Verdict: The Radeon HD 5570 GDDR5 was the better card and remains the one to look for within this family. Its extra stream processors and texture units made it broadly competitive with the GeForce GT 240 in 2010, while the faster GDDR5 memory gave both low-end cards a useful bandwidth increase over slower-memory versions. In 2026, however, the HD 5550 and HD 5570 are mainly retro-gaming, legacy-display, media-playback, and emergency-replacement GPUs. Buy one only very cheaply, and verify the exact memory type, condition, form factor, outputs, and operating-system compatibility first.
What the “HD 5500 Series GDDR5” actually includes
This is not one graphics card. The name refers primarily to the Radeon HD 5550 GDDR5 and Radeon HD 5570 GDDR5, two low-end discrete GPUs introduced in 2010. Both use AMD’s 40 nm Redwood-derived TeraScale 2 architecture and support DirectX 11, Eyefinity multi-display output, UVD video acceleration, and PCI Express 2.1.
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The original review tested AMD reference cards, but retail boards varied considerably. A card sold under the same GPU name could have 512 MB or 1 GB of memory, GDDR5 or slower GDDR3/DDR2, a full-height or low-profile PCB, active or passive cooling, and different combinations of VGA, DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort. Identify the exact board rather than trusting a listing that says only “Radeon HD 5500.”
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Read the original HotHardware review.
HD 5550 GDDR5 vs. HD 5570 GDDR5
| Feature | Radeon HD 5550 GDDR5 | Radeon HD 5570 GDDR5 |
|---|---|---|
| GPU family | Redwood-derived TeraScale 2 | Redwood-derived TeraScale 2 |
| Process | 40 nm | 40 nm |
| Stream processors | 320 | 400 |
| Texture units | 16 | 20 |
| Reference GPU clock | 550 MHz | 650 MHz |
| Memory in tested cards | 1 GHz GDDR5, 512 MB | 1 GHz GDDR5, 512 MB |
| Memory interface | 128-bit | 128-bit |
| Bus | PCI Express 2.1 x16 | PCI Express 2.1 x16 |
| Supplemental power | None on reference card | None on reference card |
| Graphics API | DirectX 11 | DirectX 11 |
These are the specifications of the tested reference configurations, not a guarantee for every retail model. Partner cards may use different clocks, memory capacities, BIOS settings, coolers, PCBs, brackets, and outputs. The HD 5570 is faster because it has both a higher reference core clock and more shader and texture resources.
#1 Best Overall
- 【2GB GDDR3 Memory】AMD Radeon HD 5450 graphics card is with 650MHz core frequency, up to 1066MHz memory speed,80 Stream Processors,perfect for working,video and photo editing,allows good fluency,which can effectively meet your needs.
- 【Low Profile Design】The computer graphics cards is small in size,saves more space and plug and play.Small Form Factor design fits in today’s low profile desktops and workstations (with half height bracket).
- 【Multi-monitor Support】Supports up to two monitors for the video card including DVI,VGA,HDMI, and for flexibility of use(the VGA Interface is removable),This low profile, low power consumption card will improve multimedia performance, extend the desktop, and accelerate apps.
- 【Fanless Design for Zero Noise】The HD 5450 is a budget video card with silent passive fanless cooling system.Using high performance heatsinks,it is small enough to provide fanless operation and comfortable to use with zero noise.
- 【Independently Power】No external power supply, about 19W full-load power consumption.Works with Windows 10 as well as 7, 8 and 8.1(NOT compatible with windows 11).
Why GDDR5 mattered
GDDR5 was the important refresh feature. The underlying GPU configuration did not become a new architecture, but faster memory increased bandwidth and helped reduce a major bottleneck for these inexpensive cards. The GDDR5 HD 5570 used a 1 GHz memory clock versus 900 MHz on the earlier reference HD 5570; the GDDR5 HD 5550 used 1 GHz instead of 800 MHz.
That does not mean GDDR5 doubled overall performance. It improves memory throughput, while gaming performance still depends on the GPU’s shader resources, clock speed, game engine, resolution, and settings. The HD 5570 also benefits from having 400 stream processors and 20 texture units, compared with 320 and 16 in the HD 5550.
For a used buyer, “GDDR5” is more than a suffix. It is one of the most useful performance clues when comparing otherwise similar listings. Confirm it with the seller’s photographs, the board label, or software identification after installation.
Rank #2
- 1GB GDDR3 Memory: Radeon HD 6570 graphics card, 650MHz core frequency, up to 1066MHz memory speed, allows good fluency, which can speed up your PC multimedia experience very well and enjoy ultra-fast web browsing and incredible photo and video editing experience. It can effectively meet your needs
- Dual HDMI Video Cards: The computer graphics card supports dual HDMI displays (single audio only), expansion or extension, can be used at the same time, and 1GB video memory capacity, lower working temperature and higher efficiency, low noise and quiet work
- Low Profile Design: This low profile graphics card with single cooling fan is suitable for slim or full sized systems (with low profile bracket), easy to install, plug and play, 480 stream processor chip (CUDA), PCIe single slot design, compatible with HTPC platform,great for those looking to build a low end pc
- Durable Construction: All solid capacitors provide lower temperature, higher efficiency, integrated thickened heat dissipation module, strengthened PCB materials, make games and works performance more stable. And the maximum resolution can up to 2K, support DirectX 11, OpenGL 4.5
- Independently Powered: No external power supply, about 60W full-load power consumption. Works with Windows 10 as well as 7, 8 and 8.1 (NOT compatible with Windows 11)
Historical gaming performance
HotHardware tested the cards in a high-end-for-the-era Core i7-965 system running Windows 7 Ultimate x64, Catalyst 10.7, and NVIDIA’s GeForce GT 240 driver 258.96. The test suite included Unigine Heaven 2.1, 3DMark Vantage, Enemy Territory: Quake Wars, Far Cry 2, Left 4 Dead 2, Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X., and Just Cause 2. These results are historical 2009–2010 comparisons, not predictions of current-game frame rates. The original test setup is documented here.
HD 5570: the meaningful choice
The HD 5570 generally landed around the GeForce GT 240’s performance class, although the winner varied by game. In Far Cry 2, the two were close while the HD 5550 trailed. H.A.W.X. produced a similar broad result: HD 5570 and GT 240 were close, with the HD 5550 behind them. See the Far Cry 2 results and the H.A.W.X. results.
DirectX 11 was a feature, not a performance guarantee
The cards could run DirectX 11 software, but demanding DX11 workloads exposed their limits. In Unigine Heaven’s high settings, both struggled; the HD 5570’s additional resources gave it an advantage, but neither card was a serious high-quality DX11 solution. This distinction matters today: DirectX 11 capability does not mean that current DX11 games, launchers, anti-cheat systems, or operating systems will run acceptably.
Rank #3
- AMD Radeon RX 550 Chipset, Silver plated PCB & all solid capacitors provide lower temperature, higher efficiency & stability
- 9CM unique fan provide low noise and huge airflow for your GPU
- GPU Boost Clock / Memory Speed : up to 1183 MHz / 4GB GDDR5 / 6000 MHz Memory, Stream Processors 512, Perfect for 3D CAD/CAM working, video and photo editing, Video Games @1080p
- Support: DirectX 12, Shader Model 5.0, OpenGL 4.6/4.5, 4K Video Decode
The original cards were a worthwhile step above the integrated graphics of their time. Their 512 MB frame buffers and very low-end GPU designs, however, make them unsuitable for modern demanding games. Do not convert the old benchmark charts into unsupported modern FPS claims.
Power, cooling, and noise
The AMD reference boards required no six-pin connector and drew power through the PCIe slot. HotHardware measured total system power at the wall, not GPU-only consumption; the HD 5550, HD 5570, and GT 240 were separated by only a few watts in the tested configurations. The original power discussion is here.
That made these cards attractive for older office PCs, compact systems, and modest power supplies. It does not mean every retail card is equally cool or quiet. Passive models can be silent and useful in a media-center or office system, but they need case airflow. Active cards may have failed fans, noisy bearings, or dried thermal paste after years of use. Check temperatures and stability rather than assuming a low-power GPU is maintenance-free.
Rank #4
- Interface: PCIe x16
- Memory: 1GB
- Memory type: DDR3
- Connectors: 1 x DVI, 1 x DisplayPort
- Thermal Solution: Fan with Heatsink
Display and media features
Depending on the board, the family offered HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, and VGA, with Eyefinity support for multiple displays. It also included UVD 2 hardware acceleration for period-appropriate video playback, including H.264, VC-1, and MPEG-2 content, plus dual-stream 1080p playback and HDMI audio support.
Those capabilities were strong reasons to buy the cards in 2010. Today, distinguish video playback from encoding or transcoding: software support and the driver path matter. Do not assume that UVD 2 provides hardware acceleration for modern codecs, browsers, streaming services, or current media applications. The cards can still be useful for legacy monitors, basic 2D output, older home-theater PCs, and retro systems.
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Compatibility checklist for a used card
- Confirm the GPU: distinguish HD 5570, HD 5550, and HD 5450. Sellers often mix these names.
- Confirm GDDR5: do not accept “HD 5500” as proof. Check the listing, label, or software identification.
- Check the physical format: low-profile, full-height, single-slot, and dual-slot boards are not interchangeable.
- Verify the bracket: a low-profile PCB is not useful in a slim case if the short bracket is missing.
- Match the outputs: confirm that the card has the connectors your monitor or adapter requires.
- Check the system: make sure it has a compatible PCIe x16 slot, sufficient clearance, and adequate airflow.
- Check the BIOS: older OEM systems can have initialization or firmware limitations.
- Inspect condition: avoid missing heatsinks, corroded contacts, damaged connectors, or visibly failed fans.
- Check the operating system: determine whether the final legacy driver can be installed before buying.
- Prefer returns: used cards can develop memory errors, driver resets, artifacts, or thermal instability only after load.
Driver support in 2026
AMD classifies the Radeon HD 5000 series as legacy hardware and says that no additional driver releases are planned. AMD’s HD 5570 page lists Catalyst 15.7.1 WHQL from July 29, 2015, and Radeon Software Crimson Edition Beta 16.2.1 from March 1, 2016. These are archival-era packages, not actively maintained Adrenalin drivers. AMD’s legacy-support notice and HD 5570 driver archive provide the current official context.
Best Value
- Dual HDMI display support: Two HDMI outputs support two monitors at the same time, providing an extended workspace for office tasks, web browsing and everyday computer use.
- Radeon HD 6570 graphics: Built with the AMD Radeon HD 6570 graphics processor for upgrading compatible desktop computers and replacing basic or older display hardware.
- 2GB GDDR3 memory: Equipped with 2GB GDDR3 video memory and a 64-bit memory interface for routine visual applications, video playback and multi-window operation.
- Low-profile compact design: The small low-profile form fits compatible compact desktop computers while using less internal space than a full-size graphics card.
- PCI Express x16 connection: Uses a PCIe x16 interface for installation in compatible desktop motherboards. Check the computer case dimensions, slot type, power capacity and operating-system compatibility before purchase.
Windows 10 may be workable with the applicable legacy driver, and AMD documented Windows 10 support for the HD 5000 family. That documentation does not establish Windows 11 support or compatibility with current software. Expect no ongoing feature, security, or compatibility updates. Linux behavior depends on the distribution, kernel, graphics stack, and driver configuration, so it should be checked for the specific system rather than assumed.
If the driver will not install
- Record the exact card model and operating-system version.
- Download the final applicable AMD package before removing the current driver.
- Remove conflicting display drivers through the operating system’s normal uninstall path or a reputable cleanup procedure.
- Reboot and install the correct 32-bit or 64-bit legacy package.
- If installation fails, test the built-in display driver to confirm that the hardware is detected.
- Avoid random modified driver packages unless you accept their security and stability risks.
Original price and value
At launch, HotHardware reported approximately $60–$80 for the HD 5550 GDDR5 and $80–$90 for the HD 5570 GDDR5. Those are historical 2010 prices, not current used-market values. The original verdict favored the HD 5570 because its performance advantage justified the relatively small price increase and it compared favorably with the GT 240 on features such as Eyefinity and DirectX 11. See the original conclusion and pricing.
No reliable current 2026 used-market price should be assumed without checking live listings. Shipping can represent a large share of a card’s value. The practical rule is simple: buy an HD 5550 or HD 5570 only when it is substantially cheaper than a newer used GPU, or when its specific low-profile, passive, legacy-output, or system-repair role matters.
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Alternatives
| Alternative | When it makes sense | Important caveat |
|---|---|---|
| Radeon HD 5670 | More retro-gaming performance within the same general generation | May use more power and is also legacy hardware |
| Radeon HD 6670 | Usually a stronger older-system option, especially in GDDR5 form | Verify exact memory type, format, and driver needs |
| Radeon R5 230 | Only if the exact board is unusually suitable or cheap | Often marketed as an upgrade despite low-end or older underlying technology |
| Radeon RX 550 | Better modern-era compatibility and performance when affordable | Check system power, case size, price, and current support requirements |
| Integrated graphics | Basic desktop use on a newer platform | May not provide the legacy outputs or compatibility of an old discrete card |
The Radeon RX 550 is generally the more sensible purchase when the system supports it. It is newer, has GDDR5 variants and DirectX 12 support, and offers a more modern software environment. For ordinary desktop use, a modern integrated GPU may be faster, quieter, and better at current video codecs than either HD 5500 card.
Quick Recap
Buying decision
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Best of this family | HD 5570 GDDR5 |
| Cheapest acceptable utility card | HD 5550 GDDR5, if significantly cheaper |
| Need modern drivers or Windows 11 | Avoid both; choose newer hardware |
| Need current gaming or modern codecs | Avoid both; choose a newer GPU or integrated graphics |
| Exact memory, condition, or form factor unclear | Avoid the listing |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
