Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the MSI Radeon RX 560 Aero ITX OC 2GB, a graphics card that packs a punch in a small form factor. If you're building a compact gaming rig or need an upgrade for an older system without breaking the bank, this card might just be what you're looking for. We'll explore its features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if it's the right fit for your needs. So, let's get started!

Unboxing and First Impressions

First off, the MSI Radeon RX 560 Aero ITX OC 2GB comes in a pretty standard MSI box. Nothing too flashy, but it gets the job done. Inside, you'll find the card itself, a driver installation CD, and a quick user guide. The first thing that strikes you is its size – it's tiny! The Aero ITX design is perfect for small form factor (SFF) builds where space is at a premium. The card features a single fan cooler, which keeps things relatively cool and quiet. The black and white color scheme is clean and should fit well in most builds. Holding the card, it feels solid and well-built, despite its size. No cheap plastic here! The build quality is definitely something MSI focused on, ensuring that even a budget-friendly card feels premium. This is great for anyone who values aesthetics and durability in their components. The compact design makes it incredibly versatile, fitting into cases where larger cards simply won't. For those building mini-ITX systems, this is a significant advantage. It means you don't have to compromise on graphics power due to size constraints. Furthermore, the card's lightweight design puts less stress on the PCI-e slot, which can be a concern with heavier, bulkier cards. Overall, the initial impression is positive, setting the stage for a deeper dive into its performance capabilities.

Key Features and Specifications

The MSI Radeon RX 560 Aero ITX OC 2GB boasts some impressive specs for its class. It's based on AMD's Polaris architecture, which is known for its efficiency and decent performance in budget-friendly cards. This GPU features 896 stream processors, a base clock speed of 1196 MHz, and a boost clock speed of 1200 MHz. While 2GB of GDDR5 memory might seem a bit limiting by today's standards, it's still adequate for 1080p gaming at lower to medium settings. The memory clock speed is 7000 MHz, providing sufficient bandwidth for most tasks. One of the standout features is its power efficiency. The card has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of just 75W, meaning it can be powered directly from the PCI-e slot without needing an additional power connector. This makes it a great option for upgrading older systems that might not have extra power connectors available. The Aero ITX cooler, despite its small size, does a surprisingly good job of keeping the card cool. It features a single fan with custom-designed blades to maximize airflow and minimize noise. MSI also includes their Zero Frozr technology, which stops the fan completely when the card is under low load, resulting in silent operation. The card supports AMD's FreeSync technology, which can eliminate screen tearing and stuttering when paired with a compatible monitor. It also supports DirectX 12 and Vulkan APIs, ensuring compatibility with the latest games. Connectivity options include one DisplayPort, one HDMI, and one DVI-D port, providing flexibility for connecting to different types of displays. These features combine to make the RX 560 Aero ITX OC a well-rounded option for budget-conscious gamers and those building compact systems. Its balance of power, efficiency, and features make it a compelling choice in its price range.

Performance Benchmarks

Now, let's talk about performance. The MSI Radeon RX 560 Aero ITX OC 2GB isn't going to set any records, but it's surprisingly capable for 1080p gaming at medium settings. In synthetic benchmarks like 3DMark Fire Strike, it scores around 5,000 points, which is on par with other RX 560 cards. In real-world gaming scenarios, you can expect to get around 60 fps in older titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and League of Legends at high settings. More demanding games like Grand Theft Auto V and The Witcher 3 will require you to dial down the settings to medium or low to maintain a playable frame rate. For example, in GTA V, you can expect around 40-50 fps at medium settings, while The Witcher 3 might hover around 30-40 fps at low to medium settings. Overclocking the card can squeeze out a bit more performance, but don't expect a huge boost. The limited 2GB of VRAM can be a bottleneck in some newer games, especially those with high-resolution textures. However, for most esports titles and older games, it's perfectly adequate. The card also handles video playback well, thanks to its hardware acceleration capabilities. It can smoothly play 4K videos without any issues. The Aero ITX cooler does a decent job of keeping the card cool under load. Temperatures typically stay below 75°C, even during extended gaming sessions. The fan noise is also reasonable, although it can become noticeable at higher fan speeds. Overall, the RX 560 Aero ITX OC delivers a solid gaming experience for its price point. It's not a powerhouse, but it's capable enough for casual gamers and those who primarily play esports titles. Its performance is a testament to the efficiency of the Polaris architecture and MSI's engineering.

Overclocking and Thermals

When it comes to overclocking, the MSI Radeon RX 560 Aero ITX OC 2GB offers some headroom, but don't expect miracles. Using MSI Afterburner, you can typically push the core clock a bit higher, maybe around 100-150 MHz, and the memory clock by a similar amount. However, the limited power delivery and cooling capabilities of the card will eventually become a limiting factor. Even with a modest overclock, you might see a few extra frames per second in games, but it's not a game-changer. The thermals on this card are pretty good, thanks to the Aero ITX cooler. Under normal gaming conditions, the temperature usually hovers around 65-70°C. Even with a slight overclock, it rarely exceeds 75°C. The single fan does a decent job of dissipating heat, although it can get a bit noisy at higher speeds. MSI's Zero Frozr technology is a nice touch, as it keeps the fan off completely when the card is idle or under low load, resulting in silent operation. This is great for those who value a quiet system. Overall, the overclocking potential of the RX 560 Aero ITX OC is limited, but the thermals are well-managed. The card stays relatively cool and quiet, even under load. This makes it a good option for those who want a hassle-free gaming experience without having to worry about overheating or excessive noise. The cooler's effectiveness is a key factor in maintaining stable performance, especially during extended gaming sessions. While the overclocking headroom might not be significant, the stable thermal performance ensures that the card consistently delivers its rated performance without throttling.

Pros and Cons

Let's break down the pros and cons of the MSI Radeon RX 560 Aero ITX OC 2GB:

Pros:

• Compact Size: The Aero ITX design is perfect for small form factor builds.
• Low Power Consumption: Only 75W TDP, can be powered directly from the PCI-e slot.
• Decent 1080p Performance: Capable of running most games at medium settings.
• Good Thermals: The Aero ITX cooler keeps the card cool and quiet.
• Affordable: Budget-friendly price point.
• FreeSync Support: Eliminates screen tearing with compatible monitors.

Cons:

• Limited 2GB VRAM: Can be a bottleneck in some newer games.
• Modest Overclocking Potential: Limited headroom for overclocking.
• Not Ideal for High-Resolution Gaming: Struggles at resolutions higher than 1080p.
• Single Fan Cooler: Can get noisy at higher speeds.

Alternatives to Consider

If the MSI Radeon RX 560 Aero ITX OC 2GB isn't quite what you're looking for, here are a few alternatives to consider:

• AMD Radeon RX 570: A step up in performance, with 4GB or 8GB of VRAM.
• NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti: Similar performance to the RX 560, but with slightly better power efficiency.
• NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650: A newer card with improved performance and efficiency compared to the RX 560.
• Used GPUs: Consider buying a used RX 570 or GTX 1060 for better performance at a similar price point.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the MSI Radeon RX 560 Aero ITX OC 2GB? Overall, it's a solid budget graphics card that's perfect for small form factor builds and upgrading older systems. It offers decent 1080p performance, low power consumption, and good thermals. However, the limited 2GB of VRAM can be a bottleneck in some newer games, and the overclocking potential is modest. If you're primarily playing esports titles or older games, and you need a compact card that won't break the bank, the RX 560 Aero ITX OC is a great option. But, if you're looking for more performance or plan on playing the latest AAA games at high settings, you might want to consider a more powerful card. Ultimately, the RX 560 Aero ITX OC is a well-rounded card that offers good value for its price. It's a testament to MSI's engineering and AMD's Polaris architecture. If you're building a budget gaming rig, this card should definitely be on your list. Just remember to manage your expectations and adjust your settings accordingly.