In the realm of computer hardware, enthusiasts and gamers alike often find themselves pondering the age-old question: what is R9 390X equivalent? The R9 390X, a high-performance graphics card from AMD, was a powerhouse in its time, offering unparalleled gaming performance and graphics rendering capabilities. However, with the rapid evolution of technology, new graphics cards have emerged, leaving many to wonder which modern GPU is equivalent to the R9 390X.
The R9 390X: A Brief Overview
Released in 2015, the R9 390X was a flagship graphics card from AMD, boasting 2816 stream processors, 176 texture units, and 64 ROPs (Render Outputs). It was based on the Grenada XT GPU core, which was manufactured using a 28nm process. The card featured 4GB of GDDR5 memory, a 256-bit memory bus, and a clock speed of 1050 MHz. The R9 390X was a behemoth of a card, capable of handling demanding games at high resolutions and frame rates.
Understanding GPU Performance and Equivalence
Before we dive into finding an equivalent to the R9 390X, it’s essential to understand how GPU performance is measured and compared. The performance of a graphics card is typically evaluated based on its:
- Clock speed (MHz)
- Number of stream processors (CUDA cores in NVIDIA GPUs or Stream processors in AMD GPUs)
- Memory bandwidth (GB/s)
- Memory size (GB)
- Pixel fill rate (GP/s)
- Texture fill rate (GT/s)
When comparing different GPUs, it’s crucial to consider these factors to determine which one is equivalent to another.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970: A Close Competitor
One of the closest competitors to the R9 390X was the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970. Although not an exact equivalent, the GTX 970 was a high-performance GPU that rivaled the R9 390X in many aspects.
- Clock speed: 1050 MHz (R9 390X) vs. 1050 MHz (GTX 970)
- Stream processors: 2816 (R9 390X) vs. 1664 (GTX 970)
- Memory bandwidth: 384 GB/s (R9 390X) vs. 224 GB/s (GTX 970)
- Memory size: 4GB (R9 390X) vs. 4GB (GTX 970)
The GTX 970 was based on the GM204 GPU core and featured 128 texture units, 64 ROPs, and a 256-bit memory bus. Although it had fewer stream processors than the R9 390X, its higher clock speed and improved architecture made it a strong contender in the high-end GPU market.
Modern GPU Equivalents to the R9 390X
Fast-forward to the present day, and we have a plethora of modern graphics cards that offer comparable performance to the R9 390X. Here are a few examples:
AMD Radeon RX 580
The AMD Radeon RX 580 is a popular mid-range GPU that offers performance similar to the R9 390X.
- Clock speed: 1257 MHz (RX 580) vs. 1050 MHz (R9 390X)
- Stream processors: 2304 (RX 580) vs. 2816 (R9 390X)
- Memory bandwidth: 256 GB/s (RX 580) vs. 384 GB/s (R9 390X)
- Memory size: 8GB (RX 580) vs. 4GB (R9 390X)
The RX 580 is based on the Polaris 20 GPU core and features 144 texture units, 32 ROPs, and a 256-bit memory bus.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super is another mid-range GPU that rivals the R9 390X in performance.
- Clock speed: 1400 MHz (GTX 1660 Super) vs. 1050 MHz (R9 390X)
- CUDA cores: 1408 (GTX 1660 Super) vs. 2816 (R9 390X)
- Memory bandwidth: 336 GB/s (GTX 1660 Super) vs. 384 GB/s (R9 390X)
- Memory size: 6GB (GTX 1660 Super) vs. 4GB (R9 390X)
The GTX 1660 Super is based on the TU116 GPU core and features 88 texture units, 48 ROPs, and a 192-bit memory bus.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there isn’t a single GPU that is an exact equivalent to the R9 390X, modern graphics cards like the AMD Radeon RX 580 and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super offer comparable performance. The R9 390X was a powerhouse in its time, but with the advancement of technology, new GPUs have emerged that offer better performance at lower price points.
When searching for an equivalent to the R9 390X, it’s essential to consider the specific use case, budget, and performance requirements. Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or just a computer enthusiast, understanding the factors that affect GPU performance will help you make an informed decision when selecting a graphics card.
| GPU Model | Clock Speed (MHz) | Stream Processors/CUDA Cores | Memory Bandwidth (GB/s) | Memory Size (GB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R9 390X | 1050 | 2816 | 384 | 4 |
| GTX 970 | 1050 | 1664 | 224 | 4 |
| RX 580 | 1257 | 2304 | 256 | 8 |
| GTX 1660 Super | 1400 | 1408 | 336 | 6 |
By considering the specifications and performance of different GPUs, you’ll be able to find the perfect equivalent to the R9 390X for your specific needs and budget.
What is the R9 390X equivalent in NVIDIA GPUs?
The R9 390X equivalent in NVIDIA GPUs is the GeForce GTX 970. Both GPUs were released around the same time and offer similar performance. They are both high-end GPUs from their respective generations, with the R9 390X being part of the AMD Radeon 300 series and the GTX 970 being part of the NVIDIA GeForce 900 series.
In terms of performance, the R9 390X and GTX 970 are very close, with the GTX 970 having a slight edge in some games and benchmarks. However, the R9 390X has more VRAM, with 8GB of GDDR5 compared to the GTX 970’s 4GB of GDDR5. This gives the R9 390X an advantage in games that use a lot of video memory.
Is the R9 390X still a good GPU in 2023?
The R9 390X is still a capable GPU, but it’s showing its age in 2023. It was released in 2015, and since then, there have been several generations of new GPUs from both AMD and NVIDIA. The R9 390X is no longer considered a high-end GPU and has been surpassed by newer models in terms of performance.
However, the R9 390X can still handle modern games at lower resolutions and detail settings. It’s also still a good option for esports titles and older games that don’t require a lot of GPU power. Additionally, the R9 390X can still be found at a relatively affordable price, making it a good option for those on a budget.
Can the R9 390X handle 4K gaming?
The R9 390X is not well-suited for 4K gaming. While it can technically run games at 4K resolutions, it will struggle to maintain high frame rates and may require significant compromises in terms of detail settings and resolution scaling. The R9 390X simply doesn’t have the horsepower to handle the demands of 4K gaming.
For 4K gaming, you’ll need a much more powerful GPU, such as a modern high-end model from AMD or NVIDIA. These newer GPUs have many more CUDA or stream processors, higher clock speeds, and more advanced cooling systems, making them much more capable of handling the demands of 4K gaming.
Is the R9 390X compatible with modern games?
The R9 390X is compatible with most modern games, but it may not be able to run them at the highest detail settings or resolutions. The R9 390X supports DirectX 12 and Vulkan, which are the APIs used by most modern games. However, some newer games may use features that are not supported by the R9 390X, such as ray tracing or AI-enhanced graphics.
In terms of specific games, the R9 390X can still run many popular titles, such as Fortnite, League of Legends, and Overwatch. However, it may struggle with more demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey or Cyberpunk 2077. You may need to reduce the graphics settings or resolution to achieve smooth performance.
What is the power consumption of the R9 390X?
The power consumption of the R9 390X is relatively high, with a TDP of 275W. This means that it requires a robust power supply to function properly. The R9 390X also has a high power draw at idle, which can increase the overall power consumption of your system.
To put this in perspective, the R9 390X has a higher power consumption than many modern GPUs, including the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060. This is because the R9 390X is an older GPU that uses a less efficient manufacturing process and has a higher clock speed.
Can the R9 390X be overclocked?
Yes, the R9 390X can be overclocked, but the results may vary depending on the specific model and cooling system. The R9 390X has a high factory clock speed, but it can be pushed even higher with careful overclocking.
When overclocking the R9 390X, it’s important to monitor the temperatures and power consumption to avoid damaging the GPU. You may also need to adjust the voltage and fan settings to achieve stable performance at higher clock speeds. With careful overclocking, you may be able to squeeze out an extra 10-15% of performance from the R9 390X.
Is the R9 390X still available for purchase?
The R9 390X is no longer widely available for purchase from major retailers, as it has been discontinued by AMD. However, you may still be able to find new or used R9 390X models from third-party sellers on online marketplaces like Amazon or eBay.
Be cautious when purchasing a used R9 390X, as it may not come with a warranty or support from AMD. Additionally, be sure to verify the authenticity and condition of the GPU before making a purchase.