The graphics card ASUS Radeon RX 560 ROG STRIX O4G EVO GAMING is an affordable gaming solution from ASUS (ROG Strix line) built around the AMD Radeon RX 560 GPU. It is an entry-level model suited for gaming at Full HD (1080p) with medium detail settings. The card offers 4 GB of GDDR5 memory and Polaris architecture, delivering a smooth experience in older and less demanding games as well as e-sport titles. In this review we introduce the card in terms of gaming performance, cooling and noise levels, power consumption and power requirements, connectivity options and physical parameters. We highlight the strengths as well as the realistic limitations – what it is well suited for and where you will hit performance limits.
Gaming performance
The performance of the ROG Strix RX 560 O4G EVO is sufficient for 1080p gaming in less demanding and older games, as well as competitive online titles. For example, popular titles such as League of Legends and CS:GO are handled with ease – at full detail settings the card achieves high frame rates well above 60 FPS, which e-sport players will appreciate. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015) runs on the RX 560 at Full HD resolution at around ~50 FPS on medium settings (and ~40 FPS on high), making it very playable with a slight reduction of the graphics settings. With modern graphically demanding titles, however, compromises are needed. For example, Cyberpunk 2077 (2020) has significantly higher demands and on this card achieves only around 30 FPS at low settings in 1080p. Demanding AAA games will therefore need to be played at reduced graphics settings (or resolution) on the RX 560. Overall the card's performance is roughly on par with the older GeForce GTX 1050 – approximately 10% more powerful than its predecessor, the Radeon RX 460. For gaming at 1440p resolution or at ultra settings in the latest games, neither the performance nor the 4 GB VRAM will typically be sufficient, and the card is therefore primarily aimed at casual gamers in 1080p mode.
Cooling and noise
The dual-fan DirectCU II cooler on the ASUS ROG Strix RX 560 O4G EVO keeps temperatures low, but under load can be audible in the default configuration.
The card's cooling consists of a robust dual-slot heatsink with heatpipe technology called DirectCU II, fitted with two 90mm fans featuring a patented Wing-Blade design. This solution provides effective heat dissipation – ASUS states up to 30% lower temperatures compared to reference coolers – and is also supposed to be quieter (up to 3× quieter operation). The fans also support a 0dB mode: under low load or when the temperature is below ~50°C they stop completely. During everyday office work or less demanding games the card remains silent, which improves comfort. Under prolonged load (running a more demanding game) however, the fans maintain relatively high RPM and the cooler becomes audible. The default cooling profile prioritises lower GPU temperatures (keeping them around 60°C) at the cost of noise – sensitive users can optionally adjust the fan curve manually (e.g. using ASUS GPU Tweak II) to achieve quieter operation. Overall temperatures are very good and the card does not overheat, though you should expect it to make itself acoustically known under load.
Power consumption and power requirements
The Polaris 21 GPU on the RX 560 is manufactured using an advanced 14nm process, which results in relatively low power consumption. The card's TDP is approximately 75 W, meaning that the entire power budget can be supplied by the PCIe ×16 slot on the motherboard. The card requires no additional power connectors – you will find no 6-pin or 8-pin connector on its top edge. This is good news for owners of older or smaller PC builds with limited PSUs, because any power supply of approximately 400 W is sufficient for operation (manufacturer's recommendation). During gaming, the card's power draw typically stays around the mentioned ~75 W, and combined with low-load efficiency (where GPU frequency and voltage drop), it is an energy-efficient solution. Low power consumption also results in less heat generation and less thermal load on the case, making cooling the entire system easier. You therefore need not worry about putting the card into more compact PC cases with limited airflow – its thermal demands are moderate. Within the mainstream graphics card class the RX 560 offers a very good performance-per-watt ratio, continuing AMD's tradition of efficient cards in the lower segment.
Connectivity and compatibility
On the rear bracket of the card you will find a varied selection of modern display outputs. The ASUS ROG Strix RX 560 O4G EVO features three connectors: DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0b and a classic DVI-D output. This allows a wide range of monitors and televisions to be connected – from the latest high-resolution models to older monitors with DVI. The maximum digital resolution supported by the card is 5120 × 2880 @ 60 Hz (5K), though few people will use this in practice; connecting three monitors simultaneously is no problem for the ROG Strix RX 560 (the AMD Eyefinity technology allows extending the image across multiple displays). Full support for DirectX 12 and Vulkan is included for modern games, along with FreeSync technology, which when used with a compatible monitor synchronises the refresh rate with GPU performance to eliminate screen tearing. The card requires a PCIe ×16 slot (PCIe 3.0 standard, also compatible with older 2.0) and occupies two slots in width – we recommend checking that you have sufficient space in your PC before purchasing. The card length is under 19.4 cm and height 12 cm, which is a fairly compact figure; it should therefore fit even in smaller MicroATX cases. For full game compatibility it is recommended to have the latest AMD Radeon Software Adrenalin driver package installed, which brings optimisations and new features. Overall the installation and setup of this card is straightforward – simply insert it into the slot, secure with a screw, and after booting install the drivers. No additional power cables need to be managed, which simplifies installation.
Aesthetics and build quality
The design of the ASUS ROG Strix RX 560 impresses with an aggressive gaming look and discreet Aura Sync RGB lighting.
The ROG Strix edition places emphasis on appearance and build quality as well. The card has an attractive black shroud with sharp-edged lines and dual fans that fits most gaming builds. Stylistic elements such as an illuminated ROG RGB logo on the top edge and illuminated details on the shroud are present – ASUS Aura Sync technology allows you to customise the LED colour and effects to your taste and synchronise the lighting with other compatible components. The card can look striking inside a case, especially if you have a transparent side panel. The package even includes interchangeable coloured stickers/decals (e.g. orange accents) and ROG-branded cable ties, allowing for minor visual customisation of your build. Another quality touch is the metal backplate on the rear of the PCB, which increases the card's rigidity and carries the ROG logo – it not only protects components but also contributes to better heat dissipation. The entire construction uses automated Auto-Extreme manufacturing, which ensures precise component placement and reliable soldering for long-term durability. The Strix RX 560 therefore does not feel like a "cut-down" budget model, but rather a fully-fledged member of the ROG family – matching more expensive cards in build quality and design. As a bonus the FanConnect II technology is also worth mentioning: one system case fan (4-pin) can be connected to the card, which then controls its RPM according to GPU temperature. This helps further optimise cooling of the entire build under gaming load.
Summary – who is this card suited for?
ASUS Radeon RX 560 ROG STRIX O4G EVO GAMING targets gamers looking for an affordable graphics card for casual gaming at 1080p with an emphasis on low power consumption and quiet cooling. In terms of performance it particularly appeals to occasional gamers and e-sport fans – if you play games such as League of Legends, Counter-Strike: GO, DOTA 2, Rocket League or Overwatch, the RX 560 will not disappoint you. It will deliver smooth frame rates in these games without straining your budget. Another advantage is the easy integration into older builds – the card requires no external power and has compact dimensions, making it suitable for smaller PC cases or upgrading an older computer without replacing the power supply. We also appreciate the quality build of the ROG Strix edition (effective dual-fan cooler, RGB lighting, backplate) and the modern selection of connectors.
However, the realistic limitations of this card must be mentioned as well. For the latest AAA games at high detail settings or at 1440p resolution the RX 560's performance is no longer sufficient – 4 GB VRAM and 896 stream processors represent a minimum by today's standards and in demanding scenarios frame rate drops may occur. More demanding gamers who require ultra settings in every game, or who plan to game in virtual reality or at 2K/4K resolution, should therefore consider investing in more powerful models (at least the Radeon RX 570/580 or modern equivalents). For the target audience of regular users with a 1080p monitor, however, the ASUS ROG Strix RX 560 O4G EVO represents a well-balanced combination of decent gaming performance, low power consumption and an attractive design. If you are building or upgrading a computer primarily for casual online gaming, multimedia and occasional play of major titles at medium settings, this graphics card is a suitable and reliable solution that for an accessible price will give you a ticket into the world of smooth Full HD gaming.
Sources and illustrative images
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https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/11/2974027717615064111/
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https://pc-builds.com/fps-calculator/result/1m80XO/3W/the-witcher-3-wild-hunt/
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https://www.alza.cz/asus-strix-rx-560-o4g-gaming-recenze-a-testy
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https://gzhls.at/blob/ldb/2/c/e/4/466aa1d110f98857d7e81b6eead7f988e898.pdf
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https://cdn.cs.1worldsync.com/8b/79/8b792cb4-13b5-419f-9290-fedc72081cf6.jpg
