click to expand...
yeah, the GPU is not the biggest offender here, the 6core CPUs are.
 
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CB98 said:
Vega wasn’t an option for me, in terms of price and power (definitely overkill), but mainly price.
Click to expand...
Yes... OMG... I would love love to upgrade to a Vega 20 MacBook Pro, but there is no way I can justify the price given what I use the machine for. My current is already way overkill for my use.
 
you're gonna be fine with 555x, the difference is marginal.

if you need more you can always get an eGPU which will outperform the Vega anyway.
 
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I'm choosing between similar options, and would love some advice from those that have played around with different configurations. How have you guys found the 2.2+555X vs 2.6+560X machines? I'm deciding between

2.6GHz/32GB RAM/512GB/Radeon 560X

and

2.2GHz/32GB RAM/1TB/Radeon 555X

Are the performance differences significant or even noticeable? Would the thermals on the higher spec option be worse, and therefore perhaps actually give the edge to the 2.2Ghz+555x option?

Thanks!
 
Up until a few months ago I was going to buy a v20 mbp, but then again it appeared apple again released a product w/o proper testing judging by complaints that vega models have screen flickers (?) in non-native resolutions. Further, from what I've read v16 draws 45w, v20 50w, 555x 30w, 560x 35w under load. So from a battery standpoint, 555x will give me the longest battery life.

Also there has been a lot of conspiracy theories that heat is causing these keyboard failures, and since 2.2/555x puts out least amount of heat, for longevity of these keyboards even though the conspiracy theories are not proven, I decided to take a safe route and buy a 2.2/555x. Burst, spontaneous loads will benefit least in 2.2/555x and most in 2.9/v20. However under sustained loads, extra cost of these high end models is almost negated, hence my justification was to spend that extra money on more storage and I ended up w/ a 2tb option since I pay very good money on macbooks for looks, macos experience and reliability.
 
vaugha said:
from what I've read v16 draws 45w, v20 50w, 555x 30w, 560x 35w under load. So from a battery standpoint, 555x will give me the longest battery life.
Click to expand...

Only if those numbers are correct and if you are pushing it to the max. Otherwise, the GPUs will be either inactive or in low power modes. In these modes, newer GPUs might be more efficient. So it's not that simple.
 
As alluded to, if your workload warranted a 560x then Vega would be a better option anyway. The most important thing with video editing is just moving whatever load you can off the CPU to the GPU. So without a specific need (lot of effects, color grading, etc at a production output requirement) any GPU is more than enough for your workload. I think for you the only thing the 560x would effect would be your wallet.
 
buran-energia said:
Only if those numbers are correct and if you are pushing it to the max. Otherwise, the GPUs will be either inactive or in low power modes. In these modes, newer GPUs might be more efficient. So it's not that simple.
Click to expand...

Do a search and you will find several threads corroborating these no. Do you have proof that the newer gpus are "more efficient" like you said? I'm confused what you mean by "more efficient". In cases where the dgpus are inactive, the igpus will be used so the argument is quite simple.
 
Last edited:
cynics said:
As alluded to, if your workload warranted a 560x then Vega would be a better option anyway. The most important thing with video editing is just moving whatever load you can off the CPU to the GPU. So without a specific need (lot of effects, color grading, etc at a production output requirement) any GPU is more than enough for your workload. I think for you the only thing the 560x would effect would be your wallet.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the replies. This is an employer purchase (so relative cost between these options isn't an issue). I'll mostly be using this for work--programming, data analysis, some simulations of physical systems--and on the personal side some photo editing, occasional video editing, light gaming. I think you're right that the GPU bump will be largely wasted here.
[doublepost=1552249704][/doublepost]
vaugha said:
Up until a few months ago I was going to buy a v20 mbp, but then again it appeared apple again released a product w/o proper testing judging by complaints that vega models have screen flickers (?) in non-native resolutions. Further, from what I've read v16 draws 45w, v20 50w, 555x 30w, 560x 35w under load. So from a battery standpoint, 555x will give me the longest battery life.

Also there has been a lot of conspiracy theories that heat is causing these keyboard failures, and since 2.2/555x puts out least amount of heat, for longevity of these keyboards even though the conspiracy theories are not proven, I decided to take a safe route and buy a 2.2/555x. Burst, spontaneous loads will benefit least in 2.2/555x and most in 2.9/v20. However under sustained loads, extra cost of these high end models is almost negated, hence my justification was to spend that extra money on more storage and I ended up w/ a 2tb option since I pay very good money on macbooks for looks, macos experience and reliability.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. Have you been happy with your purchase? Any complaints about performance, other issues, etc?
 
throwawayadvice said:
Thanks for the replies. This is an employer purchase (so relative cost between these options isn't an issue). I'll mostly be using this for work--programming, data analysis, some simulations of physical systems--and on the personal side some photo editing, occasional video editing, light gaming. I think you're right that the GPU bump will be largely wasted here.
[doublepost=1552249704][/doublepost]

Thanks for the info. Have you been happy with your purchase? Any complaints about performance, other issues, etc?
Click to expand...

It's been almost flawless for the most part. Audio pops on rare occasions when I watch youtube videos and I switch the music in the middle. Only a gripe and certainly well within my tolerance threshold. Overall very, very happy w/ it. Of course the experience will change dramatically if I run into keyboard failures.
 
vaugha said:
It's been almost flawless for the most part. Audio pops on rare occasions when I watch youtube videos and I switch the music in the middle. Only a gripe and certainly well within my tolerance threshold. Overall very, very happy w/ it. Of course the experience will change dramatically if I run into keyboard failures.
Click to expand...

What model did you buy? Just curious
 
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