AMD Radeon R9 390X
AMD Radeon R9 390X in 2025: Is it worth considering this graphics card?
Review for enthusiasts and budget builds
Introduction
The AMD Radeon R9 390X, released in 2015, became a legend among gamers of the mid-2010s. A decade later, in 2025, this model still garners interest due to its availability on the secondary market and decent performance in certain scenarios. But how relevant is it today? Let's dive into the details.
Architecture and Key Features
GCN Architecture (Graphics Core Next) 1.1
The R9 390X is built on the GCN 1.1 microarchitecture (codename Grenada XT). This is the third iteration of GCN, optimized for better parallel computing. The card is manufactured using a 28nm process, which seems outdated by today's standards (5–7nm for the latest GPUs), but explains its high thermal output.
Unique Features
- Mantle API — The predecessor to Vulkan, accelerating rendering in games of the 2010s.
- Eyefinity — Support for multi-monitor setups (up to 6 displays).
- FidelityFX — Partial support through AMD Adrenalin 2025 drivers. For example, FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) 1.0 works but with limited effectiveness.
- Lack of hardware Ray Tracing — Ray tracing is emulated through software, which is unsuitable for games released after 2020.
Memory: Size and Bandwidth
GDDR5 and 512-bit Bus
The R9 390X is equipped with 8GB of GDDR5 memory with a remarkable 512-bit bus width for its time. It has a bandwidth of 384GB/s, which surpasses many modern budget cards (for instance, NVIDIA GTX 1650 Super: 192GB/s).
Impact on Performance
- High Resolutions: 8GB allows for comfortable gaming at 1440p, but the GPU lacks the power for 4K gaming.
- Texture Buffer: The large memory capacity reduces the likelihood of FPS drops in modern games with HD textures.
Gaming Performance
1080p: Baseline
In games released from 2023 to 2025, the R9 390X shows modest results:
- Cyberpunk 2077: 25–35 FPS on low settings (without Ray Tracing).
- Elden Ring: 40–50 FPS on medium settings.
- Counter-Strike 2: 120–150 FPS on high settings.
1440p and 4K: Limited Applicability
- 1440p: FPS drops by 30–40% compared to 1080p.
- 4K: Only playable in older titles (e.g., The Witcher 3: 30–40 FPS on medium).
Ray Tracing: The lack of hardware support makes ray tracing unviable— even FSR 1.0 does not alleviate the frame rate "pulsation."
Professional Tasks
Video Editing and 3D Modeling
- DaVinci Resolve: Rendering 1080p video is possible, but a 4K timeline will lag.
- Blender: OpenCL rendering is 2–3 times slower compared to NVIDIA RTX 3060.
Scientific Calculations
- OpenCL: Suitable for basic simulations (e.g., particle physics), but falls short compared to cards with CUDA support (NVIDIA) and modern AMD RDNA 3.
Power Consumption and Heat Output
TDP 275W: Power Requirement
- Power Supply: Minimum 600W with 8+6 pin cables.
- Heat: Up to 85°C under load (reference versions).
Cooling Recommendations
- Case: At least 3 fans (2 for intake, 1 for exhaust).
- Thermal Paste: Replacement every 2–3 years due to drying out.
Comparison with Competitors
2015 Counterparts:
- NVIDIA GTX 980 (4GB): Loses at 1440p due to lesser memory capacity.
- AMD R9 Fury X (4GB HBM): Faster in 4K, but pricier and more difficult to upgrade.
Modern Budget Cards (2025):
- AMD RX 6600 (8GB GDDR6): 80% faster with a TDP of 132W.
- NVIDIA RTX 3050 (8GB): Supports DLSS 3.5 and Ray Tracing.
Practical Tips
Power Supply
- At least 600W with an 80+ Bronze certification.
- Avoid cheap non-name models—voltage spikes can damage the GPU.
Compatibility
- Platform: PCIe 3.0 x16 (compatible with PCIe 4.0/5.0, but without speed improvements).
- Drivers: Use Adrenalin 2025 Edition for better stability on Windows 11.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High memory bandwidth.
- 8GB GDDR5 for games with HD textures.
- Availability on the secondary market (price: $80–120 for used).
Cons:
- No support for Ray Tracing and DLSS/FSR 2.0+.
- High power consumption.
- Outdated drivers for professional tasks.
Final Conclusion: Who Should Consider the R9 390X?
This graphics card is suitable for:
1. Budget gamers looking to play on medium settings at 1080p.
2. Retro game enthusiasts (e.g., titles from 2010–2018 at 4K).
3. A temporary solution before purchasing a modern model.
Alternatives for 2025: If your budget is $200–250, consider the new AMD RX 6500 XT or NVIDIA RTX 3050—they offer a better balance of performance, energy efficiency, and support for modern technologies.
Note: Prices for new R9 390X units are unavailable in 2025 as the model has been discontinued. On the secondary market, its price varies depending on condition.