AMD Radeon R9 M385
AMD Radeon R9 M385: Review of an Outdated Mobile Graphics Card
April 2025
Despite the rapid advancement of technology, some users still encounter laptops equipped with the AMD Radeon R9 M385. This mobile graphics card, released in the mid-2010s, continues to serve in budget devices. Let's explore what it can do in 2025 and who it is suitable for.
Architecture and Key Features
GCN 3rd Generation Architecture
The Radeon R9 M385 is based on the 3rd generation Graphics Core Next (GCN) architecture, which at the time provided a good balance between performance and energy efficiency. However, by modern standards, this technology is outdated: it lacks hardware ray tracing support, and the compute units are not optimized for AI tasks.
28 nm Process Technology
The card is manufactured using a 28 nm process, which negatively impacts power consumption and heat generation compared to modern 5 nm and 6 nm chips.
Unique Features
Notable AMD technologies include support for FreeSync to eliminate screen tearing. However, solutions such as FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) or FidelityFX CAS are unavailable as they were introduced later. NVIDIA technologies, including DLSS and RTX, are also not supported.
Memory: Type, Capacity, and Impact on Performance
GDDR5 and Modest Specs
The graphics card comes with 4 GB of GDDR5 memory and a 128-bit bus. The bandwidth is 96 GB/s (with an effective clock of 6000 MHz). This is sufficient for games from 2015 to 2018 at medium settings, but in modern titles, the memory falls short even for high-quality textures.
Limitations in 2025
In games with detailed open worlds, like Cyberpunk 2077 or Starfield, the memory capacity becomes a bottleneck. Graphics settings must be reduced to a minimum, and resolution lowered to 720p or 900p.
Gaming Performance
1080p: Only Old Titles
At Full HD resolution (1920×1080), the R9 M385 shows modest results:
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — 25–35 FPS on medium settings;
- Overwatch — 50–60 FPS on high settings;
- Fortnite — 40–50 FPS on low settings (with complex effects disabled).
1440p and 4K: Not Recommended
Even at QHD (2560×1440), the frame rate drops below 30 FPS. 4K mode is unplayable.
Ray Tracing: Absent
Hardware ray tracing is not supported. Software methods (e.g., through Proton on Linux) yield extremely low performance.
Professional Tasks
Video Editing and 3D Modeling
The card can handle basic tasks in software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Blender, but only with small projects. Rendering complex scenes takes significantly longer than on modern GPUs.
OpenCL and Scientific Calculations
OpenCL support allows the R9 M385 to be used for simple computations; however, the absence of specialized cores (like CUDA in NVIDIA) limits its application in science and machine learning.
Power Consumption and Heat Generation
TDP 50–75 Watts
The model consumes relatively little power, which is typical for mobile solutions. However, due to the outdated process technology, the laptop's cooling system may operate at high speeds under load, generating noise.
Cooling Recommendations
- Regularly clean the ventilation grilles of dust;
- Use cooling pads during long gaming sessions;
- Avoid overclocking as the performance headroom is minimal.
Comparison with Competitors
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950M/960M
The R9 M385 is on par with the GTX 950M but lags behind the GTX 960M by 15–20% in games. NVIDIA's advantages include more stable drivers and support for technologies like ShadowPlay.
Modern Alternatives
In 2025, integrated GPUs like the Ryzen 5 8640U or Intel Core Ultra 5 134U fall within a similar price range (around $100–150) and demonstrate comparable performance with lower power consumption.
Practical Tips
Power Supply and Compatibility
- Laptops with the R9 M385 typically come with power supplies rated at 90–120 Watts. When replacing the PSU, choose original models;
- The card is compatible with PCIe 3.0, but may not work correctly on modern motherboards due to outdated firmware.
Drivers
AMD officially ceased support for the R9 M385 in 2022. Universal drivers can be used for Windows 11/12, but stability is not guaranteed.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low price on the secondary market (around $50–80);
- Support for FreeSync;
- Sufficient for office tasks and older games.
Cons:
- No support for modern technologies (FSR, ray tracing);
- Weak drivers;
- High noise under load.
Final Verdict: Who is the R9 M385 Suitable For?
This graphics card is a choice for those who:
1. Use an old laptop and do not plan to upgrade;
2. Play less demanding titles (indie games, classics from the 2010s);
3. Need a budget solution for basic tasks (web surfing, office programs).
In 2025, it is hard to recommend the R9 M385 for purchase. If your budget is limited to $100–200, consider laptops with integrated graphics from Ryzen or Intel Xe — they will offer better performance and support for new technologies.
Conclusion
The AMD Radeon R9 M385 is an example of a "workhorse" from the past decade. It still has some capabilities, but time has taken its toll. For modern tasks, it is advisable to consider newer solutions, even if they require a slightly larger investment.